What December feels like in Sochi
Early winter arrives in Sochi with December. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Sochi in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. When rain comes it is heavy, about 11.4 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. Across the year Sochi averages about 9.6 mm per rainy day, so December is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:47 am and sunset at about 4:45 pm (local time) — 8 h 58 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 45 min less daylight than in mid-November. About 61% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Sochi. Compared with November, afternoons are 4°C (7.2°F) cooler, with 23 mm more rain. January is cooler again. The next month's average high: 8.4°C (47.1°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- 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.
Tips for visiting Sochi in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Sochi in December?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 10.6°C (51.1°F), with lows near 4.7°C (40.5°F).
Does it rain a lot in Sochi in December?
Quite a lot — 171 mm spread over about 15 days.
What should I wear in Sochi in December?
Based on the averages: 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 Sochi?
December, narrowly: it ranks #10 of 12 among Sochi's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler and has more rainy days.