Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
| Metric | Minsk | Riga | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | -3°C (27°F) | 1°C (34°F)▲ | Riga |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -15°C (5°F) | -3°C (27°F)▲ | Riga |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 3 days▲ | 12 days | Minsk |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 30 mm▲ | 49 mm | Minsk |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 1h/day | 2h/day▲ | Riga |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 15 km/h▲ | 25 km/h | Minsk |
Minsk and Riga 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. Riga is cooler at 1°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Minsk is the stronger choice in December. Riga 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.
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 4°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.
Riga sees 49 mm over 12 rain days. That makes Minsk the drier option by 9 rain days and 19 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 1°C, lows of -3°C, 12 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 | Riga | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | -1°C | 3d | -1°C | 12d |
| Feb | 4°C | 3d | 0°C | 10d |
| Mar | 10°C | 4d | 4°C | 10d |
| Apr | 16°C | 5d | 11°C | 10d |
| May | 21°C | 6d | 16°C | 10d |
| Jun | 23°C | 6d | 20°C | 11d |
| Jul | 21°C | 6d | 22°C | 12d |
| Aug | 16°C | 5d | 22°C | 13d |
| Sep | 10°C | 4d | 17°C | 11d |
| Oct | 4°C | 3d | 10°C | 14d |
| Nov | -1°C | 3d | 4°C | 13d |
| Dec | -3°C | 3d | 1°C | 12d |
Minsk Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Riga Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities