Gdansk Weather in December

December feels damp and dim

Gdansk in December is cold, often wet and very cloudy. Highs reach about 3°C, while nights hover near freezing. Rain falls on many days, and there's little sunshine, so the streets can feel raw and grey.

You'll have just over seven hours of daylight. Save outdoor wandering around the Motława waterfront or Long Market for the brightest part of the day. The World War II Museum and the Amber Museum are better bets when rain sets in. Beach walks in Brzeźno can feel bleak, so keep them short.

Christmas in the Old Town

The Christmas market at Targ Węglowy brings lights, food stalls and a festive feel to the centre. It's a lovely stop after visiting the Main Town, but the market can draw extra visitors, especially near Christmas. On Christmas Eve, many shops and restaurants close early or stay shut.

Families who enjoy festive stalls and indoor museums may find December a good fit, despite the cold.

Quieter, with a market bump

Outside the Christmas period, December is generally quieter than Gdansk's popular summer months. You're less likely to face summer crowds around Neptune's Fountain or the waterfront, and accommodation can be cheaper than in peak season. Prices and availability can rise around the market and holiday dates, though.

For a practical local tip, warm up with a bowl of żurek, a sour rye soup, near the Main Town after a walk along Długi Targ. Check opening hours before setting out for St Mary's Church or museums; holiday schedules can change, and short daylight makes a closed-door surprise more frustrating.