Finland Helsinki Weather in December (Christmas + polar night) — Climate Guide
December (Christmas + polar night) in Helsinki is Festive + dark
Helsinki Weather in December (Christmas + polar night) — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- -1° / -5°
- Rainfall
- 56mm · 12 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night) averages a high of -1°C and low of -5°C with 56mm of rain over about 12 days. Winter + Christmas — high -1°C, low -5°C. Heavy down coat + thermal layer + scarf + gloves. Polar night = 6h daylight (08:30-15:30).
December (Christmas + polar night) is Festive + dark for Helsinki.
December is Christmas atmosphere + polar night. Christmas Markets at Senate Square (all December) are iconic — glogi (mulled wine) + reindeer sausage + handmade crafts. Independence Day (Dec 6) is solemn national holiday. New Year fireworks over Senate Square. Polar darkness intense (6h daylight). Indoor/sauna focus.
Travel score
Helsinki December (Christmas + polar night) Weather Stats
Avg High
-1°C
Avg Low
-5°C
Rainy Days
12
56mm total
Sunshine
1h
Daily avg
Humidity
88%
Cold + damp
UV Index
0
Low
Wind
17 km/h
Gusts 35
Sea Temp
2°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
12
Monthly avg
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
December (Christmas + polar night) Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 12 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
8 μg/m³
PM10
18 μg/m³
Status
Good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
-5°C
Nighttime
-10°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
17 km/h
Max gust 35 km/h
Activities Recommended for December (Christmas + polar night)
December (Christmas + polar night) Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Christmas Markets (Senate Square)
- Festive atmosphere city-wide
- Sauna culture peak
- Possible Northern Lights
Cons
- Polar night (6h daylight)
- Cold + dark
- Dec 24-26 most attractions closed
December (Christmas + polar night) Events & Festivals
- Christmas Markets (Senate Square, Esplanade Park, all of December)
- Independence Day (Dec 6 — Finnish national day)
- New Year fireworks
Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night) — Full Picture
December is Christmas atmosphere + polar night. Christmas Markets at Senate Square (all December) are iconic — glogi (mulled wine) + reindeer sausage + handmade crafts. Independence Day (Dec 6) is solemn national holiday. New Year fireworks over Senate Square. Polar darkness intense (6h daylight). Indoor/sauna focus.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Winter + Christmas — high -1°C, low -5°C. Heavy down coat + thermal layer + scarf + gloves. Polar night = 6h daylight (08:30-15:30).
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
7°C
-0.3°C
9/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
19.3°C
11.7°C
12.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
8.3°C
3.7°C
13/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current-2.3°C
-8°C
10.7/mo
Helsinki Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -3° | -9° | 11d·53mm | 1h | 85% | 0 | Quiet | Low season | |
| -3° | -10° | 9d·37mm | 3h | 84% | 0 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 1° | -6° | 9d·38mm | 4h | 80% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 7° | 0° | 9d·32mm | 6h | 70% | 4 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| May (spring — best month) (Best) | 13° | 5° | 9d·39mm | 9h | 65% | 5 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| June (summer + white nights) (Best) | 18° | 10° | 11d·57mm | 10h | 65% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| July (summer peak) (Best) | 21° | 13° | 13d·67mm | 9h | 70% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| 19° | 12° | 13d·79mm | 7h | 75% | 5 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 14° | 8° | 12d·67mm | 5h | 80% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 8° | 4° | 13d·74mm | 3h | 85% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 3° | -1° | 14d·73mm | 1h | 88% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| -1° | -5° | 12d·56mm | 1h | 88% | 0 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Helsinki December (Christmas + polar night) Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December (Christmas + polar night) a good time to visit Helsinki?
Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night) is Festive + dark. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night)?
Helsinki December (Christmas + polar night) averages a high of -1°C and a low of -5°C.
Does it rain much in Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night)?
Helsinki December (Christmas + polar night) averages 56mm of rainfall over about 12 rainy days.
What should I wear in Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night)?
Winter + Christmas — high -1°C, low -5°C. Heavy down coat + thermal layer + scarf + gloves. Polar night = 6h daylight (08:30-15:30).
What time are sunrise and sunset in Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night)?
Helsinki December (Christmas + polar night) sunrise is 09:20 and sunset is 15:15, with 5h 55m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night)?
Helsinki December (Christmas + polar night) air quality (AQI) averages 30, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 8μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Helsinki in December (Christmas + polar night)?
In December (Christmas + polar night), Helsinki is great for Senate Square Christmas Market, Glogi (mulled wine) + reindeer sausage, Saunas.
Is December (Christmas + polar night) peak season in Helsinki?
Helsinki December (Christmas + polar night) crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Helsinki
View Other Months
Planning a December (Christmas + polar night) trip to Helsinki?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.