A guide to Copenhagen in winter
Is Copenhagen worth visiting in winter?
Yes, Copenhagen is worth visiting in winter. The weather may be cool and the days are short, but the city offers plenty to see and do – from Christmas lights and seasonal traditions to ice skating, winter bathing, and sauna visits.
With the right clothing and a mix of indoor and outdoor plans, the winter months from November through February can be a wonderful time to explore Copenhagen.
Copenhagen month by month
| What to expect | |
| Weather | Cool, changing weather, short days, and occasional snow rather than a consistently snow-covered city |
| November and December | Christmas lights, seasonal traditions, markets, and events |
| January and February | Winter activities, longer days and Fastelavn |
| What to do | Combine museums, cafés, and cultural attractions with ice skating, winter bathing, sauna visits, and other outdoor experiences |
Not sure when to visit? Here’s what characterises each Copenhagen winter month. If you plan to visit several included museums and attractions, a Copenhagen Card may help combine admission with public transportation.
Copenhagen in November
November marks the transition into winter, with shorter days and the first Christmas lights and seasonal events appearing. It suits visitors who want an early taste of the Christmas season.Read more in our guide to Copenhagen in November.
Copenhagen in December
December is shaped by Christmas markets, illuminated streets and Danish Christmas traditions. Opening hours may change around Christmas and New Year, so keep track of what’s open here.
Copenhagen in January
After the Christmas decorations come down, January brings Copenhagen back to its everyday winter setting. It’s a perfect time to experience everything the city has to offer. For instance, go skiing at CopenHill or relax in an outdoor hot tub.
Copenhagen in February
Days gradually lengthen in February. Copenhagen Light Festival presents light installations across the city, while bakeries prepare traditional and contemporary versions of fastelavnsboller in the weeks around the Danish carnival tradition Fastelavn.
Winter weather and daylight
Winter weather in Copenhagen is usually cool rather than severely cold. Average monthly temperatures fall from around 7°C in November to 4°C in December and approximately 2°C in January and February.
Wind, rain, and damp conditions can make it feel colder, while snow may occur but doesn't necessarily last long. The figures are based on DMI climate data. Daylight becomes limited towards the end of the year and begins to increase again after the winter solstice.
Christmas and New Year’s in Copenhagen
Christmas shapes much of Copenhagen in late November and December, with decorated streets, seasonal food, events and markets across the city. If your visit continues into the final days of December, celebrate and bring in the new year.
Outdoor winter experiences
Cold weather is part of the Copenhagen experience. Go ice skating, try winter bathing, or explore CopenPay activities that reveal different sides of the city.
Cozy days
Cold weather gives you a reason to warm up indoors at one of Copenhagen’s many cafés and bakeries. Winter is also a great time to explore hygge and how it shapes the Danish mindset.
Plan your winter holiday
Practical information to help you plan the best possible trip to Copenhagen. Useful before and during your stay.
Get answers about Copenhagen in Winter
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about visiting Copenhagen in winter.
Is it worth visiting Copenhagen in winter?
Yes. Winter offers a distinct mix of indoor cultural experiences, seasonal events, ice skating, winter bathing, saunas, cafés, and food traditions. Expect cool, changeable weather and short days with a cozy seasonal atmosphere.
What's the weather like in Copenhagen?
What's the weather like in Copenhagen?
The climate in Copenhagen follows the four seasons of the northern hemisphere, but temperatures can vary considerably during the year. July and August are normally the warmest months of the year with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celcius and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. February is generally the coldest with an average of 2 degrees Celcius and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, snow is not something we can guarantee each winter. When it occurs, it’s typically from December until spring, but snow rarely lasts long.
Temperatures in Copenhagen
The average temperatures in Celcius in Copenhagen are (month: day / night):
- Jan: 1,9 / -2,0
- Feb: 2,0 / -2,4
- Mar: 4,8 / -0,6
- Apr: 9,5 / 2,3
- May: 15 / 7,2
- Jun: 19,2 / 11,3
- Jul: 20,4 / 12,9
- Aug: 20,3 / 12,6
- Sep: 16,7 / 9,8
- Oct: 12,1 / 6,7
- Nov: 7,1 / 2,7
- Dec: 3,7 / -0,5
Month: day / night (everage temperatures in Fahrenheit)
- Jan: 35,4 / 28,4
- Feb: 35,6 / 27,7
- Mar: 40,6 / 30,9
- Apr: 49,1 / 36,1
- May: 59,0 / 45,0
- Jun: 66,6 / 52,3
- Jul: 68,7 / 55,2
- Aug: 68,5 / 54,7
- Sep: 62,1 / 49,6
- Oct: 53,8 / 44,1
- Nov: 44,8 / 36,9
- Dec: 38,7 / 31,1
What to wear in Copenhagen in winter?
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
In Denmark, we have a saying: "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing." This couldn’t be more true in winter. While temperatures may not look extreme on paper, the high humidity and biting westerly and northerly winds can make it feel much colder. Without the right clothing, exploring Copenhagen during winter can quickly become an uncomfortable experience.
Layers is the key
The key to staying comfortable is layering. Start with a good cotton or wool base layer that fits snugly to your body. Add a thicker, slightly looser wool sweater or fleece for insulation, and top it off with a high-quality jacket that’s both waterproof and windproof. Pair this with long underwear, a cozy beanie, and you’ll be ready to enjoy hours outdoors in the beautiful winter scenery of Copenhagen.
Why wool?
As you might have noticed, there’s a recurring theme here: wool. For generations, it has been a trusted material in the Nordic region—and for good reason. Wool naturally regulates temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, making it the perfect thermal material. Plus, a classic Nordic wool jumper isn’t just practical—it looks fantastic too. Embrace the local style and wrap yourself head to toe in wool for both comfort and charm.
What's open in the winter in Copenhagen?
Restaurants, museums and shops are all open all year round, in winter you're just more likely to bump into a local than another tourist. Outdoor experiences, like canal cruises, also operate year-round, though some operate with fewer boats in the winter season, so keep that in mind.
Tivoli is one exception. In winter, it’s usually open only for Christmas, from mid-November to the end of December, and then remains closed until reopening for Easter in April.
What is there to do in Copenhagen in winter?
You can visit museums and galleries, explore cafés and restaurants, attend seasonal events, go ice skating, or try winter bathing and a sauna visit. November and December are shaped by Christmas traditions, while February features Fastelavn and Copenhagen Light Festival.