Early winter · Weather & things to do
Zurich in December
Zurich cools off: highs slip to 39°F (4°C), from 48°F in November, with lows of 29°F (-2°C) and about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 37/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 39°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-2°C)
- Rain
- 4.0 in (102 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 37/100 · 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 29°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.0 in (102 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 16 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 29°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 16 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 51/100 in November to 37/100.
- Our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.0 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Zurich 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.
Lindenhof
Tree-shaded hill on a Roman fort site, overlooking the Limmat and Old Town.
Swiss National Museum
Castle-like museum of Swiss history next to the main station.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Uetliberg
Zurich's hill, reached by S-Bahn, with views of the city, lake and Alps.
Frau Gerolds Garten
Summer garden bar built from shipping containers in Zurich West.
Kronenhalle
Classic restaurant and bar with Chagall and Picasso on the walls.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Nearby in December
- Lucerne in December~25 mi · highs 42°F, 3.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Andermatt in December~53 mi · highs 26°F, 3.5 in rain or snow · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Interlaken in December~57 mi · highs 42°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Colmar in December~74 mi · highs 42°F, 2.8 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~567 m to Zurich's ~408 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.
Zurich in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Zurich?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 37/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 39°F (4°C) and 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain. Our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Zurich in December?
Average highs are 39°F (4°C) and average lows 29°F (-2°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in December?
Some: about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.6 in (1311 mm).
What should I pack for Zurich in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.0 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Zurich in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.