What's the Weather like in Helsinki in December
Temperature
December brings below-freezing weather to Helsinki, Finland, though it's accompanied by warm Christmas lights and festivities throughout the city. As winter begins its fiercest days, the daily temperature averages at -4°C. The average high temperature is 0°C, while the low is a cold -7°C. The cold brings short days with it.
Sunshine Hours
As the winter solstice approaches, December sees an average of only 6 hours of daylight from sunrise to sunset. Though the sun will slowly begin to appear more in January, the weather will continue to drop throughout the month as Helsinki heads towards its coldest month: February.
Average Sea Temperature
The sea temperature will continue to drop into winter as well, with an average temperature of just 2°C in December.
Rain
The city typically receives 60mm of rain total at this time, with an average of 16 rainy days occurring throughout the month.
Cloud
The skies will remain mostly cloudy all month long, and the chance of snow begins to increase. Helsinki has about a 10% chance of snow in December, so a white Christmas is not guaranteed, despite the city's northern locale. The seaside city has low humidity during the winter, and wind speeds average around 18 km/hour during December.
Helsinki Hotels in December
Best Western Hotel Carlton
A big name chain with a small hotel feel, Best Western Hotel Carlton offers 21 rooms in the heart of the city. Each room is uniquely designed and may include amenities like a 3D television or a jacuzzi. Breakfast and WiFi are included with every booking, and customer service is available 24 hours a day, making this an excellent spot for travelers arriving late in the night. Guests will appreciate the convenient coffee shop located next door to the lobby as they head out for a day of exploring the city.
Omena Hotel
Travelers on a budget who are hoping to stay in the city center may wish to visit Omena Hotel on Lönnrotinkatu. Located between the Kamppi District and the Design District, this popular spot is just a short walk from many cafes, restaurants, and shopsncluding the Stockmann department store. The affordable rooms include a fridge, microwave, TV, WiFi, a kettle, and tea and coffee. Though breakfast is not included, the hotel partners with a nearby cafe to offer a special breakfast deal for guests.
Scandic Meilahti
Located further north of Helsinki, Scandic Meilahti is a modern, 11-story hotel with great transportation connections for travelers looking to explore both the city and the suburbs. Visitors can enjoy great views from many of the rooms, and a popular restaurant is located onsite for hungry guests. With more than 30 rooms that can accommodate guests with physical disabilities, Scandic Meilahti is a welcoming place for all. Families will appreciate the play space and welcome gift just for children. There's also a 24/7 shop, a self-service laundry area, and free WiFi throughout the hotel. The Helsinki ice stadium and the Olympic stadium are both within walking distance.
Hotel Rivoli
A quiet spot in the heart of the city, Hotel Rivoli offers both a traditional hotel as well as a selection of apartments, all located in a peaceful courtyard just a block away from the buzz at Esplanadi Park. The apartments are elegantly furnished and include use of the hotel facilities such as the sauna, breakfast room, and meeting room. Apartments are offered at varying rates throughout the year and typically require a minimum weeklong stay. The kitchens in the apartments are fully equipped with tableware and accessories, such as a coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator.
Bars and Restaurants
Fazer
A pride of the nation, Fazer's confectionery goes back to the 19th century, when the Swiss Karl Fazer opened a French-Russian confectionery in Helsinki in 1891. Fazer began to produce chocolates and candies, an now also includes chewing gum and biscuits. Today Fazer is one of the most popular destinations for desserts in Helsinki, with a central location on Kluuvikatu. The beautiful space is home to a full service cafe with meals and drinks, though most come to taste the cakes and pastries made onsite, as well as the famous chocolates.
Cafe Talo
"Cafe Talo" means a house cafe, and indeed is known for its "living room" feeling and laid back atmosphere. Blending the moods of a street bar, a restaurant, and a theater all into one space, Cafe Talo offers comfortable seating and a great selection of drinks and foods. Popular menu items include the soups, sandwiches, coffees and ciders. The cafe is conveniently located near the Hakaniemi Market.
Amigo
While the name may invoke the feeling of a casual Spanish restaurant, Amigo offers beautiful plates that combine the best of Finland with the best Spanish dishes. Seamlessly blending the unique cuisines, Amigo's popular dishes include the chicken and seafood paella, the salmon plate, and any of their juicy steaks. The classy atmosphere makes this a popular date night destination for locals and tourists, with an extensive wine list to pair with any meal.
Vin Vin
Vin-Vin is a fine wine bar in heart of Helsinki. This beautifully decorated wine bar features wines mostly from organic and small vineyards, so guests are guaranteed to find something unique. Inspired by Italy's aperitif culture, the bar offers a small selection of appetizers at certain times. The quiet spot is a relaxing destination for wine lovers who want to enjoy a peaceful moment or conversation.
Things to do in Helsinki in December
The Christmas Street
Finland claims to be the home of Santa Claus, so the country and its capital host extravagant Christmas festivals, markets, and light displays. Aleksanterinkatu, or, "The Christmas Street," is the perfect place for a tourist to begin their Christmas journey through Helsinki. As Christmas lights illuminate the street, shop windows are decorated for the most attention. One of the largest and most famous displays is at the Stockmann store at the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Keskuskatu; the display changes every year, as both tourists and locals flock to see it. The street is filled with options for finding the perfect gift or souvenir.
St Lucia Day
Visitors don't have to wait for Christmas though to celebrate. Finland borrows from its Swedish neighbor in celebrating St. Lucia Day. As the December days grow short and dark, the Finnish celebrate the triumph of light in honor of Saint Lucy. Girls all over the country dress up in white, wearing a crown of tall candles and singing ancient songs. Only one gets to be the crowned saint of the Helsinki parade though, which passes through downtown on December 13th.
Winter Circus
An indoor option for travelers hoping to escape the cold is the Winter Circus. It runs from November until mid-January and features an international team of performers. Displays of acrobatics, dance, video art and more make the show a beautiful experience. Tickets sell out quickly so tourists should plan to book early.
Temppeliaukio Church
Another fascinating indoor experience is the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church. Centrally located, this church is built directly into solid rock and is a popular destination for Helsinki tourists. It was completed in 1969, with a copper dome, exposed rugged rock walls, and concrete beams. At certain times of the day and year, light streams through the windows and casts fascinating shadows on the altar wall. With excellent acoustics, the church is a popular spot for concerts throughout the year.
