Weather in Finland in December

December is winter in Finland, and sees the country transformed into a snowy wonderland that invites trips to Santa Claus' village in Lapland. While days are very short, with barely any light at all in the northern regions, Finland is enchanting at this time of year, and also ideal for winter sports. Fancy this kind of full-on festive vacation? Read on for detail on the weather in Finland in December.

Finland in December at a glance

• Average temperatures range from  14°F to 32°F (-10°C to 0°C).
• December is the perfect time visit Lapland to experience the magic of Christmas.
• The cold, snowy weather are also perfect for winter sports. 
• Visiting Finland in December means big crowds.

What is the weather like in Finland in December?

December is the first true month of winter in Finland, which means its very cold and snowy.

It's also the darkest month of the year, with little daylight.

While the temperature drops throughout the whole country, expect seriously extreme cold in northern Finland. 

As a result, the weather in Finland in December can be challenging, but if you come prepared with the right clothing, you'll be treated to a sublime winter wonderland experience.

Average daily temperatures in December

Average daily temperatures don't go above 32°F (0°C) in Finland in December, with an average low of 14°F (-10°C). 

The further north you go, the colder it will be, with temperatures in the range of -4°F to 14°F (-20°C to -10°C).

Meanwhile, Southern Finland, including Helsinki, sees milder temperatures, with a range of 23°F to 32°F (-5°C to 0°C).

Want more detail on the weather in Finland around the year? Read up on the best time to go to Finland.

Is December a good time to visit Finland?

December is a magical month to visit Finland for Santa Claus, the Northern LIghts, and scenic winter sports.

Most activities will be based around the northern regions and Lapland, where you can meet the big man in Santa Claus Village, go on reindeer sleigh rides, and see the Northern Lights.

Bigger cities like Helsinki also come recommended for their Christmas markets, decorations, lights and events.

Planning to visit Finland? Read up on the best things to do in Finland.

What about the crowds & cost?

December falls during the peak holiday season in Finland, which means big crowds at popular destinations.  

This results in costlier accommodation, excursions, and flights compared with the preceding months. You'll also want to book well ahead of your trip.

Festivals and events in Finland in December

Read on to find out about a few of Finland's festival highlights in December.

• Christmas Markets: held in bigger Finnish cities like Helsinki, Turku, and Rovaniemi, these markets showcase Christmas food, drink, gifts, and spirit.
• St. Lucia Day: celebrated on December 13th, this honors St. Lucia — a symbol of light during dark winter days. 
• Rovaniemi's Christmas celebrations: located in Lapland, Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus and offers stacks of Christmas activities, including reindeer rides and visits to Santa’s village.

Heading to Helsinki? Read the Mini Rough Guide to Helsinki.

Plan your trip with our Finland itineraries

Our Finland itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Finland itinerary 5 days: A short trip focused on Finland’s highlights. Expect to explore Helsinki, take a day trip to charming Porvoo, and experience the Finnish sauna culture— maybe even with a dip in an icy lake!
• Finland itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you see Helsinki and venture into the Finnish wilderness. You can explore Lapland for northern lights and winter activities, or visit the stunning Lakeland region for hikes and lakeside relaxation.