Uppsala in December
Not the best time
December wraps Uppsala in winter magic with Christmas markets and Lucia celebrations, but demands serious cold-weather preparation. It's atmospheric and authentically Swedish, though definitely not for everyone.
Weather
December plunges Uppsala into winter darkness with only 5 hours of weak daylight. Snow typically arrives to stay, covering the medieval cityscape in white. Temperatures drop below freezing regularly, and the combination of short days and cold weather creates a distinctly Nordic December mood.
1°C high-4°C low9 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$90/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Uppsala Christmas Market
- •Lucia celebrations (December 13)
- •New Year's Eve fireworks at Uppsala Castle
December Tips
- •The Christmas market at Stora Torget is genuinely charming and worth braving the cold
- •Lucia Day on December 13th offers a beautiful Swedish tradition with candlelit processions
- •Pack serious winter clothing - thermal underwear isn't optional in December Uppsala
All Months
May through September gives you the best of Uppsala. The city comes alive when students return in late August – suddenly every café terrace fills up, street musicians appear, and the whole place hums with energy.
June and July offer the classic Swedish summer experience: 18-hour days, outdoor concerts in Stadsträdgården park, and locals making the most of every sunny moment. But here's the catch – many students leave for summer break, so some bars and restaurants close or reduce hours.
September might be the sweet spot. Students are back, the weather stays mild (15-20°C), and autumn colors paint the surrounding forests. Plus, hotel prices drop from their summer peaks. Winter has its charm – Christmas markets, cozy pubs, northern lights if you're lucky – but expect short days and temperatures around -5°C.
Uppsala Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
7/10
Luxury
5/10
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