Zagreb in December

In December, Zagreb averages 6°C (44°F) during the day and 0°C (32°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (64 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December in Zagreb is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

6°C
Avg high
0°C
Avg low
13
Rain days
64 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Zagreb

11th
warmest month of the 12
11th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
8 h 42 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Zagreb (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (17°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (11°C) and cools 1°C in January (6°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Zagreb

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:30 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
4:11 PM
Day length
8 h 42 min

Times shown for Zagreb local time (Europe/Zagreb), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Zagreb — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Zagreb's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:30 AM – 7:10 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:10 AM – 8:10 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
3:31 PM – 4:31 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
4:31 PM – 5:11 PM

📅 When to book — Zagreb 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 Zagreb's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Zagreb

Shoulder

Zagreb 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 Zagreb

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
3.4
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

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 — Zagreb in December

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
0°C
32°F
Avg day high
6°C
44°F

Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.

Zagreb in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 6°C / 42°F -2°C / 29°F 64 mm 17
February 9°C / 47°F 0°C / 32°F 75 mm 14
March 13°C / 55°F 2°C / 36°F 47 mm 14
April 17°C / 62°F 6°C / 44°F 69 mm 16
May 21°C / 69°F 11°C / 52°F 113 mm 23
June 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 81 mm 17
July 28°C / 82°F 18°C / 64°F 86 mm 17
August 27°C / 81°F 17°C / 63°F 80 mm 15
September 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 102 mm 15
October 17°C / 63°F 9°C / 47°F 89 mm 12
November 11°C / 51°F 4°C / 39°F 86 mm 15
December 6°C / 44°F 0°C / 32°F 64 mm 13

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Zagreb in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Zagreb in December?

In December, Zagreb averages a high of 6°C (44°F) and a low of 0°C (32°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Zagreb in December?

December can be fairly wet in Zagreb, with about 13 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Zagreb?

December is cold. 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Zagreb on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.