Winter in Copenhagen: Weather, Tips, and Experiencing Danish Hygge

There are many reasons why one may find themselves in Copenhagen in the winter. Perhaps you’re visiting for work, exploring somewhere new, or maybe flights to Copenhagen were simply more affordable this time of year. Whatever the reason, Copenhagen can be a magical place—especially if you embrace the dark, wet days and take the opportunity to experience the Danish concept of hygge.

What’s Copenhagen Like in the Winter? The Two Winters.

Copenhagen’s winter season can feel like two distinct experiences. The first, from November through New Year’s, is vibrant and festive, with Christmas markets, Tivoli Gardens glowing with holiday lights, and endless seasonal activities. The second, quieter phase begins after New Year’s, when holiday attractions close, and the city slows down. This is the perfect time to experience hygge—Danish coziness—through candlelit cafés, hearty meals, and peaceful explorations. Both winters have their own unique charm, making Copenhagen a magical destination no matter when you visit.

Copenhagen Winter Weather Overview

Winter in Copenhagen is dark, cold, and often wet. Temperatures typically range from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), though they can dip below freezing at night. While snow is possible, it’s more common to experience chilly rain and overcast skies. Being a coastal city, Copenhagen is often breezy, so be sure to pack a windproof jacket!

Daylight hours are short, with the sun rising around 8:30 AM and setting by 3:30 PM in the darkest months. This may sound bleak, but it sets the stage perfectly for enjoying the warm, glowing embrace of Danish hygge.

Experiencing Danish Hygge in Winter

Winter is the ultimate time to try to discover Danish hygge, the Danish concept of coziness, comfort, and contentment. Here are some opportunities to embrace hygge during your Copenhagen visit:

• Cozy Cafés and Warm Drinks
  Copenhagen’s café culture thrives in winter. Step into charming spots like La Glace, Denmark’s oldest patisserie, for a slice of cake and a hot chocolate, or Paludan Bogcafé, where books and coffee create the ultimate snug atmosphere.
• Candles Everywhere
  Candles are central to the winter hygge experience. Visit shops like Illums Bolighus or Søstrene Grene to pick up some Danish-designed candles, or simply enjoy the warm glow in restaurants and bars.
• Winter Markets
  From mid-November until just before Christmas, Copenhagen’s Christmas markets offer mulled wine (gløgg), roasted almonds, and unique gifts. Standing under a heater with a warm gløgg in hand, sharing laughs with friends, is pure hygge.
• Relax in a Spa or Sauna
  While Denmark doesn’t have as strong a sauna culture as Finland or Sweden, sauna and winter bathing are very popular in Copenhagen. Check out CopenHot for hot tubs with harbor views or Glæcier on Refshaleøen for a sauna session followed by a chilly dip in the water.
• Cozy Craft Beer or Board Games
  Consider dipping into the basement beer bars at either Peders Craft Beer Bar or Bar' Godt to sip on some local craft beers. Or, go with friends for a cozy evening with food, drinks and loads of board games at Bastard Café.
• Street Food and Ice Skating
  Outdoor dining may not seem ideal in winter, but bundle up and visit Broens Street Food, or Reffen. Both locations offer local street food stalls, drinks, and ice skating in the winter. Broens is conveniently located just across the bridge from Nyhavn. While Reffen takes a little more navigating to get to, it is much larger and quite the experience.

What to Pack for a Copenhagen Winter

Layers! To fully enjoy Copenhagen in winter, you’ll need to dress the part and layers are your friend.

• Outerwear: A warm, waterproof coat with wind protection.
• Accessories: Scarf, gloves, and a hat to keep the chill out.
• Footwear: Warm shoes or boots.
• Extras: Thermal layers and warm socks for added comfort.

Snow gear is rarely necessary, as Copenhagen rarely gets snow, and it usually doesn’t last long.

Although it doesn’t often rain heavily in Copenhagen, winter is consistently damp. You likely won’t need an umbrella, but a waterproof jacket will keep you warm and dry.

Why Visit Copenhagen in Winter?

Despite the chill, winter in Copenhagen is a unique way to experience Danish culture. Few crowds also make it easier to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. Combine that with discovering Danish hygge, and you’ve got a truly unique winter destination.

So grab your warmest coat and get ready to embrace the cold—it’s part of what makes Copenhagen in the winter such a cozy and unforgettable destination.