December in Denmark is the ultimate atmospheric Christmas destination. For visitors we recommend Copenhagen, Aalborg, Aarhus and Odense. Read on to find out more about travel and weather, including temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and tips for December.
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Denmark Weather in December:
Averages:
- Temperature range: 0–5°C (32–40°F)
- Rainfall: 6 cm (2 inches)
- Rainy days: 15
- Sunshine hours/day: 2
- Humidity: around 86% (humid throughout Denmark)
December in Denmark falls in its winter, and brings rain, colder weather, as well as several chances of snow. The temperature hovers just above freezing point for most of the month, and there are approximately 2 hours of sunshine per day in December.
Denmark is also humid in December, with humidity around 86%. The month sees around 15 rainy days, with an average of 6 cm (2 inches) of rainfall.
December Climate Comparison (Averages) for Denmark's Top Tourism Areas
| City/Area | Temperatures | Rain/Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen (historical main city, restaurants, culture) | Cold | Low |
| Aarhus (second city, culture, museums, Viking history) | Freezing to Cold | Low |
| Odense (third city, HC Andersen, marzipan, architecture) | Cold | Low |
| Skagen (scenic seascapes, fishing, beaches, art galleries) | Cold | Low |
| City/Area | High (ºC) | Low (ºC) |
|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen (historical main city, restaurants, culture) | 4°C (39°F) | 1°C (34°F) |
| Aarhus (second city, culture, museums, Viking history) | 4°C (39°F) | -1°C (30°F) |
| Odense (third city, HC Andersen, marzipan, architecture) | 5°C (41°F) | 0°C (32°F) |
| Skagen (scenic seascapes, fishing, beaches, art galleries) | 5°C (41°F) | 1°C (34°F) |
| City/Area | Rain (cm) | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen (historical main city, restaurants, culture) | 6 | 2 |
| Aarhus (second city, culture, museums, Viking history) | 7 | 3 |
| Odense (third city, HC Andersen, marzipan, architecture) | 5 | 2 |
| Skagen (scenic seascapes, fishing, beaches, art galleries) | 6 | 2 |
The Best Places to Visit in Denmark in December
With Denmark being cold in December, there are plenty of activities to keep you warm. For those who prefer being indoors, there is lots to do inside, but there are also some outdoor activities for those who want to enjoy the winter landscapes of Denmark.
To plan a trip to Denmark in December, we suggest starting in Copenhagen, and then visiting Aarhus, Odense, and Skagen.
Should you need a little more help planning your trip to Denmark in December, let us know, and our team of Global Highlights Denmark experts can help you put together your ideal itinerary, custom made just for you. Contact us to start planning your Denmark trip.
1. Enjoy Cozy Copenhagen
Copenhagen has so many amazing restaurants, cafés, and shops, you could spend most of your trip just enjoying yourself in cozy locations. The word hygge, popular across the world in recent years but originating in Denmark, describes Denmark's concept of coziness, and December is no better time of the year to explore it.
We suggest visiting Nyhavn, the city's beautiful and iconic 17th century New Harbor, which Nyhavn translates to. The cafés, bars, and restaurants there are lit up in the evenings, making for the perfect setting to enjoy.
There are also boat tours running from Nyhavn, should you want a different perspective of the picturesque harbor.
We suggest talking a walking tour of Copenhagen (which you can read more about in our piece about visiting Denmark in May), because being warm and cozy inside is even better after you've recently been outside in the cold. And you probably, after all, want to explore Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue and the beautiful palaces and royal residences.
2. Shop and Eat at Aarhus' Christmas Market
Aarhus, originally a Viking settlement north of Copenhagen, is a bustling city with lots of activities to keep everybody busy. Whether you want to explore the Den Gamle By, the Old Town Museum showcasing village life in Denmark throughout the years, or the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, there is plenty to do should you feel cold.
The city of Aarhus is also home to the Aarhus Cathedral, the tallest and longest church in Denmark. The building dates back to the 12th century, and is home to beautiful frescoes. For more information, check out our piece about visiting Denmark in July.
However, December has something that other months don't have, and that is the Aarhus Christmas market. There are some Christmas market stalls at the Den Gamle By, with Danish Christmas treats and some gifts for sale, but the main Aarhus Christmas market is at the Ridehuset equestrian hall in the city.
Danish markets are full of handcrafts and snacks, and a great place to learn about Danish Christmas traditions, which might differ from your own. In general, the Christmas markets open until the early evenings, running from early December until a few days before Christmas.
3. Take a Day Trip to Hans Christian Andersen House in Odense
Odense is well known for being the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen, the author behind some of the world's most famous fairy tales including The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling, and is at the perfect distance from Copenhagen for a day trip.
For more information about Odense and visiting Hans Christian Andersen House, please refer to our piece about visiting Denmark in January.
Odense is also home to a great Christmas market, which runs during the first three weekends in December on Sortebrødre Torv. The market itself doesn't charge an entry fee, and there is plenty for kids to do too.
4. Check Out the "End" of Denmark in Skagen
Skagen is the most northern point of Denmark, and is essentially the "end" of the country. The city is an important city for Denmark's fishing industry, and it has been this way throughout the years.
A visit to Skagen is a great opportunity to learn about this history at the Skagen Museum, where you will be able to admire some of the local art on display, dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, most of which is inspired by the beautiful landscapes.
On top of that, if the weather isn't too cold and you feel like you are up for it, we would suggest going for a walk. For more information about walks to take in the area, check out our article about visiting Denmark in July. We suggest wrapping up warm, but the beauty of the area is something you won't find in many other countries and thus worth taking in.
Low Season (Except Christmas): Less Expensive and Fewer Crowds
Given December's cold temperatures, December is not usually a busy time of year to visit Denmark. The only exception is around Christmas and New Year's Eve, when more tourists come in search of beautiful winter weather and the Christmas atmosphere.
In Denmark, Christmas is generally celebrated as a national holiday on December 25 and 26, and we also recommend checking ahead before going to any smaller museums or restaurants to ensure that they are open. While December 24 is not a public holiday, there might still be closures as people head home to prepare for Christmas celebrations or travel to their families to spend time together.
What to Wear in December
December is cold in Denmark, and we suggest wearing a thick winter coat with a wool or fleece sweater underneath. If you know that you have the tendency to get cold, or you're spending more time outdoors, we also suggest wearing thermals or an extra layer just to ensure you stay warm enough to keep exploring.
With light rain on half the days, a waterproof layer is recommended, especially if you are going to more outdoorsy places like Skagen.
Don't forget your scarf, hat, gloves, and thick socks as well as winter shoes to keep your toes warm, too.
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