If you visit Copenhagen around Christmas, you step right into real winter. Daytime highs usually hit about 4°C (39°F), and at night, the temperature drops close to freezing, often down to 0°C (32°F).
The cold feels sharper because damp air drifts in from the Baltic Sea. Warm layers aren’t just a suggestion—they’re a must.
You’ll see a mix of rain, sleet, and sometimes snow, which gives the city its cozy winter look. The skies stay cloudy most of December, but all those holiday lights and markets brighten up the short days, which only last about 4 to 7 hours, according to daylight data.
You might notice how the cold air, low sun, and coastal winds make the city feel different from other European capitals.
Typical December Weather in Copenhagen
December in Copenhagen means short days, cold air, and lots of dampness. Expect near-freezing temperatures, mixed precipitation, and not much sunshine, all thanks to the city’s spot on the Baltic Sea.
The weather stays wintry, but it’s not as harsh as you’ll find further inland.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
December temperatures usually land between 1°C and 4°C (34°F–39°F) during the day. At night, it often dips to around 0°C (32°F), and sometimes it goes a bit lower.
The damp marine air makes the chill bite more. Wind from the sea only adds to it, so don’t forget scarves, gloves, and a solid winter jacket.
Snow can fall, but rain and sleet show up more often. Sometimes a thin layer of snow brightens the streets and markets, but you’ll mostly see a mix of wet and frozen weather, not deep snow.
Daily Weather Patterns
December weather in Copenhagen changes a lot, but you can count on steady cold and plenty of precipitation. Rain or snow falls on about 15–18 days during the month, so waterproof shoes and outerwear really come in handy.
Afternoons don’t warm up much, with highs just above freezing. Mornings and evenings feel even colder, and icy spots are pretty common.
You don’t get much sunshine—about 4 hours per day on average. The sun rises late and sets early, so it’s smartest to plan outdoor activities around midday.
Overcast and Cloud Cover Trends
December brings mostly overcast skies to Copenhagen. Heavy cloud cover hangs around for most of the month, making the city look gray.
Clear days barely happen, and when they do, the sun doesn’t stick around long.
This lack of sunshine is just part of winter in northern Europe. Cloudy skies and short daylight hours mean you’ll lean on artificial light, especially by late afternoon.
The clouds and humidity make the cold feel worse. Even when the thermometer reads just above freezing, the air feels colder than you might expect.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
December brings short days, cool air, and regular wet weather to Copenhagen. Expect steady precipitation, with rain or snow depending on the temperature.
Frequency and Amount of Rainfall
Copenhagen usually gets about 700–750 mm of precipitation a year, spread out pretty evenly. December is wetter than most months, with around 50–60 mm of rainfall.
You’ll run into a lot of damp days. On average, 14–17 days in December bring measurable precipitation, so you’ll probably see some rain or snow during your trip.
Rainfall isn’t usually heavy, but it’s persistent. Instead of big downpours, you’ll get light or moderate showers that can last a while. A waterproof jacket or umbrella is a good idea, since the weather can change fast.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Days with Precipitation |
|---|---|---|
| April | ~45 mm | 11–12 days |
| August | ~80 mm | 14–15 days |
| December | ~55 mm | 14–17 days |
Types of Precipitation: Rain, Snow, and Sleet
In December, daytime highs sit near 3–5°C (37–41°F), and nights often fall below freezing. This allows for a mix of rain, sleet, and snow.
Rain shows up most often, especially early in the month. As it gets colder, sleet and wet snow pop up more. Snowfall is usually light and doesn’t last long.
You’ll probably get several snowy or sleety days, but Copenhagen doesn’t often see heavy snow piling up. Slushy streets are common, especially when daytime temps melt overnight snow.
Because of this, waterproof shoes and layered clothes are more useful than super heavy winter gear. If you’re walking around, expect damp sidewalks, some icy patches, and a steady switch between rain and snow.
Snowfall and Winter Conditions
December in Copenhagen usually means cold, damp air and lots of clouds. Snow can fall, especially later in the month, but it ranges from light flurries to short-lived layers, depending on the weather.
Likelihood of Snow Around Christmas
You can’t count on snow in December, but the odds go up as Christmas gets closer. Early December brings rain with a few snow showers, while the days around Christmas are more likely to be snowy.
Average highs hover around 3–4°C (37–39°F), and lows hit about -1°C (30°F). Since these temperatures sit right around freezing, you might get rain or snow.
Copenhagen usually sees its first measurable snow in mid-November. By late December, the chance of snow on the ground improves, but a “white Christmas” isn’t guaranteed.
Some years deliver fresh snow on Christmas Eve, while others stay wet and gray. Pack for cold, damp weather and expect icy patches, especially in the mornings.
Snow Accumulation and Duration
December snowfall is pretty modest compared to January and February. Early in the month, you might see 0.8 inches (2 cm), rising to about 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) by the end of December.
