Helsinki in December

Christmas markets; about six hours of daylight; check Christmas Eve closures.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatBright and fresh; ferries and terraces start.
• JuneGreatVery long evenings; Midsummer weekend empties the city.
• JulyGreatWarmest month; some restaurants shut for summer break.
• AugustGreatWarm, first dark evenings, busy sea.

• HelsinkiHighs around 0 °C (32 °F), lows around -4 °C (25 °F), rain on about 16 daysHighs around 32 °F (0 °C), lows around 25 °F (-4 °C), rain on about 16 days
• South coast, Finland · Helsinki, Turku, Porvoo, Ålandcool

  Around −5 °C (23 °F) in January, 20–23 °C (68–73 °F) in July; 19 h of daylight at midsummer, 6 h in late December. The sea often freezes near shore in cold winters.Around 23 °F (−5 °C) in January, 68–73 °F (20–23 °C) in July; 19 h of daylight at midsummer, 6 h in late December. The sea often freezes near shore in cold winters.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Independence Day

  6 December · Senate Square and nationwide

  Shops and museums close; a torchlight parade

• Christmas market

  Early to late December · Senate Square

  Crowded evenings; hot glögi and crafts

• Christmas

  Dec 24–26

  Shops, restaurants and many museums close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; trams run a reduced timetable.

• Helsinki Christmas Market on Senate Square

  Early Dec–Dec 23

  Senate Square and the surrounding streets are crowded in the evenings.

Crowds · Finland overall

High

Prices · Finland overall

High

Finland overall: Rovaniemi's Christmas peak, polar night in the north; Helsinki Christmas market; closures 24–26 Dec.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Helsinki, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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