What December feels like in Glasgow
December is early winter in Glasgow. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. 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 Glasgow in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Wet days average about 7.2 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Glasgow's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6.5 mm). December is Glasgow's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:41 am and sets around 3:43 pm local time, giving 7 h 2 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 18 min less daylight than mid-November. About 37% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Glasgow's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Compared with November, afternoons are 2.1°C (3.8°F) cooler, with 18 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. By January, typical highs are 5.9°C (42.6°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.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Glasgow 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 Glasgow in December?
Afternoons average 6.4°C (43.5°F) and nights about 1.8°C (35.2°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Glasgow in December?
Quite a lot — 129 mm spread over about 18 days.
What should I wear in Glasgow in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Glasgow?
January, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Glasgow's months, against #12 for the other. January has fewer rainy days.