Sweden Gothenburg Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Gothenburg is high
Gothenburg Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 3° / -1°
- Rainfall
- 70mm · 14 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Gothenburg in December averages a high of 3°C and low of -1°C with 70mm of rain over about 14 days. Deep winter wet cold. Heavy down coat (-10°C rated), thermal base layer (Merino), waterproof boots with grippy soles, wool scarf, gloves, hat, hand warmers. Cardigan layer for indoor temperature shifts (Gothenburg restaurants run hot in winter).
December is high for Gothenburg.
December is Gothenburg's most-magical (and second-most-expensive) season after July. Liseberg's Christmas market runs at peak intensity through December 23 — 5+ million lights, traditional Swedish crafts, glögg stalls, ice rink, daily Lucia performances. Lucia Day (Dec 13) is the canonical Swedish Christmas-spirit moment — white-robed candle processions at Gothenburg Cathedral, every church, every school, every workplace. December also brings Gothenburg's deepest darkness — only 6.5 hours of daylight, sunset at 15:25. Worth every krona for the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.
Travel score
Liseberg Christmas market + Lucia Day + 6.5h daylight — most-magical month
December Weather at a Glance
December averages 37°F / 3°C highs and 30°F / -1°C lows with 70mm rainfall (often mixed rain/sleet/snow) over 14 wet days. Humidity 89%. Sunshine 1h daily — year's lowest tied with November + January. Daylight only 6.5h — sunrise 08:45, sunset 15:25. Wind chill brings felt temperature to -4°C. First sustained snow typically mid-month. The shortest, darkest, wettest, most-atmospheric month of the year.
December Travel Advice
Liseberg Christmas market (mid-November through December 23) — book day passes 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends. Lucia Day (Dec 13) Gothenburg Cathedral 06:00 morning candle procession is the canonical experience; arrive 05:30 for seats. Many restaurants close Dec 24-26 — verify with hotel concierge. Hagabadet historic bathhouse (1876) is the canonical winter-spa experience.
December Pricing Trends
Year's near-peak for atmosphere: Upper House $400-580/night (Liseberg market weeks), Clarion Hotel Post $220-380, mid-range 4-star $180-280. Flights from major hubs $900-1,500. Book by April-May for December Liseberg market + Christmas travel.
Gothenburg December Weather Stats
Avg High
3°C
Avg Low
-1°C
Rainy Days
14
70mm total
Sunshine
1h
Daily avg
Humidity
89%
humid
UV Index
0
Low
Wind
16 km/h
Gusts 45
Sea Temp
6°C
no swimming
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
17 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
1°C
Nighttime
-4°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
16 km/h
Max gust 45 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Liseberg Christmas market at peak (open through Dec 23)
- Lucia Day (Dec 13) candle processions canonical experience
- Swedish Christmas (Julafton Dec 24) cultural depth
- New Year's Eve central fireworks (Götaplatsen + Lilla Bommen)
- First snow often arrives mid-December (atmospheric)
- Stora Saluhallen Christmas market stocks
- Hagabadet historic bathhouse winter spa
Cons
- 3/-1°C wet cold + -4°C wind chill
- Only 6.5h daylight (sunrise 08:45, sunset 15:25)
- Hotels at near-peak rates (Liseberg Christmas market premium)
- Rain/sleet/snow mix on sidewalks common
- Many restaurants close Dec 24-26
- Liseberg closes December 23 — Dec 24-31 only the Heden ice rink
December Events & Festivals
- Liseberg Christmas market (open through December 23 — peak season)
- Lucia Day (Dec 13) — candle processions across Sweden
- Christmas (Dec 24 Julafton — Swedish Christmas main day)
- New Year's Eve (central fireworks at Götaplatsen + Lilla Bommen)
Gothenburg in December — Full Picture
December is Gothenburg's most-magical (and second-most-expensive) season after July. Liseberg's Christmas market runs at peak intensity through December 23 — 5+ million lights, traditional Swedish crafts, glögg stalls, ice rink, daily Lucia performances. Lucia Day (Dec 13) is the canonical Swedish Christmas-spirit moment — white-robed candle processions at Gothenburg Cathedral, every church, every school, every workplace. December also brings Gothenburg's deepest darkness — only 6.5 hours of daylight, sunset at 15:25. Worth every krona for the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Deep winter wet cold. Heavy down coat (-10°C rated), thermal base layer (Merino), waterproof boots with grippy soles, wool scarf, gloves, hat, hand warmers. Cardigan layer for indoor temperature shifts (Gothenburg restaurants run hot in winter).
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
10°C
2.7°C
10.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
19.7°C
13°C
12/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
11°C
7°C
13.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current1.7°C
-2.3°C
12.7/mo
Gothenburg Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1° | -3° | 13d·60mm | 1h | 88% | 0 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 1° | -3° | 11d·40mm | 2h | 86% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 5° | -1° | 11d·50mm | 4h | 80% | 2 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| 10° | 2° | 10d·45mm | 6h | 75% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| May (Best) | 15° | 7° | 10d·45mm | 8h | 70% | 4 | Busy | Peak |
| June (Best) | 18° | 11° | 11d·60mm | 9h | 71% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| July (Best) | 21° | 14° | 12d·70mm | 9h | 73% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 20° | 14° | 13d·80mm | 7h | 76% | 4 | Very busy | Peak |
| 16° | 11° | 13d·75mm | 5h | 80% | 3 | Busy | Peak | |
| 11° | 7° | 14d·80mm | 3h | 84% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 6° | 3° | 14d·80mm | 1h | 88% | 1 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 3° | -1° | 14d·70mm | 1h | 89% | 0 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Gothenburg December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Gothenburg?
Gothenburg in December is high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Gothenburg in December?
Gothenburg December averages a high of 3°C and a low of -1°C.
Does it rain much in Gothenburg in December?
Gothenburg December averages 70mm of rainfall over about 14 rainy days.
What should I wear in Gothenburg in December?
Deep winter wet cold. Heavy down coat (-10°C rated), thermal base layer (Merino), waterproof boots with grippy soles, wool scarf, gloves, hat, hand warmers. Cardigan layer for indoor temperature shifts (Gothenburg restaurants run hot in winter).
What time are sunrise and sunset in Gothenburg in December?
Gothenburg December sunrise is 08:45 and sunset is 15:25, with 6h 40min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Gothenburg in December?
Gothenburg December air quality (AQI) averages 48, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 17μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Gothenburg in December?
In December, Gothenburg is great for Liseberg Christmas market daily through Dec 23 (5+ million lights), Lucia Day candle procession (Dec 13) at Gothenburg Cathedral 06:00, Universeum + Volvo Museum + Konstmuseet indoor circuit.
Is December peak season in Gothenburg?
Gothenburg December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Gothenburg
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Gothenburg?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.