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Helsinki, Finland · Subarctic oceanic

Helsinki in December: go or not?

Tough period. Helsinki in December only reaches 0.6/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 60.17°N · 24.94°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Avoid
Helsinki · December
0.6
-2–2°
Temperature
46%
Rain
1h
Sun
❄️ Subarctic🌌 Auroras🌬️ Frequent winds
Photo : Phil Aicken via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in December

Winter in Helsinki is cool (2.0°F during the day). Days are short (0.9h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. With 46.0% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned.

December ranks 10 out of 12 months in Helsinki. Compared to November: −5°F daytime.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index
0 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-2°
Sea
0°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
5.5h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 23
Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Helsinki is June (7.6/10), 7.0 pts higher than December.

See June →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Helsinki has two faces: bright and warm summer, freezing dark winter. June-July are my favorite months (7.6/10): 54-68°F, 35-41% rain, midnight sun (almost 19h of daylight), public saunas with dips into the Baltic (Löyly, Allas Sea Pool), Suomenlinna (UNESCO fortress) by 15 min ferry, festivals (Flow Festival mid-August).

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Helsinki

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a subarctic stay.

Country · Finland

🗣️LanguageFinnish
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety Very safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living Expensive · 4/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeSubarctic oceanic
📈Climate trend Stable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 68°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 32°F
🌧️Rainiest month January · 47%

🌌 Subarctic stay

🌌Northern lights Sept → Mars
☀️Midnight sun Juin (~21h)
🌬️WindVery frequent
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Location

Where is Helsinki ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Finland
Subarctic oceanic climate with a 7.6 → 0.6 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
60.17°N · 24.94°E
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Helsinki?
June is the best month with 66°F highs, 54°F lows, 9.9h of sunshine and 35.0% rainy days. The months of June & July offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Helsinki get in June?
Helsinki averages 9.9 sunshine hours per day in June. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.1/10.
What is the rainiest month in Helsinki?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Helsinki in June?
In June, overnight lows reach 54°F, while afternoon highs average 66°F.
Is Helsinki good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Helsinki scores 0.6/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains June with a score of 7.1/10.
When should you avoid Helsinki?
January is the most difficult month to visit Helsinki, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Helsinki in December?
In December, the sea averages 33°F in Helsinki: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Helsinki in December?
The average UV index reaches 0 in December in Helsinki (low), with about 5.5h of daylight. No protection needed.