Netherlands - weather in December

In December, the first month of winter, the weather in the Netherlands is quite cold, grey and wet.

The average daily temperature ranges from around 3.5 °C (38.5 °F) in the northeast (see Groningen, Enschede) to 5.5 °C (42 °F) in the southwest (see Vlissingen).

The wind is strongest and most frequent on the coast, with a maximum in the north, in the West Frisian Islands (see Terschelling). Although the temperature is generally not too low, the wind and humidity can increase the feeling of cold.

December in the Netherlands is the month in which precipitation is most frequent, although it is generally not heavy, and usually occurs in the form of rain. However, it can sometimes snow.

During cold waves, which are becoming rarer due to global warming, the temperature can drop to -10 °C (14 °F), and sometimes below.
On the other hand, on milder days, which can be windy, the temperature can reach 12/13 °C (54/55 °F), and sometimes exceed those values.

As mentioned, the wind blows quite often, and can sometimes be strong.

The sun is rarely seen: the sky is often cloudy.

During the month, the length of the days gradually decreases until December 21, the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. In December, the average day in the Netherlands is just under 8 hours long.

The following tables show the climate averages in the month of December in Netherlands in a selection of locations.

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Monthly climate averages - December

(from north to south)















See also: Netherlands, the weather in November - January
The climate of Netherlands