Month guide · Gothenburg · Sweden
Gothenburg in December
What December is really like in Gothenburg: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 3°C (37°F), lows of -1°C (30°F), about 16 rainy days and roughly 6.6 hours of daylight. Short, dark days softened by Christmas markets, lights along the main streets and julbord buffets.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 3°C (37°F) / -1°C (30°F)
- Rainy days
- About 16
- Daylight
- About 6.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 5°C (41°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the 10th-warmest month in Gothenburg: days average 3°C (37°F) against a yearly average high of 11°C (52°F), and nights fall to about -1°C (30°F). Rain falls on roughly 16 of its 31 days. Compared with November (7°C (45°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 2°C (36°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:50
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 15:25
- Daylight
- About 6.6 hours
- Sea
- 5°C (41°F)
Winter (December–February). Short, dark days around freezing, softened by Christmas markets, Lucia, the film festival and low hotel prices outside the holidays.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas at Liseberg continues (usually until just before Christmas or later)
- Lucia celebrations with candlelit processions (13 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Inom Vallgraven
Maritiman
Moored on the river beside the opera house, Maritiman is a floating museum of historic vessels, including the destroyer HMS Småland and the submarine Nordkaparen.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- History
- Active
Castle · Göta älv estuary
Nya Älvsborg fortress
Treat the boat trip as a harbour cruise in itself and sit on the open deck for views of the Älvsborg Bridge.
- Time needed
- Half a day including the boat
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Views
- Kids
Religious site · Majorna
Masthugget Church
Completed in 1914 in the National Romantic style, Masthuggskyrkan stands on a rocky hill above the harbour with a tower visible across the city.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Norra Älvstranden
Ramberget and Keillers park
Take the Älvsnabben ferry to Lindholmen and walk up for an evening view, then return across the river for dinner.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 3°C, lows near -1°C and 16 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Gothenburg?
A shoulder-season month, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Gothenburg in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Gothenburg?
It is a shoulder-season month. Short, dark days softened by Christmas markets, lights along the main streets and julbord buffets.
+How warm is Gothenburg in December?
Average highs are around 3°C (37°F) and lows around -1°C (30°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Gothenburg in December?
Expect rain on about 16 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.