Last updated: August 27, 2025
December in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation presents a crisp and chilly atmosphere as winter fully establishes its grip. With maximum temperatures reaching 6°C (42°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F), locals and visitors alike brace for the cold, which can dip to a biting minimum of -21°C (-6°F). The city experiences significant precipitation, accumulating 69 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 17 days, resulting in a damp and frosty environment. High humidity levels at 94% add to the chill, making warm layers a necessity for those exploring the stunning winter landscapes of this historic city.
In December, temperatures in Saint Petersburg begin to plunge, with a noticeable chill permeating the air as winter settles in. The month features a minimum of -21°C (-6°F), while average temperatures hover around -2°C (28°F), making it one of the colder months of the year. The highs typically reach 6°C (42°F), providing a brief respite from the frigid lows. This significant drop in temperature marks a shift from the milder conditions experienced in the preceding months, like November, where temperatures often flirt with the freezing point. As days grow shorter and the city is blanketed in snow, the frosty climate sets the stage for a picturesque winter wonderland, inviting visitors to explore its stunning architecture and vibrant holiday festivities.
In December, Saint Petersburg experiences a noticeable uptick in precipitation, with 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain falling over the month. This increase reflects the trend of wetter winters in the city, where the number of precipitation days rises to 17, marking it as one of the wettest months of the year. The transition from November to December shows a shift not only in precipitation amount but also in the frequency of rainy days, suggesting a shift in weather patterns as the city moves deeper into winter. This combination of rainfall contributes to the cold, crisp atmosphere typical of Saint Petersburg during this time, setting the scene for its enchanting winter landscape.
In Saint Petersburg, December ushers in the winter chill with a humidity level of 94%, mirroring the high moisture seen in the preceding months. This trend highlights the city’s cool, damp climate as it transitions from fall into winter. Throughout the year, Saint Petersburg experiences its highest humidity in January at 97%, gradually decreasing to 74% in May before climbing again during the summer months. As the temperatures drop further in November, humidity remains consistently high, signaling a moist and overcast end to the year. Thus, December maintains a significant level of humidity, reflective of the city’s distinct maritime influence and its characteristic winter weather.
In December, the UV Index in Saint Petersburg drops to a low level of 1, offering a comfortable respite from the higher levels seen in the summer months. With a burn time of approximately 45 minutes, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities without immediate concern for UV exposure. This trend of reduced UV levels continues from November, maintaining the pattern observed through the winter. As the year progresses from the bright summer (UV Index reaching 7 in June and July) to the gentle winter months, Saint Petersburg experiences a clear seasonal decline in UV intensity, making December an ideal time for those sensitive to sunlight. For more detailed information about UV levels throughout the year, visit Saint Petersburg UV Index.
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As the year winds down, December in Saint Petersburg is characterized by a notable drop in sunshine, with residents experiencing a mere 37 hours of bright light. This stark contrast to the vibrant 469 hours of sunlight in June highlights the city's seasonal extremes. Following a gradual increase from 45 hours in January to a peak in sun exposure during the spring and early summer months, December marks a significant decline as autumn gives way to winter. This trend emphasizes the city's long winter nights and the rich tapestry of daylight that defines its warmer months, inviting locals and visitors alike to embrace the unique charm of winter in this historic city, even as the sun retreats.
In Saint Petersburg, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a significant dip during December, plunging to a mere 5%. This trend emerges starkly against the backdrop of the year, showcasing a dramatic decrease in sunshine as autumn gives way to winter. Following the milder days of October, which offers a 34% chance of sun, the city braces for the dark and cold days of winter, reflected in the consistently low percentages in the months that follow. With sunshine becoming increasingly scarce, residents and visitors alike should be prepared for a snowy and overcast landscape, reminiscent of a typical Russian winter.
In Saint Petersburg, December ushers in the shortest days of the year, with daylight lasting a mere 5 hours. This stark reduction follows a steady descent from the year’s peak in June, where the city enjoys an impressive 18 hours of daylight. As the months progress from the lush brightness of summer into the darker grip of winter, daylight dwindles significantly: from 17 hours in July to November's 7 hours, before bottoming out in December. This seasonal trend not only highlights the extreme variation in daylight that characterizes Saint Petersburg but also accentuates the captivating beauty of its long twilight evenings. As the city transitions from the vibrant light of earlier months to the quietude of December, residents and visitors alike are reminded of the city's enchanting winter charm.
As December settles over Saint Petersburg, the average wind speed registers at a brisk 4.6 m/s (10 mph), reflecting a blend of lingering autumn breezes and the onset of winter’s chill. This month, while slightly calmer than the preceding November, which boasted winds at 5.4 m/s (12 mph), still holds a notable increase compared to the summer months. The gradual shift from milder winds in June and July, both averaging around 3.2 m/s (7 mph) and 3.6 m/s (8 mph) respectively, illustrates how the gusts steadily pick up strength as the year wanes. Notably, October marks a turning point with an average of 5.3 m/s (12 mph), paving the way for the robust air movements typical of winter. As the city braces for the colder months, December winds add a dramatic flair to the already picturesque landscapes of Saint Petersburg, inviting residents and visitors alike to don their scarves and embrace the vibrant, swirling air.
Weather in Saint Petersburg varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Saint Petersburg, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January exhibit similar cold conditions, though January tends to be slightly colder overall. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) to a maximum of 6°C (42°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F). The month sees 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 17 days and maintains a high humidity level of 94%. In contrast, January features a minimum temperature of -22°C (-7°F) and an average temperature of -4°C (25°F), while the maximum reaches 7°C (44°F). Precipitation decreases to 40 mm (1.6 in) over just 11 days, and humidity increases slightly to 97%. For more details, visit Saint Petersburg weather in January.
