Visiting Copenhagen in December is like stepping into a Nordic fairy tale — twinkling lights, festive markets, and that special Danish hygge atmosphere. But don’t be fooled by the charm: winter here is cold, damp, and often windy. You’ll need to pack smart to stay warm and dry while keeping your Scandinavian fashion game strong.
Think wool coats, thermal layers, weatherproof shoes, and stylish accessories. Copenhagen locals are effortlessly chic even in the cold, so aim for warm and fashionable. Be prepared for rain, maybe snow, and lots of walking or biking in the crisp air.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Copenhagen in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
Copenhagen in December is cold and often wet, with limited daylight (sunrise ~8:30am, sunset ~3:30pm).
- 🌡️ Average high: 4°C / 39°F – chilly but manageable
- 🌙 Average low: 0°C / 32°F – cold mornings & evenings
- 🌧️ 11–15 rainy/snowy days – waterproof gear is essential
- 🌬️ Wind adds chill, especially by the harbor
- 🎄 Christmas markets & indoor cafes are highlights
What to Pack for Copenhagen in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Carry-on suitcase – 🧳 winter gear is bulky, pack efficiently
- Checked bag – 🛄 for long stays or heavy outerwear
- Duffle bag – 🧥 good for weekend trips to Malmö or Aarhus
- Daypack – 🎒 for exploring the city hands-free
- Packing cubes – 📦 helps manage winter layers
- Shoe bags – 👟 keep wet boots separate
- Toiletry bag – 🧼 leak-proof for winter skincare
- Document organizer – 📁 passport, ID, travel docs
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ useful for groceries or markets
- Laundry kit – 🧺 for long stays or hand-washing delicates
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ avoid overweight fees on return
- Luggage lock – 🔒 keep your bags secure
- Money pouch – 💰 helpful in crowded areas
- Quick-dry towel – 🧻 optional for hostels or spas
- Neck pillow – 😴 for flights or train rides
- Sleep mask – 🛌 for early nights and hostel stays
👗 Clothes
- Thermal base layers (2–3 sets) – 🧤 essential for staying warm
- Wool or cashmere sweaters (2–3) – 🧶 stylish warmth
- Long-sleeve tops (3–4) – 👚 layering is everything
- Thick winter coat – 🧥 preferably waterproof or down-filled
- Packable rain jacket – 🌧️ for wet days with milder temps
- Warm pants/jeans (2–3) – 👖 lined or layered if needed
- Wool leggings or tights – 🧦 great under skirts or extra layer
- Winter dress/skirt – 👗 pair with fleece tights for cozy style
- Pajamas – 🛏️ warm for chilly hotel rooms
- Swimsuit – 👙 if you plan to try saunas or spa days
- Robe or lounge set – 🧖 cozy for hotel evenings
- Underwear (7+) – 👙 warm + breathable options
- Bras (3–4) – 🧺 include a sports bra if active
- Thick socks (6–8) – 🧦 include wool socks for warmth
- Scarf – 🧣 chunky knit or wool for true winter style
- Gloves – 🧤 touchscreen-friendly & insulated
- Beanie or hat – 🧢 warm and windproof
💆 Skincare
- Creamy cleanser – 🧴 gentle for dry winter skin
- Hydrating toner – 💧 calms wind-chapped face
- Rich moisturizer – 🧴 lock in hydration
- Sunscreen – ☀️ still needed even in winter glare
- Makeup remover – 🧽 travel wipes or balm
- Exfoliator – 🛁 1–2x/week to refresh skin
- Eye cream – 👁️ reduces puffiness from cold
- Facial mist – 💦 keep skin dewy indoors
- Lip balm – 💋 you’ll need it daily
- Spot treatment – 🎯 cold weather breakouts happen
💄 Makeup
- Hydrating foundation – 💄 avoid dry patches
- Concealer – 👁️ brighten tired winter eyes
- Setting powder – 🌬️ keep makeup in place
- Cream blush – 🌺 glowy look in the cold
- Highlighter – ✨ subtle shimmer for festive vibes
- Neutral eyeshadow – 🎨 works day or night
- Waterproof eyeliner – ✒️ for wet weather
- Lengthening mascara – 👁️ lift your winter look
- Brow gel – 🧴 tame + shape
- Lip tint or balm – 💄 long-lasting moisture + color
- Setting spray – ❄️ protects in wind/rain
- Brushes – 🖌️ essential tools, travel-size
💇 Hair Care
- Brush or comb – 💇♀️ anti-static for cold air
- Hair ties + clips – 🧷 always useful
- Shampoo + conditioner – 🧴 hydrating formulas
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ quick refresh between outings
- Heat protectant – 🔥 for styling tools
- Hair oil or serum – 💧 tame frizz from wind
- Mini dryer – 💨 confirm with your hotel
- Straightener or curler – 💁♀️ for festive nights out
- Accessories – 🎀 headbands or clips
