Switzerland Geneva Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Geneva is moderate
December is moderate for Geneva.
December in Geneva is cold and often grey but festive — averaging about 5°C/1°C, with frequent cloud, damp, a biting bise, and the chance of light snow in the city.
The highlight is L'Escalade (December 11-12), Geneva's biggest and most cherished festival, commemorating the city's 1602 defense with costumed processions, bonfires, and the tradition of smashing a chocolate cauldron (marmite). Christmas markets light up the lakefront and Old Town, and the festive atmosphere is the real reason to come now.
Travel score
Geneva December Weather Stats
Avg High
5°C
Avg Low
1°C
Rainy Days
11
81mm total
Sunshine
2h
Daily avg
Humidity
84%
damp
UV Index
1
Low
Wind
12 km/h
Gusts 30
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
17 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
2°C
Nighttime
-3°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
12 km/h
Max gust 30 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- L'Escalade festival (Dec 11-12) — Geneva's biggest tradition
- Christmas markets and festive lights
- Nearby Alps skiing in full swing
- Prime fondue / raclette / longeole season
Cons
- Cold, grey, and damp
- Biting bise + possible snow/ice
- Shortest daylight of the year
- Higher holiday prices; Jet d'Eau often off
December Events & Festivals
- L'Escalade festival (Dec 11-12) — Geneva's biggest tradition
- Christmas markets along the lake and Old Town
- Skiing in the nearby Alps in full swing
- Festive lights and atmosphere
Geneva in December — Full Picture
December in Geneva is cold and often grey but festive — averaging about 5°C/1°C, with frequent cloud, damp, a biting bise, and the chance of light snow in the city.
The highlight is L'Escalade (December 11-12), Geneva's biggest and most cherished festival, commemorating the city's 1602 defense with costumed processions, bonfires, and the tradition of smashing a chocolate cauldron (marmite). Christmas markets light up the lakefront and Old Town, and the festive atmosphere is the real reason to come now.
It's prime fondue, raclette, and longeole season, and the nearby Alps (Chamonix/Mont Blanc and Swiss resorts) are in full ski mode, making Geneva a strong winter base. Prices rise around the holidays and the festival, so book ahead.
Note: daylight is at its shortest, the weather can be bleak for sightseeing, and the Jet d'Eau is often off in frost — plan around the markets, festival, indoor museums, and hearty meals.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Cold winter — around 5°C/1°C, often grey and damp with a sharp bise and the chance of light snow. A warm coat, hat, gloves, and a windproof layer; sturdy shoes for ice. Festive but chilly, especially in the evenings.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
15°C
6.3°C
11/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
24.7°C
14.3°C
9.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
15°C
7.7°C
10/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current5°C
0.3°C
10.7/mo
Geneva Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4° | 0° | 11d·76mm | 2h | 82% | 1 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| 6° | 0° | 10d·64mm | 3.5h | 78% | 2 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| 11° | 3° | 10d·65mm | 4.5h | 72% | 3 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| 15° | 6° | 11d·68mm | 5.5h | 70% | 5 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| May (Best) | 19° | 10° | 12d·80mm | 6.5h | 70% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| June (Best) | 23° | 13° | 11d·75mm | 7.5h | 67% | 7 | Busy | Peak |
| July (Best) | 26° | 15° | 9d·73mm | 8h | 64% | 8 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 25° | 15° | 9d·80mm | 7.5h | 67% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
| September (Best) | 21° | 12° | 9d·75mm | 6h | 72% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| 15° | 8° | 10d·86mm | 4h | 78% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 9° | 3° | 11d·82mm | 2.5h | 82% | 1 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| 5° | 1° | 11d·81mm | 2h | 84% | 1 | Moderate | Peak |
View Other Months
Geneva December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Geneva?
Geneva in December is moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Geneva in December?
Geneva December averages a high of 5°C and a low of 1°C.
Does it rain much in Geneva in December?
Geneva December averages 81mm of rainfall over about 11 rainy days.
What should I wear in Geneva in December?
Cold winter — around 5°C/1°C, often grey and damp with a sharp bise and the chance of light snow. A warm coat, hat, gloves, and a windproof layer; sturdy shoes for ice. Festive but chilly, especially in the evenings.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Geneva in December?
Geneva December sunrise is 08:05 and sunset is 16:45, with 8h 40min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Geneva in December?
Geneva December air quality (AQI) averages 44, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 17μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Geneva in December?
In December, Geneva is great for L'Escalade festival (Dec 11-12), Christmas markets (lakefront, Old Town), Skiing day trips to the Alps.
Is December peak season in Geneva?
Geneva December crowds are moderate and prices are peak. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Geneva
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.