Switzerland Swiss Alps Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Swiss Alps is moderate
Swiss Alps Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 4° / -2°
- Rainfall
- 75mm · 11 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Swiss Alps in December averages a high of 4°C and low of -2°C with 75mm of rain over about 11 days. Winter (around 4°C/-2°C) with snow returning. Down jacket, thermals, hat, gloves, scarf, and snow boots. Summits are deep winter and far colder.
December is moderate for Swiss Alps.
December brings winter and the start of ski season back to the Swiss Alps. Valleys sit around 4°C/-2°C as snow returns, and the resorts (Zermatt, Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren) open for skiing — snow-dependent early in the month.
The atmosphere is the draw: Christmas markets in Lucerne, Interlaken, and the villages, festive lights, and snowy mountain scenery. Early December (before the holidays) can be quieter and cheaper before the rush.
Travel score
Swiss Alps December Weather Stats
Avg High
4°C
Avg Low
-2°C
Rainy Days
11
75mm total
Sunshine
2h
Daily avg
Humidity
83%
cold
UV Index
1
Low
Wind
12 km/h
Gusts 28
Snow Days
8
Monthly avg
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 8 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
11 μg/m³
PM10
19 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
2°C
Nighttime
-6°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
12 km/h
Max gust 28 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ski season opens; festive snowy villages
- Christmas markets (Lucerne, Interlaken, villages)
- Cheaper winter summit fares
- Early December quieter before the holidays
Cons
- Christmas/New Year — peak crowds and top prices
- Short, often grey days; little sunshine
- Early-season snow cover varies
- Storms can close lifts
December Events & Festivals
- Ski season opens across the resorts (snow-dependent)
- Christmas markets in Lucerne, Interlaken, and the villages
- Christmas and New Year — peak crowds and top prices
- Festive snowy village atmosphere
Swiss Alps in December — Full Picture
December brings winter and the start of ski season back to the Swiss Alps. Valleys sit around 4°C/-2°C as snow returns, and the resorts (Zermatt, Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren) open for skiing — snow-dependent early in the month.
The atmosphere is the draw: Christmas markets in Lucerne, Interlaken, and the villages, festive lights, and snowy mountain scenery. Early December (before the holidays) can be quieter and cheaper before the rush.
The Christmas-and-New-Year fortnight, however, is peak season — the most crowded and expensive period of winter, when villages and hotels book out months ahead. Days are short and often grey, and storms can close lifts.
Note: snow cover early in the month varies year to year, so check conditions if skiing is the goal. The summit railways run for the snowy views, with the cheaper winter Gornergrat fare in effect. Verify current fares and resort opening dates.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Winter (around 4°C/-2°C) with snow returning. Down jacket, thermals, hat, gloves, scarf, and snow boots. Summits are deep winter and far colder.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
13.3°C
3.3°C
12.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
22.7°C
11.3°C
14/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
13.7°C
5°C
10.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current4°C
-2.3°C
10.7/mo
Swiss Alps Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3° | -3° | 11d·70mm | 2h | 82% | 1 | Busy | Peak | |
| 5° | -2° | 10d·65mm | 3h | 79% | 2 | Busy | Peak | |
| 9° | 0° | 11d·75mm | 4h | 74% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 13° | 3° | 12d·85mm | 5h | 71% | 4 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 18° | 7° | 14d·110mm | 5.5h | 71% | 5 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 21° | 10° | 14d·130mm | 6h | 71% | 6 | Busy | Peak | |
| July (Best) | 24° | 12° | 14d·145mm | 6.5h | 70% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 23° | 12° | 14d·150mm | 6h | 73% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| 19° | 9° | 11d·100mm | 5.5h | 75% | 5 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 14° | 5° | 10d·80mm | 4h | 78% | 3 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 8° | 1° | 11d·80mm | 2.5h | 82% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 4° | -2° | 11d·75mm | 2h | 83% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Swiss Alps December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Swiss Alps?
Swiss Alps in December is moderate. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Swiss Alps in December?
Swiss Alps December averages a high of 4°C and a low of -2°C.
Does it rain much in Swiss Alps in December?
Swiss Alps December averages 75mm of rainfall over about 11 rainy days.
What should I wear in Swiss Alps in December?
Winter (around 4°C/-2°C) with snow returning. Down jacket, thermals, hat, gloves, scarf, and snow boots. Summits are deep winter and far colder.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Swiss Alps in December?
Swiss Alps December sunrise is 08:00 and sunset is 16:40, with 8h 40min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Swiss Alps in December?
Swiss Alps December air quality (AQI) averages 31, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 11μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Swiss Alps in December?
In December, Swiss Alps is great for Skiing and snowboarding (snow-dependent), Christmas markets, Summit railways for snowy views.
Is December peak season in Swiss Alps?
Swiss Alps December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Swiss Alps
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Swiss Alps?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
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.