Early winter · Weather & things to do
Rüdesheim in December
Rüdesheim cools off: highs slip to 40°F (5°C), from 47°F in November, with lows of 31°F (0°C) and about 2.7 in (68 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 31°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 2.7 in (68 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 40°F (5°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 31°F (0°C), so expect frost and ice.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.7 in (68 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 81%.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 53 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 31°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 53 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 53/100 in November to 40/100.
- Our Cologne, Koblenz & Rüdesheim route is planned for Late Nov – Dec 23, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 31°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Rüdesheim in December
With highs near 40°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Drosselgasse
A narrow 144-metre lane of wine taverns climbing from the Rhine, decorated for the market.
Weingut Georg Breuer
Riesling estate with a tasting shop in the old town, known for its Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg wines.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Niederwalddenkmal
The 1883 Germania monument on the Niederwald ridge, high above the vineyards and the Rhine bend at Bingen.
Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen
Stalls from about a dozen countries fill the old-town lanes around Oberstrasse, with a nativity scene of life-size figures.
Nearby in December
- Koblenz in December~30 mi · highs 41°F, 3.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Cologne in December~79 mi · highs 42°F, 3.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Würzburg in December~90 mi · highs 39°F, 2.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Strasbourg in December~97 mi · highs 42°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Rüdesheim in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Rüdesheim?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 40°F (5°C) and 2.7 in (68 mm) of rain.
How cold is Rüdesheim in December?
Average highs are 40°F (5°C) and average lows 31°F (0°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Rüdesheim in December?
Some: about 2.7 in (68 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 27.6 in (701 mm).
What should I pack for Rüdesheim in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 31°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Rüdesheim
Routes in season in December
- Cologne, Koblenz & Rüdesheim Late Nov – Dec 23
Planning Rüdesheim in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.