What December feels like in Oslo
In Oslo, December brings early winter. Even the warmest hour of the day stays near freezing. There is little difference between day and night: nights drop well below freezing, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Oslo in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Each rainy day adds about 5.9 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Oslo's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7.1 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 9:13 am and sets around 3:11 pm local time, giving 5 h 59 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 1 h 39 min less daylight than in mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 33% of those daylight hours, so skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Oslo. Against November, the average high is 4.1°C (7.4°F) lower, with 12 mm less rain. January is cooler again. By January, typical highs are -1.4°C (29.5°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.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Oslo in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Oslo in December?
Afternoons average 0.2°C (32.4°F) and nights about -4.1°C (24.6°F) — freezing by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Oslo in December?
It does: about 12 rainy days bring roughly 71 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Oslo in December?
The numbers point to 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 Oslo?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler.