Early winter · Weather & things to do
Interlaken in December
Interlaken cools off: highs slip to 42°F (5°C), from 50°F in November, with lows of 28°F (-2°C) and about 3.6 in (92 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 42°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.6 in (92 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 22 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Cool days top out near 42°F (5°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Average lows of 28°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 3.6 in (92 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
Only about 8 h 22 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 28°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 22 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 52/100 in November to 41/100.
- Our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 42°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 28°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Interlaken in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Jungfraujoch
Rail trip to Europe's highest railway station, with glacier views.
Rugenbräu
Local brewery in Matten bei Interlaken with tours and a shop.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 42°F.
Schynige Platte
Historic cog railway to an alpine garden and ridge walks.
Giessbach Falls
Waterfalls dropping in 14 tiers, reached by boat and historic funicular.
Restaurant Schuh
Classic Swiss restaurant and confectioner on the Höhematte park.
Nearby in December
- Lucerne in December~33 mi · highs 42°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Andermatt in December~34 mi · highs 26°F, 3.5 in rain or snow · 9°C (16°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Zermatt in December~47 mi · highs 30°F, 2.7 in rain or snow · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, drier
- Zurich in December~57 mi · highs 39°F, 4.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,854 m to Interlaken's ~569 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Interlaken in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Interlaken?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 42°F (5°C) and 3.6 in (92 mm) of rain or snow. Our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Interlaken in December?
Average highs are 42°F (5°C) and average lows 28°F (-2°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Interlaken in December?
Some: about 3.6 in (92 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 54.3 in (1379 mm).
What should I pack for Interlaken in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 42°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 28°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Interlaken
Planning Interlaken in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.