Month guide · The Hague · Netherlands
The Hague in December
What December is really like in The Hague: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 7°C (45°F), lows of 2°C (36°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 7.8 hours of daylight. Festive lights in the centre and winter walks on the beach.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 7°C (45°F) / 2°C (36°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 7.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 8°C (46°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in The Hague: days average 7°C (45°F) against a yearly average high of 14°C (57°F), and nights fall to about 2°C (36°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with November (10°C (50°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 6°C (43°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:45
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:31
- Daylight
- About 7.8 hours
- Sea
- 8°C (46°F)
Winter (December–February). Cold, damp and dark but lower-priced, with uncrowded museums and bracing beach walks.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is June at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in June). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
December has no major recurring festival in The Hague, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Historic site · Centrum and the Hofvijver
Gevangenpoort
The Prison Gate, a medieval gatehouse by the Hofvijver, served as a prison for centuries; Cornelis de Witt was held here before he and his brother Johan were killed by a mob in 1672.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Museum · Mariahoeve
Louwman Museum
The museum is outside the centre near the Clingendael estate, so allow time for a tram, bus or bike ride each way.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- History
- Rainy day
Landmark · Centrum and the Hofvijver
Hofvijver and Binnenhof
The Binnenhof, the complex where the Dutch parliament has met for centuries, rises straight from the Hofvijver pond, with the medieval Ridderzaal at its centre.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Architecture
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Architecture · Zeeheldenkwartier
Peace Palace
Check guided-tour availability in advance; otherwise the visitor centre and the view through the gates make a short stop.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Free
- Iconic
What to pack
For highs near 7°C, lows near 2°C and 13 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 The Hague?
A quieter month with trade-offs. If your dates are flexible, May–September are better overall. Compare every month.
The Hague in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit The Hague?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Festive lights in the centre and winter walks on the beach.
+How warm is The Hague in December?
Average highs are around 7°C (45°F) and lows around 2°C (36°F).
+Does it rain a lot in The Hague in December?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.