Helsinki Weather in December
December in Helsinki brings very low temperatures, with highs of 2°C (36°F) and nights dropping to -4°C (25°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 64 mm (2.5 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.
Rainfall in Helsinki in December
Historically, the month has about 21 days of snow/rain, averaging 64 mm (2.5 in) in total. This is a month with many wet days but modest rainfall totals, so showers are generally light and easy to manage.
Temperature in Helsinki in December
December in Helsinki sees highs of 2°C (36°F) and lows of -4°C (25°F) overnight. The winter season takes place during December. Even daytime conditions remain cold, making layers, a warm coat, and winter accessories a good idea. Nights are well below freezing at -4°C (25°F). An extra blanket is a good idea if you feel the cold, especially in older or less well-heated accommodation. With temperatures this low, you'll need to dress warmly. Staying prepared is crucial to avoid the discomfort of the cold.
Sunshine in Helsinki in December
The city usually sees around 30 hours of sunlight, indicating fewer sunny days.
Wind Speed in Helsinki in December
Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during December. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.
Average water temperature in December
The water sits at 4°C (39°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Helsinki. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Finland, check out our Helsinki's climate page.
Helsinki Temperature in December
Min Temperature
-4°C (25°F)
Max Temperature
2°C (36°F)
Water Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Chance of Rain
71%
Precipitation
64 mm (2.5 in)
Rainy days
21 days
Humidity
89%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
30 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Helsinki typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 2°C (36°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -8°C (18°F) to -3°C (27°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Helsinki in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Helsinki spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Helsinki historical weather extremes in December
According to our 39 years of weather records for Helsinki, the following extremes were recorded between 1986 and 2025.
- The hottest December day on record in Helsinki reached 11°C (52°F) (December 20, 2015).
Best Places in Finland in December
Find out more about the weather in Finland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Finland in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Helsinki in December
Cold weather calls for smart layering in December. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. With water temperatures around 4°C (39°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.What To Do in Helsinki in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Finland, check out our Helsinki's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Helsinki climate overview or explore weather in Finland.
