Zurich in December
In December, Zurich averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (75 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 4 days.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Zurich. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Zurich
December is one of the coolest months in Zurich (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (14°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (8°C) and cools 1°C in January (3°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Zurich
Times shown for Zurich 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 Zurich — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Zurich's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Zurich 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 (Off-peak) and Zurich's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Zurich
This is off-peak for Zurich — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Zurich
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.
🌨 Some snow — Zurich in December
Gear: Occasional snow, often slushy by afternoon. Waterproof boots, warm coat, hat and gloves.
Zurich in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 70 mm | 15 | 5 |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -1°C / 30°F | 60 mm | 13 | 4 |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 70 mm | 14 | 1 |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 85 mm | 14 | 0 |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 110 mm | 14 | 0 |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 145 mm | 14 | 0 |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 135 mm | 13 | 0 |
| August | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 135 mm | 12 | 0 |
| September | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 95 mm | 11 | 0 |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 80 mm | 11 | 0 |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F | 75 mm | 13 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 75 mm | 14 | 4 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Zurich in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Zurich in December?
In December, Zurich averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in December?
December can be fairly wet in Zurich, with about 14 rainy days on average and roughly 4 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit Zurich?
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 Zurich 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 Zurich for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.