Weather · December

Switzerland weather in December

Temperature, rain, what to pack, this month's events and prices

Switzerland

December in Switzerland: an average of 0°, about 3 mm of rain for the month. Roughly 8h 20m of daylight, with light from about 07:20 to 15:40. December isn't peak season in Switzerland. The upside: quiet and cheaper. The downside: weather that needs flexibility.

The weather in detail

Switzerland in December

Average temp0°
Rain this month3 mm
Daylight8.3 h
Sun07:20-15:40
Seasonshoulder/low season, better prices
Day by day

Every day in December, the multi-year average

S
M
T
W
T
F
S
12°
21°
31°
41°
50°
60°
70°
80°
90°
10-1°
11-1°
12-2°
13-1°
140°
150°
160°
170°
18-1°
190°
200°
210°
220°
23-1°
240°
250°
260°
27-1°
28-1°
29-1°
300°
310°
-2°The month's average temperature range (30-year average, not a forecast)2°
What to do

December in Switzerland, what works

Plan a day with little time outside: short hops between indoor sights, transport instead of long walks, and plenty of warm-up stops. Winter sports where the terrain suits.

What to pack: Full winter kit — a heavy coat, layers, gloves, a hat and waterproof boots.

What's on in December

Holidays & events in Switzerland

  • 25 DecemberChristmas Day
  • 26 DecemberBoxing Day

On public holidays banks and offices close, some sites change hours and transport shifts, but it's also the best way to see living tradition.

Questions & answers

December in Switzerland, FAQ

Do I need a coat in Switzerland in December?
Full winter kit — a heavy coat, layers, gloves, a hat and waterproof boots.
Can you sit outside at cafés in Switzerland in December?
Most cafés move seating indoors; outside only with heaters and warm clothing.
Does it snow in Switzerland in December?
Possibly. The average temperature is near or below freezing, so snow or frost is possible — especially at altitude.
How many hours of daylight in Switzerland in December?
About 8h 20m of daylight. The sun rises around 07:20 and sets around 15:40. Plan sightseeing around the light.
Is December a good time to visit Switzerland?
December isn't peak season in Switzerland. The upside: quiet and cheaper. The downside: weather that needs flexibility.
Plan the trip

Switzerland — flights & hotels

Check prices for your dates. Booking early is well below the last-minute price.

Check flight prices to Switzerland, every airline at once.

Rates in Switzerland shift daily. See what your night costs now.

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About this page

Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.

Sources: Climate: Open-Meteo 1991-2020 · Daylight: astronomical calculation · Holidays: date-holidays dataset