Christmas in Bucharest really brings out that classic winter vibe. Cold air settles in, clouds hang around, and the days feel short.
You’ll usually see daytime temperatures just a bit above freezing, while nights often slip below zero. That chill in the air makes the city’s holiday lights and outdoor markets feel extra festive.
Snow might fall, but you can’t count on it every year. Some winters deliver light snow showers that give the city a magical touch. Other years, you just get rain or gray skies.
No matter what, the weather stays damp, with high humidity and a cold that sticks around.
The days are short—less than nine hours of daylight—so you’ll notice the sun never climbs high, even at noon. That limited light, mixed with Bucharest’s Christmas decorations, makes things feel cozy and highlights the city’s traditions.
Typical Temperatures in Bucharest at Christmas
Christmas in Bucharest means cold conditions. Daytime temperatures often sit just above freezing, and nights drop below zero.
Winters here do follow a pattern, but sometimes the city swings from mild afternoons to biting cold.
Daytime Highs and Lows
In late December, highs usually land between 2°C and 5°C (36°F–41°F). Wind and humidity make these numbers feel even colder.
Nights drop below freezing, averaging -3°C to -1°C (27°F–30°F).
Snow might show up, but it’s never a sure thing. Some years, you’ll spot a light snow cover, while others bring more rain or sleet.
Because days are so short—less than 9 hours of daylight—temperatures don’t rise much, even in the afternoon.
Even if the sun peeks out, the air stays cold. If you plan to spend time outside, layer up with a warm coat and insulated shoes.
Temperature Variability and Extremes
December weather in Bucharest can shift in a hurry. Sometimes, a mild day pushes highs up to 10°C (50°F), especially if southern winds blow in.
But when cold air moves in from Russia or the Balkans, lows can sink to -15°C (5°F).
Historic records show this season can be unpredictable. The city once hit -25°C (-13°F), though that’s pretty rare. Recent winters have still dipped below -20°C (-4°F).
So, you really need to prepare for both manageable cold and the occasional harsh snap. If you’re out at night, expect frost and icy patches, even if the day felt mild.
Comparison to Other Months
December is colder than November, with sharper drops in both highs and lows. Highs fall from about 10°C (50°F) in November to around 4°C (39°F) now.
Nights that hovered above freezing in November now regularly drop below zero.
January gets even colder. Average highs in January stick closer to 3°C (37°F), and lows can hit -5°C (23°F).
So, Christmas isn’t the coldest part of winter, but it’s close. By February, things start to ease a bit, though nights stay frosty. Christmas marks the start of Bucharest’s coldest stretch, but it’s not quite the deepest freeze.
Precipitation Patterns During Christmas
Bucharest feels cool and damp in late December. You’ll see both rain and snow, usually as light showers or occasional flurries, not long storms.
Rainfall Probability and Amounts
Rain can fall around Christmas, but not as often as in spring or early summer. December averages about 47 mm of precipitation spread over 11 days.
You might get light rain every few days, but it rarely lasts all day. Showers come and go, leaving plenty of cold, dry stretches in between.
Humidity stays high—close to 88%—so even when it’s not raining, the air feels damp. With so little daylight, any rain feels more noticeable and adds to the chill.
Bringing a water-resistant jacket or umbrella is just smart. Streets can get slick, especially at night as temperatures drop.
Chance of Snowfall
Snow is pretty common in Bucharest during December, and Christmas week often brings at least a light dusting. Average lows around -2°C mean it’s cold enough for snow instead of rain.
It doesn’t snow every day, but you should expect a few snowy spells during the month. Some years it’s just flurries, other times you’ll see more solid snow cover.
Because the city is flat, snow tends to stick around longer than it would near the coast. Roads and sidewalks can get icy, especially overnight or early in the morning.
If you love a festive winter scene, Bucharest gives you a decent shot at seeing snow on the ground for Christmas, though there are no guarantees.
Mixed Precipitation Days
A lot of December days bring a mix—rain, sleet, and snow all in one. With highs near 5°C and lows below freezing, the weather can flip during the day.
You might wake up to cold rain, then see sleet or wet snow as it gets colder in the evening. This kind of switch-up is pretty typical.
Mixed precipitation can make getting around tougher. Wet surfaces can freeze fast, creating icy sidewalks and roads.
Public transport usually keeps moving, but you might see some delays. Wearing layers and waterproof shoes helps you handle the sudden changes. Expect at least a few days like this if you’re spending Christmas in Bucharest.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Late December in Bucharest brings short days and not much sunshine. Clouds show up often, and skies usually look gray, but sometimes you’ll catch a break and see clearer weather.
Frequency of Cloudy Days
Around Christmas, Bucharest skies go heavy on the clouds. More than half of December’s days are mostly cloudy or just plain overcast.
About 58% of the month falls into this category, making it one of the cloudier times of year.
So, expect muted daylight and a softer, diffused light outside. The overcast pairs with cold air, giving everything a damp, wintry feel. Snow usually falls under thick cloud cover.
Since daylight only lasts about 9 hours, the heavy clouds make afternoons feel even shorter. If you’re heading outside, get ready for lower visibility and softer colors in the city.
