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    What is the weather like in Finland in December?

    Daylight, snow and temperatures in the south and north in December.

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    Short answer

    December is the darkest month. Southern Finland gets about six hours of daylight on the shortest day, and in northern Lapland the sun does not rise at all. Lapland usually has snow and temperatures of -10 to -20 °C. On the south coast winter only begins in December, so Helsinki can be snowy or grey and wet around zero.

    Weather & Seasons

    Why

    1. The Finnish Meteorological Institute says the shortest day in southern Finland is about six hours.
    2. FMI says polar night lasts up to 51 days in the northernmost corner of Finland.
    3. According to FMI, winter starts in December in the southwestern archipelago.

    Details

    Christmas markets, lights and candles brighten towns in December. Christmas Eve, 24 December, is the main celebration, and many shops close early that day.

    Tip

    Book Lapland trips for December early. It is one of the busiest months for flights and hotels in the north.

    What may differ

    Snow is likely in Lapland in December, but in the south the first lasting snow can come only in January.

    Common misconception

    December is the coldest month in Finland.

    What actually happens

    December is the darkest month, but the coldest time is usually late January or early February.

    People also ask

    • Is December a good time to visit Lapland?
    • What is the weather in Helsinki at Christmas?
    • How dark is Finland in December?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the forecast of the Finnish Meteorological Institute before you travel.

    Weather & Seasons
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