Early winter · Weather & things to do
Stockholm in December
Stockholm cools off: highs slip to 33°F (1°C), from 40°F in November, with lows of 27°F (-3°C) and about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 39/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 33°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.1 in (54 mm)
- Humidity
- 97%
- Cloud cover
- 88%
- Daylight
- ~5 h 47 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 33°F (1°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 27°F (-3°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.1 in (54 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 88%.
Only about 5 h 47 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 27°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 5 h 47 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (39 → 39/100).
- 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 27°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Stockholm in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Stortorget
Gamla Stan's oldest square, ringed by colored merchant houses.
Vasa Museum
A nearly intact 1628 warship that sank on her maiden voyage.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 33°F.
Monteliusvägen
Cliffside walkway with views over Riddarfjärden and City Hall.
Vete-Katten
Classic konditori since 1928 for coffee and cardamom buns.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 33°F.
ABBA The Museum
Interactive museum where you can sing and dance alongside the band.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Nearby in December
- Tallinn in December~235 mi · highs 33°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Helsinki in December~246 mi · highs 34°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Oslo in December~259 mi · highs 30°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Riga in December~275 mi · highs 32°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
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.
Stockholm in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Stockholm?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 39/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 33°F (1°C) and 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow. Our Scandinavian Capitals route recommends Jun – Aug, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Stockholm in December?
Average highs are 33°F (1°C) and average lows 27°F (-3°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Stockholm in December?
Not much: about 2.1 in (54 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 26.2 in (666 mm).
What should I pack for Stockholm in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 27°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Stockholm
Planning Stockholm in December?
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