Last updated: August 27, 2025
December in Leiden, Netherlands brings a chilly embrace, with average temperatures hovering around 6°C (44°F). Daily highs reach a maximum of 13°C (55°F), while night temperatures can plunge to a brisk -2°C (28°F). This month is also characterized by significant precipitation, totaling around 110 mm (4.3 in) over 18 days, contributing to an overall humidity level of 86%. Whether adorned in festive lights or cloaked in mist, Leiden offers a unique charm amidst its wintry backdrop, inviting visitors to experience the magic of the season.
In Leiden, Netherlands, December ushers in the chill of winter, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -2°C (28°F) at night to a mild 13°C (55°F) during the day. The average of 6°C (44°F) serves as a reminder of the season's cool embrace, marking a significant drop from the milder autumn months. As temperatures reach their winter lows, you'll notice a shift from the comfortable mid-autumn warmth, with the min and max temperatures in December mirroring that trend toward colder conditions. While the heart of winter settles in, cozy festivities and the picturesque landscape blanketed in frost create a charming atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.
In December, Leiden, Netherlands, experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, with 110 mm (4.3 inches) of rain spread over 18 days. This marks a significant increase compared to the preceding months, especially as winter sets in and the city prepares for the holiday season. The trend shows that December, along with October, takes the lead in monthly rainfall, contributing to the region's characteristic dampness. This heightened precipitation not only sets a rather gloomy but atmospheric backdrop for the festivities, but it also prepares the ground for the cooler months ahead, reminding residents and visitors alike to keep their umbrellas close and enjoy the cozy indoor charm of the season.
In Leiden, Netherlands, the humidity levels exhibit a steady rhythm throughout the year. December sees a slight dip in humidity to 86%, joining the ranks of late autumn months like October and November, which hover around 87%. As the year transitions into winter, the overall trend showcases a gradual decrease from January's peak of 87% down to the summer months, where humidity levels reach their lowest at 78% in August. The return to higher humidity percentages in the cooler months suggests a persistent moisture retention characteristic of this region, creating a cozy atmosphere as the year comes to a close.
In December, Leiden, Netherlands experiences a low UV Index of 1, akin to the winter months preceding it, with a burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of lower UV exposure kicks off the year, peaking in the warmer months of May through July when the UV Index reaches very high levels of 8. As the seasons shift back towards winter, both February and November maintain a low category with an Index of 2. Notably, while the summer months demand more caution due to heightened risks of skin damage, December's mild UV conditions provide a welcome respite. For more detailed information on UV trends, visit Leiden UV Index.
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As the year winds down, December in Leiden, Netherlands, offers a gentle embrace of 142 hours of sunshine, marking a transition from the brighter months. The city's sunlit hours see a gradual decline as winter approaches, with the peak of sunshine occurring in the vibrant summer months of June and July, where bright days reach over 420 hours. This seasonal shift highlights a significant trend: from the blooming days of spring, where daylight begins to increase, culminating in the longest and sunniest summer, to the more muted lights of late autumn and early winter. While December's sunlight may be a fraction of the summer splendor, it still provides a warm respite amidst the chilly backdrop of the season, inviting residents to savor those precious moments of bright tranquility before the spring blossoms anew.
In Leiden, the likelihood of sunny weather in December hovers at a modest 18%, mirroring the sun's scarce presence earlier in the winter months. This trend reflects a gradual decrease in sunshine from the more vibrant days of autumn, with November dropping to 23%. As the year concludes, the chances of clear skies are akin to those seen in January, suggesting that December continues the pattern of gloomy Dutch winters. Notably, the sunny prospects pick up significantly as spring approaches, peaking in April at 42%. Thus, while December may be a cozy time for winter activities, sun-seekers should brace for a predominantly overcast season.
In Leiden, Netherlands, December brings the shortest days of the year, with only 7 hours of daylight. This decline marks a transition from the longer daylight of summer, peaking at 16 hours in June and July, to the depths of winter. As the year progresses from the sun-soaked days of May—where daylight stretches to 15 hours—the gradual decrease becomes evident, with each month experienced as a gentle descent into the darker months. Interestingly, daylight duration begins to pick up again in January, setting the stage for a return to longer, brighter days as spring approaches. The rhythm of daylight in Leiden beautifully encapsulates the cyclical nature of the seasons, inviting residents to embrace the cozy charm of winter.
As December settles in Leiden, the wind begins to pick up with an average speed of 5.7 m/s (13 mph), marking a slight increase from the calmer summer months of June and July, which recorded just 4.0 m/s and 4.6 m/s respectively. This seasonal shift brings a crispness to the air, as the wind starts to dance through the narrow streets and along the serene canals. Throughout autumn, wind speeds fluctuated, with October peaking at 6.3 m/s (14 mph) before tapering slightly in November. However, December maintains a robust breeze, reminiscent of early winter’s invigorating chill. This overall trend showcases a transition from the gentler winds of summer to a more pronounced winter wind, setting the stage for the festive spirit that envelops the city during the holiday season.
Weather in Leiden varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Leiden, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a mild maximum of 13°C (55°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (44°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 110 mm (4.3 in) over 18 days, and maintains a high humidity level of 86%.
