Saint Petersburg Weather in December

December: dark and damp

December feels like proper winter in Saint Petersburg: highs reach about -4°C, while damp air, cloud and frequent rain make it feel raw. You'll get only a short stretch of daylight, with little sunshine, so outdoor sightseeing can feel gloomy and slippery. November is wetter, but December is colder; January is colder still.

The Hermitage and the Russian Museum make good plans for grey days. Save long walks along the Neva or canal embankments for brighter spells, and don't count on Peterhof's famous fountains: they're shut for winter. Travelling with kids? Keep outdoor stops short, then warm up inside the Peter and Paul Fortress museum.

New Year in the city

Saint Petersburg puts up lights and decorations for the New Year, with festivities around Palace Square and Nevsky Prospekt. New Year's Eve is the main December holiday; Russian Orthodox Christmas falls in January, not December.

Early December is generally quieter than the summer peak, when white nights draw visitors. Prices are often lower than in the busiest months, but they can rise around New Year as people come for the celebrations. If you hate crowds, visit before the holiday rush.

Make the cold work for you

December's rain, damp and low comfort rating can wear you down, so build indoor stops into your day. The short daylight also means you'll want to keep outdoor plans flexible rather than setting aside a whole day for strolling.

A handy route is the Admiralteyskaya metro station to the Winter Palace: it cuts down the walk when pavements are wet or slushy. Once inside the Hermitage, you can spend hours away from the weather. Afterward, try a bowl of borscht at a nearby café to warm up.