What December feels like in Berlin
Early winter arrives in Berlin with December. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. There is little difference between day and night: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Berlin in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 4.1 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Berlin's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 8:10 am and sunset at about 3:52 pm (local time) — 7 h 42 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 1 h 6 min less daylight than in mid-November. About 34% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Berlin's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 3.6°C (6.5°F) lower, with 1 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. By January, typical highs are 3.3°C (37.9°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Berlin in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Berlin in December?
Afternoons average 4.7°C (40.5°F) and nights about 0.6°C (33.1°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Berlin in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 49 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Berlin in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Berlin?
December scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Poor against Poor. January is cooler and has more rainy days.