Switzerland Weather in December: Travel Tips for First-Timers

In Switzerland's low elevations, December is cold, it usually freezes at night, and there is moderate rainfall. In the high elevations, it is freezing. Swiss ski resorts reopen, and travel prices peak during Christmas. You can enjoy touring Swiss cities, the ski resorts, and Christmas events.

Read on for our weather information and travel advice including average temperatures and rainfall, places to go, and travel tips…

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• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Wear

Switzerland Weather in December: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: -1–5°C (30–41°F)
• Total rain/snow: 9 cm (3 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 11
• Humidity: 84%
• Sunshine hours/day: 2 hours

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December Climate Comparison (Averages) for Switzerland's Top Tourism Areas

Switzerland's weather is usually cold during the day in December at the low elevations where the biggest cities are. There are only an average of 2 hours of sunlight and 9½ hours of daylight. It might feel gloomy. It is low tourism season with relatively smaller crowds and lower prices.

Lower altitude: The big cities such as Zürich, Geneva, and Lausanne are below about 500 meters (1,600 feet), and the highs only reach an average of 5°C (41°F). The average nightly low is -1°C (30°F). There is moderate rainfall/snowfall.

Higher altitude: Above 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) where the ski resort towns such as Zermatt are, the average daily highs are about 2°C (35°F). The lows are -6 (21°F). There is low rainfall or snowfall and a daily average of 2½ hours of sunshine.

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The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in December

Touring in December features low tourism at the beginning of the month, and skiing and Christmas festivities in the second half of the month. Though it is freezing, you could tour the cities or see the snowy countryside.

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1. Zürich — See the Historic Sites in Beautiful Winter Scenery

Zürich is in high tourism season in December. Many tourists arrive to transfer to other places since it is the main travel hub with the biggest international airport. The daily average highs are 8°C (47°F), and the average lows are just above freezing.

You could sightsee the Old City area or shop. The big highlights are the Christmas markets and festivities with traditional Swiss food, crafts, and entertainment. These rev up after about the middle of the month. You could watch the New Year's Eve fireworks over the lake.

Since there is an average of 2 hours of sunshine daily, 12 days of rain or snow, and 85% humidity, expect freezing, damp, and gloomy weather. When the weather is inclement, you could enjoy some of the country's best museums, shopping, and gourmet restaurants.

For more things to do, see visiting Switzerland in March.

2. Zermatt — For Snow, Winter Sports, and Holiday Festivities

Zermatt is Europe's winter sports capital because it has the Switzerland's best ski slopes. The highest ski slope reaches up to altitude 3,899 meters (12,792 feet). Zermatt's average high is 2°C (35°F). The nightly lows are around -6°C (21°F). There are 2½ hours of sunshine and low rainfall and snowfall on average.

For skiing and snowboarding, the high-elevation slopes around Zermatt are among the best in Switzerland in December. The snow quality is good and the crowds are relatively light. The town is beautifully decorated. During Christmas, there are large crowds.

On New Year's Eve, there is a spectacular fireworks display, and the spectacle of colorful lights sparkling off the shiny white cliffs and slopes. A ban on cars keeps the sky pristine and makes for better walking and shopping experiences.

3. Basel — See the Holiday Artwork and Enjoy a Less Touristy City

Basel is a multicultural city near the border of Germany and France. It is called the 'Arts Capital' in Switzerland, and the Christmas decorations are artsy.

The average highs are slightly warmer than Switzerland's average at 6°C (°F), and the lows are 32°C (0°F). There is moderate rainfall about half the days of December. When the weather is good, you could explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, one of the most intact and beautiful in Europe with unparalleled architectural diversity from the 15th century to the present. The museums are good.

One Christmas Market is next to the Basler Münster Cathedral with a Fairy Tale Forest. Another is near the Barfüsserplatz. Both are open all of December until the 23rd when they close.

For more about things to do in Basel, see visiting Switzerland in September.

4. Interlaken — Enjoy Another Winter Sports Capital

December is generally thought to be the best month to visit Interlaken and the nearby Lauterbrunnen and Lütschental areas due to the rich local culture and traditions for the Christmas holidays. The towns are beautifully decorated.

You can experience the festivities, the Christmas markets, and the holiday events. However, Interlaken may be crowded with holiday tourists. Interlaken is the travel hub for the area that has the train and tram stations. You could go up to the ski resorts to ski.

The average high in December is 4°C (39°F), and the average nightly low is -2°C (28°F). There is moderate rainfall, and on average, it rains about 10 days in December. You can use it as a base for excursions since there are a variety of accommodations.

For information about Grindelwald that is a town above Interlaken, see visiting Switzerland in July.

For information about Lauterbrunnen Valley, see visiting Switzerland in June.

For information about Interlaken and travel there, see visiting Switzerland in January.

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Crowds and Costs for Traveling in December

Early December is generally low tourism season similar to November. As the month progresses, the temperatures fall. The beginning of ski season brings in more tourists, and the end of the month is the peak tourism season of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

To save some money, you might want to tour in the beginning of the month. You may find discounted accommodations, flights, and activities with fewer other tourists.

Around the middle of the month, the popular Christmas festivals and markets are in high gear. By staying in a city for a day or two, you can experience the festivities and shop.

Expect to pay peak-season prices in late December. Arrange accommodations and transportation tickets well in advance. The last two weeks of December are among Switzerland's busiest.

Each canton sets its own holidays and observances.

Public holidays in December:

• Immaculate Conception is December 8 annually. It is a Catholic holiday in 12 of the 26 cantons, and is a day off from work. Most businesses and schools might close in those cantons. It celebrates when Jesus was conceived by the virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit.
• Christmas Day is December 25. It is a public holiday in all cantons, and is a day off from work. Schools, government offices, and most businesses close. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The Swiss tend to give gifts on December 24, Christmas Eve.
• St. Stephen's Day is December 26 annually. It is a public holiday in 23 cantons. Most businesses and schools close in those cantons. It celebrates Stephen who was the first Christian martyr.
• New Year's Eve is December 31. It isn't a public holiday except in Geneva, where many businesses and schools close because it is Restoration Day there.

What to Wear in December

For comfort, dress in layers with a winter/mountain outer coat. A warm coat and rain gear will help you to be prepared for every circumstance.

Here is a packing list for a few essentials in Switzerland:

• Warm hat
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Warm waterproof boots with good traction. You might wear them in-flight to travel lightly.
• Winter coat
• Swimwear for hot springs and spas
• Cardigans or thermals
• Gloves
• Polarized glasses to reduce the glare

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Switzerland

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