Early winter · Weather & things to do
Berlin in December
Berlin cools off: highs slip to 38°F (3°C), from 45°F in November, with lows of 29°F (-1°C) and about 1.9 in (48 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 1.9 in (48 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 26 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 38°F (3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 29°F (-1°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 1.9 in (48 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's December.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 80%.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 26 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 29°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 26 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 51/100 in November to 42/100.
- Our Berlin, Potsdam & Dresden route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Berlin in December
With highs near 38°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Reichstag Building Dome
Glass dome atop the parliament with a spiral ramp and free audio guide.
Berlin Wall Memorial
Preserved stretch of Wall and death strip on Bernauer Straße, with a viewing tower.
Curry 36
Long-running stand for currywurst and fries near Mehringdamm station.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Markthalle Neun
Restored 1891 market hall with Thursday Street Food night.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Prater Garten
Berlin's oldest beer garden, under chestnut trees since 1837.
Nearby in December
- Potsdam in December~17 mi · highs 38°F, 1.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dresden in December~103 mi · highs 38°F, 2.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prague in December~175 mi · highs 37°F, 1.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bamberg in December~212 mi · highs 38°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Berlin in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Berlin?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 38°F (3°C) and 1.9 in (48 mm) of rain. Our Berlin, Potsdam & Dresden route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Berlin in December?
Average highs are 38°F (3°C) and average lows 29°F (-1°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Berlin in December?
Not much: about 1.9 in (48 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 23.8 in (605 mm).
What should I pack for Berlin in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Berlin in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.