Weather: Helsinki — December
It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.
☔ Climate Overview
December is a wet time to visit Helsinki. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 0°C during the day. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 6 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. At 2°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.
Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options
0°C
-4°C
13days
5.9h
Feels like -4°C / -8°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler
59mm
0.7h/day
90%
Very Humid0.2
Low20 km/h (gusts 36)
2°C ❄️ Cold
Is December a good time to visit Helsinki?
It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.
Now
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Air Quality
Travel Context
- CrowdsVery Quiet
- Travel Costs Peak Rates
Daylight
09:20
15:13
Visiting Helsinki in December: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
Cons
- Very cold temperatures require heavy winter gear
- Limited sunshine — expect overcast skies
- Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
- Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly
Things to Do in December
Events & Festivals
Recommended for This Weather
Helsinki Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain | Sunshine | Humidity | UV Index | Crowds | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0°C | -5°C | 15d (72mm) | 1.2h | 90% Very Humid | 0.4 Low | | Wet |
| Feb | -1°C | -5°C | 10d (54mm) | 3.4h | 87% Very Humid | 1.3 Low | | Good |
| Mar | 3°C | -3°C | 9d (40mm) | 6.9h | 81% Very Humid | 3.4 Moderate | | Good |
| Apr | 8°C | 1°C | 9d (47mm) | 10.1h | 71% Humid | 6 High | | Good |
| May | 15°C | 6°C | 9d (48mm) | 13.1h | 65% Humid | 8.4 Very High | | Excellent |
| Jun | 21°C | 12°C | 10d (61mm) | 14.4h | 68% Humid | 9.2 Very High | | Excellent |
| Jul | 22°C | 14°C | 15d (97mm) | 13.7h | 75% Humid | 8.1 Very High | | Excellent |
| Aug | 21°C | 13°C | 14d (88mm) | 11.1h | 80% Very Humid | 6 High | | Excellent |
| Sep | 16°C | 10°C | 10d (64mm) | 7.9h | 84% Very Humid | 3.6 Moderate | | Excellent |
| Oct | 10°C | 5°C | 13d (66mm) | 4.6h | 87% Very Humid | 1.6 Low | | Wet |
| Nov | 5°C | 1°C | 13d (60mm) | 1.6h | 91% Very Humid | 0.5 Low | | Wet |
| Dec Current | 0°C | -4°C | 13d (59mm) | 0.7h | 90% Very Humid | 0.2 Low | | Wet |
Helsinki
Design district with Helsinki Cathedral & Senate Square and Design District shopping, saunas, Art Nouveau architecture, and Baltic Sea islands.
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What to Pack for December
Full winter gear is a must — insulated coat, thermal base layers, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Protect exposed skin from the cold. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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