Tallinn Weather in December

December weather in Tallinn

December feels cold, damp and often grey. Highs reach 1°C, with lows around -2°C, and rain falls on many days. Snow can happen, but don't count on a deep, lasting cover. Daylight is short, so you'll have limited time for outdoor sightseeing.

Tallinn's Old Town suits a winter wander, especially when wet weather sends you into the Kiek in de Kök fortifications or a cosy café. Skip long beach walks at Pirita, and be careful on slippery cobbled streets. Families may prefer short outings, with warm indoor stops between them.

Christmas in the Old Town

Tallinn's Christmas Market fills Town Hall Square with stalls, lights and seasonal food. It's a lovely place to try black pudding or sauerkraut, though the square can feel crowded around the holidays. Churches and museums offer calmer breaks from the cold.

The market is a seasonal highlight, but December isn't reliably snowy. You might get a wintry Old Town, or a wet walk between the stalls. Keep your plans flexible if you're hoping for snow-covered streets.

Crowds and practical tips

Tallinn is generally quieter than in the June-to-August peak, so sightseeing can feel more relaxed. Christmas Market visitors add busy spells, and accommodation may cost more around the holiday period than in quieter winter weeks.

For couples who enjoy festive lights and cosy cafés, December has plenty of charm; just expect short, grey days. Take shelter in the Town Hall Pharmacy on Town Hall Square, one of Europe's oldest, then warm up with hot glögi, a spiced drink sold at the market.