Early winter · Weather & things to do
Vienna in December
Vienna cools off: highs slip to 39°F (4°C), from 49°F in November, with lows of 28°F (-2°C) and about 1.7 in (42 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 43/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 39°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.7 in (42 mm)
- Humidity
- 90%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 09 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 39°F (4°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 28°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 1.7 in (42 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 79%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 09 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – 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 09 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 58/100 in November to 43/100.
- Our Prague, Vienna & Budapest route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Hallstatt, Salzburg & Vienna route is planned for Late Nov – early Jan, 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 28°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Vienna in December
With highs near 39°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Silvesterpfad
Vienna's New Year's Eve trail: stages, food stalls and waltz lessons through the old town, with St. Stephen's Pummerin bell at midnight.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best December 31.
Schönbrunn Christmas Market
Craft market and tree in the forecourt of the Habsburg summer palace, which becomes a New Year market after Christmas.
Vienna State Opera
One of the world's top opera houses, with daily performances most of the year.
Graben
Pedestrian boulevard hung with giant light chandeliers in December; on December 31 it is part of the Silvesterpfad.
Mayer am Pfarrplatz
Heuriger wine tavern in a house where Beethoven lived, serving its own Vienna wines.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Art Advent Karlsplatz
An arts-and-crafts market in front of the baroque Karlskirche, with organic food and a straw-filled play area.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Nearby in December
- Budapest in December~133 mi · highs 37°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Hallstatt in December~134 mi · highs 41°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Prague in December~156 mi · highs 37°F, 1.6 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Salzburg in December~156 mi · highs 38°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~373 m to Vienna's ~186 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.
Vienna in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Vienna?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April – September. Expect highs of 39°F (4°C) and 1.7 in (42 mm) of rain or snow. Our Prague, Vienna & Budapest route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Vienna in December?
Average highs are 39°F (4°C) and average lows 28°F (-2°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Vienna in December?
Not much: about 1.7 in (42 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 29.0 in (737 mm).
What should I pack for Vienna in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 28°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in December
- Hallstatt, Salzburg & Vienna Late Nov – early Jan
Planning Vienna in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.