Clear and Partly Cloudy Days
Even though December brings lots of clouds, you still get some clear breaks. About 42% of the days have at least partly clear skies.
These usually show up after a cold front sweeps through and the wind clears things out.
On those days, sunshine is short but definitely noticeable. Even a few hours of sun can make the cold feel less biting.
The low winter sun gives everything a soft, golden light—great for photos, honestly.
If you want to catch the sun, aim for outdoor activities around midday. That’s when the sun sits highest and daylight is strongest, even if the sky is only partly clear.
Daylight Hours and Sun Position
Late December brings the shortest days of the year in Bucharest. Sunlight is limited, and the low sun changes how long the day feels and how much natural light you get.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Around Christmas, sunrise comes close to 7:50 a.m., and sunset is near 4:45 p.m.. That gives you less than nine hours of daylight to work with.
The sun hangs low in the sky all day, making shadows longer and the light softer. If you’re into photography, you’ll notice the “golden hour” effect lasts a bit longer than in summer.
Here are some rough times:
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 24 | 07:49 | 16:44 |
| Dec 25 | 07:50 | 16:44 |
| Dec 26 | 07:50 | 16:45 |
Times shift by a minute or two, but not much.
Length of Day
The day length in late December averages about 8 hours and 55 minutes. That’s as short as it gets in Bucharest all year.
In summer, days stretch past 15 hours, so the difference is pretty dramatic.
Short days mean you’ll want to plan sightseeing or travel during the limited daylight. Museums, markets, and city walks fit best into midday, when the sun is highest.
Because the sun sits so low, even noon feels dimmer than you’d expect. If there’s snow, it reflects light and helps brighten up the city during these brief winter days.
Weather Trends and Variability in Recent Years
Christmas weather in Bucharest flips between mild, damp days and colder, snowy spells. These changes come from both short-term swings and longer climate shifts over the years.
Notable Warm or Cold Christmas Periods
December in Bucharest usually averages around 1°C, with highs near 4°C and lows close to -3°C. Still, past Christmases have swung both warm and cold.
Some years, mild air pushes in, sending daytime temperatures above 10°C. The city ends up with rain instead of snow, and everything feels a bit dreary.
Other years, Arctic air drops in and keeps temperatures below freezing all day. Snowfall during those cold snaps can pile up a few centimeters, covering streets and rooftops in white.
That swing between mild and cold years means you never quite know what to expect. One year, you’re dodging puddles; the next, you’re slipping on ice.
Long-Term Changes in December Weather
Over the last few decades, December in Bucharest has gradually warmed. Data from the 1990s through the 2020s shows average highs creeping up.
Snow cover doesn’t last as long, and rain happens more often.
Humidity still runs high, often 85–90%, which makes the cold feel sharper. But the number of days with lasting snow has dropped compared to earlier times.
December wind speeds average about 16 km/h, and strong gusts are less common than in fall or spring. You’ll mostly get still, stable weather during the holidays.
So, while cold, snowy Christmases still happen, you’re now more likely to see a milder, wetter holiday season in Bucharest.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bucharest at Christmas
Cold temperatures and short daylight hours really shape how you get ready for a December trip to Bucharest. Dress warmly and plan your activities around the weather so you can enjoy the city’s festive events without freezing.
Recommended Clothing and Preparation
Daytime temperatures usually hover around -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 42°F) in December. Nights get even colder, and honestly, the wind or damp air just makes everything feel worse.
Snow can show up, so get ready for slippery streets and wet patches.
I’d pack layered clothing so you’re not freezing outside or roasting inside. Grab a warm coat, some insulated shoes or boots, gloves, and a hat. Scarves? They’re lifesavers for blocking wind and keeping your face from freezing.
You’ll want waterproof footwear with decent grip because slush and ice are everywhere. Thick socks make a big difference, especially if you’re wandering around markets or just spending a lot of time outside.
Indoors, the heating usually blasts, so lighter layers like sweaters or long sleeves work best. It’s much easier to peel off a layer than to shiver all day.
A small umbrella or a waterproof hood is smart, just in case you get caught in rain or wet snow. I’d also toss in some lip balm and moisturizer, since winter air dries everything out.
Weather Impact on City Activities
Cold weather really changes how you experience Bucharest’s attractions. The Christmas Market in University Square still stands out as a highlight, but honestly, you’ll want to bundle up if you plan to stay outside for a while.
Hanging out near food stalls or grabbing a warm drink helps a lot during those colder evenings.
Snow and ice can make walking tours trickier. City workers usually clear the main streets, but side streets sometimes stay slippery.
Give yourself extra time if you want to explore on foot.
Indoor attractions like the Palace of the Parliament or museums offer a welcome break from the cold. I’d recommend scheduling these visits during the chilliest parts of the day.
Outdoor events—think light displays or skating rinks—usually keep going no matter the weather. But sometimes, heavy snow or freezing rain causes short delays.
Public transport keeps running all year, although travel can slow down when it’s icy.
Short daylight hours mean you’ll spend more time in the dark. Why not plan to enjoy the evening lights and decorations while you’re out?