Chisinau Weather in December

Cold, grey days

December in Chișinău feels damp and chilly. Daytime highs reach about 3°C, while nights can dip below freezing. Cloud hangs around, and there's little sunshine, so outdoor sightseeing can feel dreary. Rain falls on several days; icy patches can make pavements slippery.

You can still enjoy a short walk around Ștefan cel Mare Central Park or visit the National Museum of History, where you can warm up indoors. Save longer countryside walks for another season. May and September are much better for spending whole days outside.

Christmas and New Year

Chișinău puts up festive lights, and a seasonal Christmas market usually appears near the central square, Piața Marii Adunări Naționale. Moldova celebrates Christmas on both December 25 and January 7, so festive events can span the holiday period. New Year brings another reason to visit the square.

If you hate crowds, December is generally calmer than the popular May and September travel months. The centre gets busier around Christmas and New Year, but much of the month feels quiet. Stays may cost less than in those peak months, though prices vary.

A cosy city break

Treat December as a museum-and-café trip, not a beach or hiking holiday. Browse the National Museum, then warm up with placinte, Moldova's savoury or sweet filled pastries, at a city bakery. If the sidewalks are slick, use a trolleybus rather than walking across town.

Travelling with kids? Keep outdoor stops short, then head indoors to the National Museum of History. Its exhibits offer a useful way to learn about Moldova without relying on clear skies. The short daylight and damp air can make a full day outside tiring, even when it isn't raining.