In contrast, January experiences slightly cooler weather, with minimum temperatures dipping to -4°C (25°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while still reaching the same maximum of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation decreases to 66 mm (2.6 in) throughout 14 days, with humidity remaining consistent at 87%. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns, you can check Leiden weather in January.
December typically experiences milder temperatures compared to February, with an average of 6°C (44°F) compared to February's average of 5°C (42°F). However, February can see lower minimum temperatures, dipping to -8°C (19°F), while December's minimum is -2°C (28°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, occurring over 18 days and totaling 110 mm (4.3 in), whereas February sees less precipitation at 72 mm (2.8 in) over just 13 days. Humidity levels are notably similar, with December at 86% and February slightly higher at 87%. For more detailed insights, check out Leiden weather in February.
December weather is characterized by cooler temperatures, with daily averages ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F). The month sees significant precipitation, accumulating around 110 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 18 days, while the humidity remains high at 86%. In contrast, March experiences a slight warming trend, with average temperatures ranging from -7°C (20°F) to as high as 18°C (65°F). Precipitation in March is lower, totaling about 71 mm (2.8 in) over 14 days, yet humidity remains constant at 86%. For more detailed information, visit Leiden weather in March.
December and April present quite different weather experiences. In December, temperatures range widely from a chilly -2°C (28°F) to a mild 13°C (55°F), with an average of around 6°C (44°F). This month is characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 110 mm (4.3 in) over 18 days, contributing to a damp atmosphere and high humidity at 86%. In contrast, April sees a significant warming trend, with temperatures beginning at a minimum of 1°C (35°F) and reaching a pleasant maximum of 24°C (75°F), alongside an average of 9°C (49°F). Precipitation drops to only 43 mm (1.7 in) over just 9 days, and humidity remains slightly lower at 85%. For more insights on what to expect, check Leiden weather in April.
December and May offer starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night to a mild 13°C (55°F) during the day, accompanied by frequent precipitation over 18 days totaling 110 mm (4.3 in) and high humidity levels at 86%. Conversely, May ushers in warmer temperatures with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a pleasant maximum of 27°C (80°F), while receiving significantly less rainfall at 58 mm (2.3 in) over just 11 days, resulting in slightly lower humidity at 84%. For those interested in exploring the specific weather characteristics of May, check the details here: Leiden weather in May.
In December, the weather can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), and an average of 6°C (44°F). This month sees frequent precipitation, totaling around 110 mm (4.3 in) over 18 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, June brings a much warmer climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and peaking at 29°C (84°F), resulting in an average of 17°C (62°F). The amount of precipitation also decreases to 70 mm (2.8 in) over just 10 days, and the humidity is slightly lower at 81%. For more details on the weather in June, you can visit Leiden weather in June.
December and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) to a mild 13°C (55°F) with an average of 6°C (44°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, totaling 110 mm (4.3 in) over 18 days, alongside high humidity levels at 86%, creating a damp and cold atmosphere. In contrast, July offers much warmer temperatures, with lows of 11°C (52°F) and highs reaching 33°C (92°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is lighter in July, at 68 mm (2.7 in) over 13 days, and humidity is lower at 80%, leading to a more comfortable summer environment. For more details, check out Leiden weather in July.
December and August weather in Leiden present a striking contrast. In December, temperatures hover between a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night and a mild 13°C (55°F) during the day, while humidity remains high at 86%. This month also sees significant precipitation, accumulating to about 110 mm (4.3 in) over 18 days. In contrast, August enjoys much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a pleasant maximum of 30°C (86°F), and a lower humidity level of 78%. Additionally, August experiences slightly less rainfall, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over 15 days. For a more detailed look at the August climate, you can visit Leiden weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, it's clear that December is significantly colder, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 13°C (55°F), whereas September enjoys milder conditions with temperatures fluctuating from 8°C (46°F) to 27°C (81°F). Additionally, December is marked by higher humidity levels at 86% compared to 83% in September. Precipitation is also notable in both months, with December receiving 110 mm (4.3 in) over 18 days, while September has slightly less rain at 96 mm (3.8 in) across 13 days. For further details on September weather, you might find this link helpful: Leiden weather in September.
In comparing the weather in December to that of October, December presents a chillier climate with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F), while October enjoys warmer conditions with temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and 23°C (74°F). Interestingly, both months experience similar humidity levels at 86%, but December typically receives less precipitation, measuring 110 mm (4.3 in) over 18 days, in contrast to October's 120 mm (4.7 in) over 17 days. For more detailed insights on October weather, you can explore Leiden weather in October.
In comparing the weather between December and November, December tends to be colder with average temperatures ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 13°C (55°F), compared to November's somewhat milder range of 1°C (33°F) to 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in December, with 110 mm (4.3 in) expected over 18 days, while November sees only 70 mm (2.8 in) across 15 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with December at 86% and November slightly higher at 87%. For more details, check out Leiden weather in November.
December in Leiden marks a distinct shift in weather patterns, with temperatures dipping notably compared to earlier months. The average chill sets a cooler tone, making it one of the colder months of the year. This decline in temperature is accompanied by increased precipitation, with rain being a frequent visitor over 18 days, contributing to the overall damp and humid atmosphere. With humidity levels reaching 86%, the air feels heavier, creating that quintessential winter ambiance. For a deeper understanding of how December fits into Leiden's overall climate, explore more at Leiden Climate.