What December feels like in Gothenburg
December is early winter in Gothenburg. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Gothenburg in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 5.6 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 6.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Gothenburg gets 6 h 36 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:49 am to sunset near 3:25 pm. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 1 h 27 min. Measured sunshine covers about 33% of the daylight — skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Gothenburg. Afternoons run 3.2°C (5.8°F) cooler than in November, with 4 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. The next month's average high: 2.1°C (35.8°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 Gothenburg in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Gothenburg in December?
It feels cold: typical highs are 3.6°C (38.5°F), with lows near -0.1°C (31.8°F).
Does it rain a lot in Gothenburg in December?
It does: about 15 rainy days bring roughly 84 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Gothenburg in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Gothenburg?
January, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Gothenburg's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.