Early winter · Weather & things to do
Oslo in December
Oslo cools off: highs slip to 30°F (-1°C), from 38°F in November, with lows of 22°F (-6°C) and about 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 38/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 30°F (-1°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.1 in (78 mm)
- Humidity
- 97%
- Cloud cover
- 82%
- Daylight
- ~5 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 30°F (-1°C).
Average lows of 22°F (-6°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 82%.
Daylight is short, roughly 5 h 35 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – August.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 5 h 35 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (36 → 38/100).
- Our Scandinavian Capitals route recommends Jun – Aug, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.1 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Oslo in December
With highs near 30°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
MUNCH
Waterfront museum with the largest collection of Edvard Munch's work.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 30°F.
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Open-air museum with 160 old buildings, including a 13th-century stave church.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Vigeland Park
Over 200 Gustav Vigeland sculptures set in Frogner Park.
Tim Wendelboe
Tiny roastery-café run by a world barista champion.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 30°F.
Lofoten Fiskerestaurant
Seafood restaurant on the Aker Brygge waterfront.
Nearby in December
- Flåm in December~140 mi · highs 35°F, 7.4 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Bergen in December~190 mi · highs 37°F, 12.6 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Geiranger in December~192 mi · highs 35°F, 10.4 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Stockholm in December~259 mi · highs 33°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~259 m to Oslo's ~22 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Oslo in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Oslo?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 38/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – August. Expect highs of 30°F (-1°C) and 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain or snow. Our Scandinavian Capitals route recommends Jun – Aug, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Oslo in December?
Average highs are 30°F (-1°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Oslo in December?
Some: about 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 41.3 in (1049 mm).
What should I pack for Oslo in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.1 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Oslo in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.