Berlin weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 13 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Berlin is cold and grey, with average highs of 5.5°C (42°F) and lows of 1.2°C (34°F). You'll experience around 51mm of precipitation spread across roughly 13 rainy days, so expect frequent drizzle and occasional snow. Sunshine is scarce at just 2.6 hours per day, creating that classic winter atmosphere with long, dark afternoons.
This is peak Christmas market season in Berlin. The city transforms with festive decorations, holiday lights, and traditional wooden stalls selling mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handmade crafts. Crowds increase significantly in December, especially around the Weihnachtsmärkte at Alexanderplatz and the Brandenburg Gate. The cultural calendar fills with seasonal concerts, ballet performances, and New Year celebrations.
December 2026 is ideal if you love Christmas markets and don't mind cold, wet weather. Pack warm layers and waterproof gear—you'll need them. Accommodation and flights tend to be pricier than autumn months, but fewer tourists visit on rainy weekdays. If you prefer mild weather and smaller crowds, consider visiting Berlin in September or October instead.
Neukolln and Wedding are where actual Berlin lives now; Mitte is Instagram tourists. The best doner is not Mustafas queue but Ruyam in Schoneberg. Sundays everything closes except Spati corner shops and Turkish markets on Maybachufer Friday. Pfand deposit on bottles is a local economy; homeless collectors are respected. Never jaywalk; a grandma will scold you in front of children.
What to pack for Berlin in December
Berlin's December chill demands serious layering. Temperatures hover just above freezing with frequent rain, so waterproof outerwear and insulated clothing are essential. Avoid cotton; opt for merino wool and synthetic materials that retain warmth when damp.
- Waterproof winter coat or parka
- Thermal base layers (merino wool)
- Insulated winter boots with grip sole
- Wool beanie and scarf
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
What to pack for Berlin in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Berlin
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Berlin across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Berlin
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Berlin?
Flights to Berlin in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Browse Christmas markets at Alexanderplatz and Gendarmenmarkt, visit the Berlin State Opera for seasonal ballet, ice skating at outdoor rinks, explore museums indoors on rainy days.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Berlin. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Berlin
While December has its own character in Berlin, the data-backed best months to visit Berlin are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for BerlinOther places with a similar climate right now
Berlin in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good month for Berlin?
Is December a good month for Berlin?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Berlin averages a high of 6°C (42°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F), with 51mm of rainfall across roughly 13 rainy days. Late May through June when Tempelhofer Feld picnics fill, Spree swimming at Badeschiff opens, and every Kiez balcony has a bratwurst grill going.
Q02How warm does Berlin get in December?
How warm does Berlin get in December?
The average high temperature in Berlin during December is 6°C (42°F), with an average low of 1°C (34°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January gray lasts weeks with no snow; locals compensate at Berghain, indoor Turkish hamams in Kreuzberg, or Christmas market gluhwein extended into January.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Berlin in December?
Does it rain a lot in Berlin in December?
Berlin averages approximately 13 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 51mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Berlin in December?
What clothes should I bring to Berlin in December?
For Berlin in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A padlock for locker rooms at Prinzenbad or Badeschiff; the swim clubs assume you bring your own, and rental locks are gone by 10am.
Q05Are there many tourists in Berlin in December?
Are there many tourists in Berlin in December?
Tourist crowds in Berlin during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Neukolln and Wedding are where actual Berlin lives now; Mitte is Instagram tourists. The best doner is not Mustafas queue but Ruyam in Schoneberg. Sundays everything closes except Spati corner shops and Turkish markets on Maybachufer Friday. Pfand deposit on bottles is a local economy; homeless collectors are respected. Never jaywalk; a grandma will scold you in front of children.