December and February present distinctly chilly weather patterns, though they share some similarities. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) to a maximum of 6°C (42°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F). This month experiences about 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 17 days, maintaining a high humidity level of 94%. In contrast, February is typically colder, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -28°C (-17°F), yet still peaking at 6°C (43°F) and averaging -4°C (24°F). Precipitation in February is somewhat lighter at 51 mm (2.0 in) over 14 days, while humidity remains constant at 94%. For more detailed insights, check out Saint Petersburg weather in February.
In December, the weather in Saint Petersburg is characterized by temperatures ranging from a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) to a maximum of 6°C (42°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F). The month typically experiences 69 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 17 days, accompanied by high humidity at 94%. In contrast, March sees slightly colder minimum temperatures at -23°C (-9°F), but the maximum can reach up to 11°C (53°F), resulting in a similar average of -2°C (29°F). March is generally drier, with 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 12 days and a little lower humidity at 91%. For more detailed information, you can check Saint Petersburg weather in March.
In comparing the weather of December and April, it is evident that April brings a notable shift towards milder conditions. While December experiences frigid temperatures with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F), April shows a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -13°C (10°F) up to a much more pleasant maximum of 19°C (67°F). Additionally, December has higher precipitation levels at 69 mm (2.7 in) over 17 days, compared to April's 51 mm (2.0 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels also decrease slightly from 94% in December to 87% in April, giving the latter month a more refreshing feel. For more detailed insights on the weather in April, you can refer to Saint Petersburg weather in April.
December and May present stark contrasts in weather in Saint Petersburg. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -21°C (-6°F), with an average around -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 6°C (42°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 94% and frequent precipitation, totaling 69 mm over 17 days. In contrast, May brings a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a pleasant average of 10°C (50°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). Additionally, May sees less precipitation, averaging 48 mm over only 9 days, and a lower humidity level of 74%. For a closer look at May's weather specifics, visit Saint Petersburg weather in May.
December and June present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -21°C (-6°F), with an average of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum reaching just 6°C (42°F). This cold month experiences significant precipitation spread over 17 days, resulting in high humidity levels at 94%. In contrast, June sees much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 16°C (62°F), and peaks soaring up to 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is lighter, totaling 48 mm (1.9 in) over just 9 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 77%. For more detailed information on the pleasant June weather, check out Saint Petersburg weather in June.
December and July in Saint Petersburg showcase a dramatic contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F), with highs reaching only 6°C (42°F). The month is marked by high humidity at 94% and considerable precipitation occurring over 17 days, totaling 69 mm (2.7 in). In stark contrast, July experiences a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 8°C (48°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), peaking at a comfortable 32°C (90°F). This summer month has slightly more precipitation at 82 mm (3.2 in) but fewer rainy days, occurring over just 13 days, and a lower humidity level of 83%. For more details on the warmest months in Saint Petersburg, visit Saint Petersburg weather in July.
In December, the weather in Saint Petersburg is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -2°C (28°F), making it a stark contrast to the warmth of August. During August, temperatures rise significantly, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), creating a much more pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. While December sees a total precipitation of 69 mm (2.7 in) over 17 days and high humidity levels at 94%, August experiences more precipitation at 115 mm (4.5 in) but over just 15 days, with slightly lower humidity at 86%. For a deeper look into the temperatures and conditions in August, check out Saint Petersburg weather in August.
Comparing the weather in December and September reveals stark contrasts in temperature and overall climate. In December, temperatures plummet, with averages hovering around -2°C (28°F) and nighttime lows reaching as low as -21°C (-6°F). The month is quite humid as well, with humidity levels at 94% and precipitation on 17 days, totaling 69 mm (2.7 in). In stark contrast, September experiences a more temperate climate with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F), peaking at a comfortable 24°C (76°F) during the day. While September sees slightly more precipitation at 76 mm (3.0 in), it occurs over fewer days, totalizing just 14 days of rain. For more details on September weather specifically, you can check Saint Petersburg weather in September.
In December, the weather in Saint Petersburg is considerably colder, with average temperatures ranging from a frigid -21°C (-6°F) at night to a maximum of 6°C (42°F) during the day, compared to the milder October temperatures that hover between -4°C (25°F) and 17°C (63°F). While December experiences slightly less precipitation with 69 mm (2.7 in) over 17 days, October has a higher total of 86 mm (3.4 in) across 16 days. Humidity remains high in both months, at 94% in December and 93% in October, creating a damp atmosphere. For a closer look at October weather in Saint Petersburg, you can check out Saint Petersburg weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be significantly colder, with average temperatures hovering around -2°C (28°F), while November sees slightly milder conditions with an average of 2°C (36°F). The minimum temperature in December plunges to -21°C (-6°F), compared to November's minimum of -8°C (18°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in December, with rain or snow occurring on 17 days and totaling 69 mm (2.7 in), while November experiences 13 days of precipitation and a total of 55 mm (2.2 in). Additionally, December's humidity is slightly higher at 94%, compared to November's 92%. For a more detailed look at November's weather, you can visit Saint Petersburg weather in November.
In December, Saint Petersburg transforms into a frosty wonderland, with temperatures dipping to their lowest for the year. Unlike the milder months of autumn, visitors can expect an average chill that rivals the brisk air of winter, making it essential to bundle up. With a high humidity of 94%, the cold often feels more intense, while the frequent precipitation over 17 days adds a layer of moisture to the already crisp atmosphere. This month is a notable departure from the temperate conditions of earlier months, ushering in the heart of winter. For those looking to understand better the nuances of seasonal changes, check out Saint Petersburg Climate.