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – 👢 must-have for puddles or snow
- Comfortable sneakers – 👟 for drier days and museums
- Dress boots or flats – 🥿 for indoor dinners
- Thermal insoles – 🧦 great for extra warmth
- Wool beanie – 🧢 stylish & functional
- Gloves – 🧤 windproof, lined, touchscreen-ready
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ bright winter glare is real
- Jewelry – 💍 minimalist Nordic style
- Crossbody bag – 👜 secure and easy to carry
- Umbrella – ☔ wind-resistant type
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport – 🛂 required for entry
- Travel insurance – 🏥 always essential
- Flight/train confirmations – 📧 save offline
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 Denmark is cashless-friendly
- Some Danish Kroner – 💶 for rare cash situations
- Emergency contacts – 📱 written and saved digitally
- Offline maps – 🗺️ avoid data usage
- Notebook + pen – 🖊️ for journaling or notes
- Wallet – 👛 slim and RFID-safe
- Valuables – 💎 keep minimal & secure
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 blisters from cobblestones
- Pain relief – 💊 for long cold days
- Cold/flu meds – 🤧 winter weather colds
- Motion sickness pills – 🚗 for train or boat trips
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧽 basic hygiene
- Gauze + tape – 🩼 compact first-aid set
- Tweezers – ✂️ multi-use tool
- Mini scissors – ✂️ airport-safe
- Thermometer – 🌡️ if you catch a chill
- Cotton pads – 💠 for skincare or first aid
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush + paste – 🪥 personal care
- Floss – 🧵 always a good habit
- Deodorant – 🧼 long wear formula
- Razor – 🪒 with travel guard
- Feminine products – 🩸 bring your preferred brand
- Wipes – 🧻 helpful in the cold
- Hand sanitizer – ✋ essential on public transport
- Perfume – 🌸 travel-size bottle
- Mirror – 🪞 compact for touch-ups
- Eye drops – 👁️ from dry winter air
- Contact lenses + solution – 👓 plus glasses backup
- Tissues – 🧻 for runny noses
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – 📱 with good camera for lights & hygge
- Chargers – 🔌 all your devices
- Power bank – 🔋 cold drains batteries fast
- EU plug adapter – 🔌 Denmark uses Type C/K
- Camera – 📷 optional, but scenic
- Headphones – 🎧 for cozy podcast walks
- E-reader – 📚 perfect for café lounging
- Offline apps – 🗺️ transit, language, maps
- Cloud backup – ☁️ secure your photos
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 great for downtime
- Podcasts – 🎧 hygge stories or travel tips
- Downloaded shows – 📺 cozy hotel nights
- Journal – 📓 reflect on your Nordic trip
- Card games – 🃏 for hostel or travel fun
- Language app – 🗣️ learn a few Danish phrases
🎁 Extras
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 hydration is key, even in cold
- Snacks – 🍫 for cold walking tours
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ eco-friendly and useful
- Travel detergent – 🧼 for hand-washing thermals
- Sewing kit – 🪡 button repair, just in case
- Whistle – 📣 solo travel safety
- Lint roller – 👔 for wool coats
- Sleep aid – 🌙 help adjust to dark days
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer clothing daily – 🧥 outdoor temps shift fast
- Use Rejseplanen app – 🚆 plan trains & metro easily
- Get a Copenhagen Card – 🎟️ free entry to top sites
- Download offline maps – 🗺️ data isn’t always reliable
- Check opening hours – ⏰ shops may close early
- Practice *hygge* – ☕ slow mornings & cozy cafes
🛂 Visa Tips
- EU citizens – 🛂 enter with ID or passport
- Others – 🌍 check Schengen visa rules
- Passport valid 6+ months – 📅 standard rule
- Travel insurance – 🏥 required for many visas
- Keep digital + paper copies – 🖨️ backup docs
⭐ Must-Haves
- Warm winter coat – 🧥 don’t skimp here
- Waterproof boots – 👢 Copenhagen is damp
- Thermal layers – 🧤 for all-day warmth
- Travel insurance – 🏥 for peace of mind
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 even cold weather dehydrates
- Phone + power bank – 🔋 for photos & navigation
- Scarf, hat & gloves – 🧣🧢🧤 essential accessories
- Crossbody bag – 👜 safe & stylish
- Offline transit app – 🗺️ no Wi-Fi needed
- Snacks – 🍫 stay energized while exploring
👍 Good-to-Have
- Sleep mask & earplugs – 😴 for long nights
- SIM or eSIM – 📶 for easy data
- Blanket scarf – 🧤 warmth and style
- Travel steamer – 👔 for wrinkle-free layers
- Mini first aid kit – 🚑 for daily comfort
- Eco shopping bag – 🛍️ stylish & sustainable
