What December feels like in Trondheim
December is early winter in Trondheim. Afternoons stay around freezing — the sort of cold that makes long outdoor stretches hard work. Little changes after sunset — nights drop well below freezing, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Trondheim in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 6.3 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. Across the year Trondheim averages about 6.2 mm per rainy day, so December is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 9:55 am and sets around 2:32 pm local time, giving 4 h 37 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 2 h 12 min less daylight than in mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 22% of those daylight hours, so skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Trondheim's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Compared with November, afternoons are 2.8°C (5°F) cooler, with 8 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. By January, typical highs are -0.6°C (30.9°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- 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 — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Trondheim in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Trondheim in December?
Expect around 0.3°C (32.5°F) in the afternoon and -4.6°C (23.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call freezing.
Does it rain a lot in Trondheim in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 101 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Trondheim in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Trondheim?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12).