Snow doesn’t usually pile up in the city. It melts within a few days because daytime temps hover just above freezing. But, a cold snap can keep snow around longer, especially in parks and shady spots.
You’ll see occasional snow cover in central Copenhagen, and more reliable snow outside the city. If you really want to see lasting snow, you might need to travel to the countryside, where snow sticks around longer.
Humidity and Wind in December
Damp air and steady winds are the norm in December. Moisture in the air and regular breezes shape how the city feels, especially when it’s just above freezing.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in December, usually around 85–87%. The air feels moist, even on dry days. You’ll notice the dampness as soon as you step outside, since it makes the cold feel sharper.
With little sunshine, evaporation is slow, so the air holds onto moisture. When humidity mixes with temperatures between 1–6°C (34–43°F), it feels colder than the number suggests.
You’ll want to wear layers that insulate but also breathe. Wool and synthetics do better than cotton, which just soaks up moisture. Don’t forget gloves, scarves, and hats—exposed skin cools fast in damp conditions.
High humidity also means more condensation and fog, especially early or late in the day. Fog can cut visibility, so take care when you’re walking or biking around.
Average Wind Speed and Effects
Winds in December average about 6 meters per second (13 mph). That might not sound wild, but near the harbor or bridges, the breeze feels a lot stronger.
On gusty days, the wind can sway trees and make biking or walking tough. With the cool temps, wind brings a real wind chill, so it feels several degrees colder.
A windproof jacket is a lifesaver. A hood or hat helps protect your face. If you’re biking, expect to pedal harder into the wind and get places a bit slower.
Wind can cut your outdoor time short. Even quick walks feel brisk, but with the right gear, you’ll still enjoy the Christmas markets and city lights.
Water Temperature and Coastal Influence
Copenhagen’s winter climate depends a lot on the cold waters surrounding the city. The Baltic Sea and Øresund Strait keep things damp and chilly, even if the air temperature isn’t that low.
Average Water Temperature in December
In December, the average sea surface temperature near Copenhagen is about 6°C (43°F). That’s way too cold for most people to swim, unless you’re into winter bathing.
Back in summer, water can reach 17–20°C (63–68°F), so the drop is pretty dramatic. Cold water lags behind air temperature, so it stays chilly well into spring.
| Month | Avg. Water Temp (°C) | Avg. Water Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| November | 8–9 | 46–48 |
| December | 6 | 43 |
| January | 3–4 | 37–39 |
If you’re planning a walk by the coast, expect strong winds and damp air that make it feel colder than the thermometer says. Warm, waterproof gear is a must for long strolls along the harbor or canals.
Impact of Surrounding Seas on Weather
The Baltic and North Seas shape Copenhagen’s winter by keeping it from getting extremely cold, but they also make things damper. While inland Scandinavia drops well below freezing, Copenhagen usually stays around 0–4°C (32–39°F).
Moist air from the sea brings regular precipitation. In December, that means rain, sleet, and sometimes snow. The humidity makes the cold feel like it cuts right through you, especially when the wind blows in off the water.
The seas also keep things chilly during the day. With only about four hours of sun in December, the mix of short days, cold water, and thick clouds creates a raw, damp feel. You’ll notice the difference most when you’re near the waterfront, compared to more sheltered spots inland.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
In late December, Copenhagen gets its shortest days of the year. Limited daylight and lots of cloud cover shape the city’s outdoor vibe, which definitely changes how you plan your sightseeing and activities.
Length of Day Around Christmas
Daylight in Copenhagen gets really brief around Christmas. The sun usually comes up close to 8:30 AM and drops below the horizon around 3:30 PM. So, you only get about 7 hours of daylight. December honestly feels like the darkest month of the year.
Copenhagen sits pretty far north, which means the sun just hangs low in the sky, even at midday. Long twilight stretches make mornings and evenings feel especially dim.
If you’re planning to see the city, you’ll want to do most things outside during those precious daylight hours. Museums, shops, and restaurants keep their doors open well into the evening, but places like Nyhavn or Tivoli Gardens really shine when the sun’s still out.
Many travelers notice how the limited daylight actually boosts the cozy holiday vibe. Christmas lights and decorations seem to make up for the early sunsets.
Average Sunshine and Cloudiness
December in Copenhagen mostly brings heavy cloud cover. The city usually gets just about 2 hours of direct sunshine per day.
Most days, gray skies hang overhead. You probably won’t see clear skies too often.
Humidity tends to stay high—often over 80%—so the air feels damp and chilly. Honestly, you should expect gray to be the standard look for the month.
Snow might show up, but it’s not a sure thing since temperatures usually hover right around freezing. When snow does fall, it lights up the city a bit and bounces around the limited sunlight, which actually makes everything feel a bit brighter.
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll want to get ready for short, dim days. It helps to lean into Copenhagen’s cozy indoor spots and festive street lights to really enjoy the season.