Amsterdam vs Berlin in December — Which to Pick?
The numbers, side by side
Every figure below is an average across 11 complete years (2015–2025) of daily Open-Meteo records. Not a forecast — a historical baseline you can plan against.
Amsterdam vs Berlin in December
| Metric | Amsterdam | Berlin | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 8 °C (46°F)Winner | 6 °C (42°F) | Amsterdam is 2.5 °C warmer. |
| Average low | 4 °C (39°F)Winner | 1 °C (34°F) | Nights differ by ~3°C. |
| Rainfall | 81 mm | 51 mmWinner | Berlin is 30 mm drier. |
| Rainy days | 15 | 13Winner | Berlin is 2.4 days with fewer rainy days. |
| Sunshine | 3.1 h/day | 2.6 h/day | Effectively even in sunshine. |
Our honest take
In December, Amsterdam runs about 3°C warmer on average — a meaningful gap when you're deciding what to pack.
Berlin sees roughly 30mm less rainfall this month, so your afternoons are more likely to survive intact.
Neither is objectively better: pick Amsterdam for what Amsterdam is famous for; pick Berlin for what Berlin does uniquely. The persona cards below break the choice down by traveller type.
Traveller verdict for December
Data-driven picks based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025). Neither destination is objectively “better” — it depends on what you're after.
Beach days play out much the same in either destination.
Both offer credible nightlife — pick by taste rather than data.
Berlin suits families better this month — gentler temperatures and fewer washouts.
Similar shooting conditions — atmosphere becomes the deciding factor.
Prices track closely — book early either way.
Both cuisines deserve the trip — pick by menu, not climate.
Compare hotels in both
Booking.com deep links with December check-in dates pre-filled.
Amsterdam vs Berlin in December — FAQ
Q01Is Amsterdam warmer than Berlin in December?
Is Amsterdam warmer than Berlin in December?
Yes — Amsterdam runs about 3°C warmer than Berlin in December. Amsterdam averages 8°C highs; Berlin averages 6°C. Based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025).
Q02Which is drier — Amsterdam or Berlin in December?
Which is drier — Amsterdam or Berlin in December?
Berlin is drier in December. It averages 51mm of rainfall vs 81mm at Amsterdam. That is a meaningful difference for outdoor plans.
Q03Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Neither destination pulls ahead on sunshine or dry days in December — both offer similar outdoor windows. Choose by terrain and interest rather than weather.
Q04Which is cheaper to visit in December — Amsterdam or Berlin?
Which is cheaper to visit in December — Amsterdam or Berlin?
Both destinations command similar peak pricing when the weather is at its best; visiting either in shoulder or off-season lowers hotel rates by 30–50%.
Q05Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Beach conditions are broadly similar. Look at sea-water temperature and swimming ease locally — the air/sun figures are close.