Warsaw in December

In December, Warsaw averages 1°C (34°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (40 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 5 days.

December in Warsaw is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

1°C
Avg high
-3°C
Avg low
11
Rain days
40 mm
Rainfall
5
Snow days

How December compares to the rest of the year in Warsaw

11th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
7 h 45 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Warsaw (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (13°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (5°C) and cools 1°C in January (0°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Warsaw

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:38 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
3:23 PM
Day length
7 h 45 min

Times shown for Warsaw local time (Europe/Warsaw), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Warsaw — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Warsaw's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:38 AM – 7:18 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:18 AM – 8:18 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
2:43 PM – 3:43 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
3:43 PM – 4:23 PM

📅 When to book — Warsaw in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Warsaw's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Warsaw

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Warsaw — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Warsaw

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
2.1
Low
Minimal sun protection needed for normal activity.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

🌨 Some snow — Warsaw in December

Snow days (typical)
5
days/month
Avg low
-3°C
27°F
Avg day high
1°C
34°F

Gear: Occasional snow, often slushy by afternoon. Waterproof boots, warm coat, hat and gloves.

Warsaw in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 0°C / 32°F -5°C / 23°F 30 mm 9 7
February 2°C / 36°F -4°C / 25°F 25 mm 8 6
March 7°C / 45°F -1°C / 30°F 30 mm 9 3
April 14°C / 57°F 3°C / 37°F 40 mm 10 0
May 20°C / 68°F 8°C / 46°F 55 mm 11 0
June 23°C / 73°F 11°C / 52°F 70 mm 11 0
July 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 55°F 75 mm 11 0
August 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 55°F 65 mm 10 0
September 18°C / 64°F 8°C / 46°F 50 mm 9 0
October 12°C / 54°F 4°C / 39°F 40 mm 9 0
November 5°C / 41°F 0°C / 32°F 40 mm 10 2
December 1°C / 34°F -3°C / 27°F 40 mm 11 5

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Warsaw in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Warsaw in December?

In December, Warsaw averages a high of 1°C (34°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Warsaw in December?

December can be fairly wet in Warsaw, with about 11 rainy days on average and roughly 5 snow days.

Is December a good time to visit Warsaw?

December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Warsaw in December?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Warsaw for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Warsaw on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.