What December feels like in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, December is early winter on the calendar. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Copenhagen in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 4.7 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 5 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Copenhagen gets 7 h 5 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:32 am to sunset near 3:37 pm. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 1 h 17 min. Measured sunshine covers about 31% of the daylight — skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 3rd coolest month in Copenhagen. Afternoons run 3.1°C (5.6°F) cooler than in November, with 2 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. The next month's average high: 3.3°C (37.9°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Copenhagen in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Copenhagen in December?
It feels cold: typical highs are 4.9°C (40.8°F), with lows near 1.9°C (35.4°F).
Does it rain a lot in Copenhagen in December?
Quite a lot — 56 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Copenhagen in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Copenhagen?
December, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Copenhagen's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler and has more rainy days.