What December feels like in Antwerp
Early winter arrives in Antwerp with December. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Antwerp in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. A rainy day brings about 5.6 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 5.5 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:40 am and sets around 4:35 pm local time, giving 7 h 55 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 1 h 2 min. The sun is out for roughly 42% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Antwerp's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 3.2°C (5.8°F) lower, with 5 mm more rain. January is cooler again. By January, typical highs are 6.2°C (43.2°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Antwerp in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Antwerp in December?
Afternoons average 7.1°C (44.8°F) and nights about 3°C (37.4°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Antwerp in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 2 and totals about 73 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Antwerp in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Antwerp?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12).