What's the Weather Like in Copenhagen in December
December brings with it the beginning of the winter season as well as some of the coldest conditions of the year. This is not the time to be visiting Copenhagen you can't hack the freezing temperatures. However, the city can be magical when decorated for the Christmas holiday. If you do want to see the holiday decorations or just feel like a getaway during this time of the year, be sure to bundle up in order to keep warm.
Temperature
The region can feel much colder than other parts of Europe at the same time thanks to the damp marine air that comes into the city from the nearby Baltic Sea. As a result, scarves, heavy jackets and gloves are a necessity for this time of the year. The average daily temperature is a very cold 2°C (36°F). Meanwhile, the average afternoon high will only climb to 4°C (39°F). Of course, overnight lows are also very cold with temperatures dwindling to freezing point every morning.
Rain
With temperatures hovering near freezing, there is a good chance that much of the precipitation that falls will be in the frozen form. When combined with the holiday decorations, the city can look like a fairy tale and be very beautiful. Overall, the precipitation will average 50mm for the month. This mix of frozen and liquid precipitation will typically fall over a period of 18 days of the month making a white Christmas a distinct possibility.
Average Sea Temperature and Sunshine Hours
Average water temperatures are also very cold for the month. Only those taking a polar bear plunge will want to brave the 6°C (43°F) waters around the city. It will be a few more months before visitors and locals, alike can enjoy the surrounding beaches and waters. Additionally, the region only sees an average of 4 hours of sunshine per day for this time of the year.
Check the forecast here.
Copenhagen Hotels in December
SKT. ANNAE
Previously known as Hotel Neptune, SKT. ANNAE presents one of the finest boutique accommodation options in the heart of the city and is ideal for a romantic winter's getaway. Having recently undergone extensive rennovation, this hotel really is the last word in luxury and comfort and offers a comprehensive range of facilities to choose from. Enjoy their daily organic breakfast buffet and make use of the bike rental service.
Hotel Rye
One decent and inexpensive accommodation option is the Hotel Rye. This small and charming hotel is home to warm and welcoming staff who will see to it that your every need is met. With only 14 rooms, you can rest assured that you'll be given a warm welcome at this handily situated hotel. With a number of room options available, this hotel is suitable for all, whether you're travelling alone, in a couple or taking a family holiday.
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
For the young backpacker, check out the budget-friendly Copenhagen Downtown Hostel. If you're in town for the December holiday season, this hostel is an excellent choice if you want to be near the heart of the action in Copenhagen. Guests have a choice of a private room, family room, or shared rooms. There's also a late night bar, cafeteria, restaurant, live music, kitchen on site.
Bars and Restaurants
Kiin Kiin
For the finest Thai food in Copenhagen, Kiin Kiin is the place to be. Bringing together the best of Oriential and European cuisines, this is the only Thai restaurant outside its mother country to be awarded with a Michelin star, which it's managed to keep for 10 consecutive years. Diners can choose between the set menu or the tasting menu, along with a fine selection of wines to accompany their meal.
Noma
Having been in business since 2003, Noma is still considered one of the best restaurants in the city and sits firmly at the vanguard of the contemporary Copenhagen dining scene. Taking advantage of the different seasons, the restaurant offers meat and fish in the autumn and winter months and then transforms to a vegetarian eatery from May to September. It's worth remembering that this restaurant has a strong reputation outside of Denmark, so it's often fully booked. Give extra time to make reservations in order to avoid disappointment.
Møller Kaffe og Køkken
With the cold weather starting to take effect in Copenhagen, now is a good time to relax in one of the city's many cafes as per hygge - the Danish celebration of all things cosy that's really beginning to catch on across the world. One of the most popular newcomers to the city's thriving cafe culture is Møller Kaffe og Køkken, which is reputed to serve some of the best breakfasts in Copenhagen.
Søernes lbar
Beer enthusiasts can't go wrong with a trip to Søernes lbar (Beer Bar of the Lakes), which comprises some 20 taps and over 100 bottled beer varities from around the world. With raw brick walls, wooden furniture and quirky paraphernalia dotted across its interior, the bar oozes shabby chic charm, while a wall of flat screen TVs play all the sporting tournaments imaginable.
Things to do in Copenhagen in December
Christmas In Copenhagen
With the advent of Christmas well underway in December, Copenhagen makes a magical place to be at this time of year as the city dons its decorations and puts on a variety of festive activities. All along the city's various shopping thoroughfares you'll see a range of show-stopping Christmas decorations, and there's a whole host of Christmas markets taking place throughout the city - the ideal place to sample some sweet treats or warm your soul over a glass of gløgg (Danish mulled wine).
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
The area round Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv is home to the city's most prominent Christmas market, although similar fairs take place in the Tivoli Gardens, the meatpacking district and the Carlsberg Brewery. Another quintessential Christmas activity is ice skating, which you can participate in either at at Frederiksberg Palace or at Toftegaards Plads in the Valby district.
New Year's
If you're in the city towards the end of the month, you can't miss the New Year's celebrations which are an anticipated event in the city. Despite the cold temperatures, you'll see dozens of Danes gathered across the streets of Copenhagen who congregate in the Town Hall Square to hear the clock chime for the coming year; there's also an impressive fireworks display taking place at the Tivoli Gardens.
Lucia
Another December event which you won't want to miss in Copenhagen is Lucia, stemming from a Scandinavian tradition of spreading light during the darkest time of the year. On December 13th, hundreds of kayaks decked out in Christmas light pass through the city's canals to mark this event.
The Tycho Brahe Planetarium
The Tycho Brahe Planetarium is the place to visit for amateur astronomers and those who feel like gazing at the stars. Located on the edge of the Copenhagen Lakes, the museum honours the pioneering Danish astronomer and regularly shows a range of 3D films and exhibits from its IMAX cinema. You can take a guided tour on the weekends if you'd like to learn more about the museum.
