Germany in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Season
Low Season
Temperature
0-5°C (32-41°F)
Crowds
Low
Prices
Low
December is cold with the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets and seasonal events; snow is possible in many regions. Travel around the Christmas and New Year holidays can be busy despite the overall low season.

Climate Map for December

Germany average temperature in December
-30°-20°-10° 10°20°30°40°

Average temperature across Germany in December.

City Weather in December

City High Low Rain UV Feels
Berlin 57 mm low Cold
Hamburg 75 mm low Cold
München -2° 59 mm low Cold
Cologne 68 mm low Cold
Frankfurt 61 mm low Cold
Stuttgart 46 mm low Cold
Düsseldorf 75 mm low Cold

High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.

North Sea & Baltic Coast (Northern Lowlands)

December has a cold, coastal clarity at times and raw, gusty squalls at others - Christmas markets inland are more sheltered while the seaside feels quite exposed. The Wadden Sea is quieter and seal-counting walks are popular when winds are light; storm surges remain a winter hazard, so check local advisories near low-lying areas. Pack warm layers, waterproof footwear and patience if crossings to Heligoland or Sylt are part of your itinerary.

Northeast & Berlin-Brandenburg (Potsdam, Mecklenburg Lakes, Rügen)

December turns the region festive - Berlin’s Christmas markets attract visitors despite cold, often near-freezing conditions and occasional sleet. The countryside around Potsdam looks picturesque if there is snow, and winter light over the lakes is low and soft. Pack warm layers for long evenings, and if you hope to see the lakes iced or a white Rügen, be prepared for variable snowfall rather than guaranteed winter conditions.

Central Uplands & Harz/Thuringian Forest (Göttingen, Harz, Weimar)

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Rhine Valley & Rhineland (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz, Moselle)

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Southwest: Black Forest & Upper Rhine Plain (Freiburg, Baden-Baden, Schwarzwald)

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Bavaria & the Alps (Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden)

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Events & Festivals in December

Christmas markets (Advent)
Traditional Christmas markets run across Germany in December (and from late November), offering seasonal foods, crafts and festivities.
Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) - note: held in February)
Major film festival held in February each year, notable for international cinema; included here for wider annual context.