Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
| Metric | Minsk | Riga | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | -1°C (30°F) | 1°C (34°F)▲ | Riga |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -5°C (23°F) | -3°C (27°F)▲ | Riga |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 10 days▲ | 12 days | Minsk |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 40 mm▲ | 49 mm | Minsk |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 2h/day | 2h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 23 km/h▲ | 25 km/h | Minsk |
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Minsk edges ahead as the better destination in December. Minsk offers 2 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Riga sees 2 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.
Minsk is on the cooler side at -1°C, requiring warmer clothing. Riga is cooler at 1°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Minsk is the stronger choice in December.
Minsk reaches an average high of -1°C (30°F) and drops to -5°C (23°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Riga averages 1°C (34°F) for the high and -3°C (27°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.
Minsk receives approximately 40 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Riga sees 49 mm over 12 rain days. That makes Minsk the drier option by 2 rain days and 9 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
Highs of -1°C, lows of -5°C, 10 rain days
Highs of 1°C, lows of -3°C, 12 rain days
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. December is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Minsk | Riga | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | -3°C | 10d | -1°C | 12d |
| Feb | -2°C | 10d | 0°C | 10d |
| Mar | 3°C | 10d | 4°C | 10d |
| Apr | 12°C | 10d | 11°C | 10d |
| May | 17°C | 13d | 16°C | 10d |
| Jun | 21°C | 13d | 20°C | 11d |
| Jul | 23°C | 13d | 22°C | 12d |
| Aug | 22°C | 11d | 22°C | 13d |
| Sep | 16°C | 10d | 17°C | 11d |
| Oct | 10°C | 11d | 10°C | 14d |
| Nov | 3°C | 10d | 4°C | 13d |
| Dec | -1°C | 10d | 1°C | 12d |
Minsk Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Riga Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities