Copenhagen in December

Average Temperature: 4°C

Visiting Copenhagen in December is a unique experience that blends cozy winter vibes with festive holiday spirit. The city is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and charming markets that pop up around town, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday postcard. You can enjoy wandering around Nyhavn with its colorful buildings lit up, or check out the Tivoli Gardens, which transform into a winter wonderland with rides, decorations, and seasonal treats. It’s a good time to embrace hygge — the Danish concept of coziness — by ducking into cafes for warm drinks and pastries or enjoying hearty Nordic cuisine in welcoming restaurants.

That said, December in Copenhagen is definitely on the chilly and often gray side, so you’ll want to bundle up and be ready for shorter daylight hours. Some attractions might have limited hours, but the quieter streets mean you can explore museums, galleries, and historic sites without the usual crowds. Plus, public transport is reliable and can get you around easily. Overall, it’s a great time to experience the city’s cultural charm and festive atmosphere, especially if you don’t mind the wintery weather and want to see a different side of Copenhagen.

Average Monthly Temperatures

4°C
Average High
1°C
Average Low
December

Cost Index

Cost Index
$$$

Copenhagen is known for being a relatively expensive city to visit, ranking high on the cost index primarily due to its high prices for accommodation, dining, and transportation. While it is not the absolute most expensive city globally, travelers can expect to pay premium rates compared to many other European cities, particularly for eating out and staying in centrally located hotels. Public transportation and activities tend to be moderately priced but add up, making the city overall a costly destination. Hence, a cost index of $$$ reflects a high but not extreme level of travel expenses.

Location

Copenhagen is located at coordinates 55.69° latitude, 12.57° longitude.

Weather Summary

December is not typically warm in Copenhagen, with average temperatures of 4°C.