Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
| Metric | Minsk | Kyiv | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | -3°C (27°F) | 0°C (32°F)▲ | Kyiv |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -15°C (5°F) | -4°C (25°F)▲ | Kyiv |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 3 days▲ | 9 days | Minsk |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 30 mm▲ | 44 mm | Minsk |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 1h/day | 2h/day▲ | Kyiv |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 15 km/h▲ | 18 km/h | Minsk |
Minsk and Kyiv are closely matched in December. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Minsk is on the cooler side at -3°C, requiring warmer clothing. Kyiv is cooler at 0°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Minsk is the stronger choice in December. Kyiv receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Minsk reaches an average high of -3°C (27°F) and drops to -15°C (5°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 12°C, meaning significant temperature swings between day and night.
Kyiv averages 0°C (32°F) for the high and -4°C (25°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The 3°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 30 mm of rainfall across 3 rain days during December. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.
Kyiv sees 44 mm over 9 rain days. That makes Minsk the drier option by 6 rain days and 14 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
Highs of -3°C, lows of -15°C, 3 rain days
Highs of 0°C, lows of -4°C, 9 rain days
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, 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 | Kyiv | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | -1°C | 3d | -2°C | 9d |
| Feb | 4°C | 3d | 0°C | 8d |
| Mar | 10°C | 4d | 5°C | 9d |
| Apr | 16°C | 5d | 14°C | 9d |
| May | 21°C | 6d | 20°C | 11d |
| Jun | 23°C | 6d | 23°C | 11d |
| Jul | 21°C | 6d | 25°C | 12d |
| Aug | 16°C | 5d | 24°C | 8d |
| Sep | 10°C | 4d | 19°C | 9d |
| Oct | 4°C | 3d | 12°C | 8d |
| Nov | -1°C | 3d | 5°C | 8d |
| Dec | -3°C | 3d | 0°C | 9d |
Minsk Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Kyiv Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities