Oslo in December
Not the best time
December redeems the dark season with Christmas magic and proper snow. If you love winter holidays and don't mind cold and darkness, it's actually quite charming with all the festive lights and markets.
Weather
December transforms Oslo into a winter wonderland as snow becomes more reliable. The Christmas market season brings some magic to the dark days, which max out at about 6 hours of weak sunlight. Temperatures drop below freezing regularly.
1°C high-5°C low10 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$170/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Christmas Markets
- •Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony
- •New Year celebrations
December Tips
- •December is actually beautiful if you embrace the winter holiday spirit
- •Book early for New Year's week - prices spike and availability drops
- •Christmas markets at Spikersuppa and the Christmas tree at Spikersuppa create festive atmosphere
All Months
May through September gives you the Oslo everyone talks about – long days, outdoor dining, and ferry rides to the fjord islands. July means nearly 19 hours of daylight and locals making the most of every minute in parks and waterfront cafes. But it also means peak prices and crowds at major attractions. June offers the sweet spot: warm enough for outdoor activities but before the main tourist rush. September brings autumn colors to the surrounding forests and fewer crowds, though you'll need a jacket for evening walks. Winter has its own magic – Christmas markets, cross-country skiing right from the city center, and the northern lights if you're lucky. Just know that December daylight lasts only about 6 hours, and many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours.
Oslo Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
7/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
3/10
Luxury
8/10
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