Bern in December
In December, Bern averages 5°C (42°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (104 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Bern. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Bern
December is one of the coolest months in Bern (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (14°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (9°C) and cools 1°C in January (4°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Bern
Times shown for Bern local time (Europe/Zurich), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Bern — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Bern's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Bern in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Bern's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Bern
Bern is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Bern
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🌬 Frosty nights — Bern in December
Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.
Bern in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 94 mm | 14 | — |
| February | 6°C / 44°F | -2°C / 29°F | 73 mm | 12 | — |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 0°C / 32°F | 73 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 14°C / 56°F | 3°C / 38°F | 91 mm | 12 | — |
| May | 17°C / 62°F | 7°C / 45°F | 138 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 22°C / 71°F | 12°C / 54°F | 126 mm | 15 | — |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 129 mm | 15 | — |
| August | 23°C / 74°F | 14°C / 56°F | 115 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 19°C / 67°F | 10°C / 50°F | 80 mm | 11 | — |
| October | 15°C / 59°F | 6°C / 43°F | 91 mm | 12 | — |
| November | 9°C / 47°F | 1°C / 34°F | 101 mm | 13 | — |
| December | 5°C / 42°F | -1°C / 30°F | 104 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bern in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Bern in December?
In December, Bern averages a high of 5°C (42°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Bern in December?
December can be fairly wet in Bern, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Bern?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Bern in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Bern for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.