By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 14th October 2024 | Updated: 14th October 2024
Planning a trip to Switzerland in December?
Switzerland is known as one of the best places to visit to witness the beautiful snowy landscapes in the winter, and even though December can be one of the busier months, it is still an amazing time to visit. So, with that in mind below we’ll set out the best places to visit in Switzerland in December, as well as the average weather for the month, alongside any public holidays and festivals that occur, December is not just for Christmas Markets!
So here is our guide to visiting Switzerland in December;
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December in Switzerland is one of the busiest months to visit the country, especially if you plan on visiting over Christmas and New Year, but the rest of the month is quieter. December is often one of the coldest months as well, but don’t let that put you off! With beautiful Christmas Markets in every city, snowfall transforming the country into a winter wonderland and all the opportunities to take part in snow sports, why would you not want to visit Switzerland in December?
Weather In Switzerland In December
The average daily temperature across the country is 4°C / 39.2°F, with night temperatures around -1°C / 30.2°F, but as with other months, this can vary depending on location. Lugano, Zurich and Lucerne often stay around these temperatures, but more mountainous locations are often much colder. There is an average of 70mm of rainfall across the month, although most of this will fall as snow especially in the higher elevations and closer to the Alps.
Switzerland in December Public Holidays / Events
📍 Christmas Day (Weihnachten / Nöel) – 25th December
There is only one official public holiday in Switzerland in December, which is the obvious, Christmas Day.
There are also a few regional holidays in Switzerland:
📍 Immaculate Conception (Maria Empfängnis) – 8th December
This is celebrated in Aargau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Fribourg, Graubünden, Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Solothurn, Ticino, Uri, Valais and Zug.
📍 St. Stephen’s Day (Stephanstag) – 26th December
This is celebrated in nearly all cantons, but it is still considered a normal working day in Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais and Vaud.
📍 Restoration Day – 31st December
Celebrated in Geneva only.
📍 Christmas Markets, across the country – throughout December
December in Switzerland is of course the time for Christmas Markets with some lasting the whole month or some just a weekend. We go into our favourite and some of the best Christmas Markets in Switzerland in another blog post, so be sure to check that out.
There are also various ski and snowboarding events throughout the month as well.
5 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in December
There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Switzerland in December, but here are our top picks;
1. Basel in December – With one of the most well known Christmas Markets in Switzerland, Basel simply has to be visited in December.
2. Zermatt in December – Zermatt is stunning throughout the year, but in December with its blanket of snow, it is extra beautiful.
3. Zurich in December – With numerous Christmas Markets, a local mountain with incredible views over the city and of course the Lindt Factory to fulfil all your chocolate needs, Zurich is a great place to visit in December.
4. Glacier Express in December – If you want a trip with a difference then be sure to hop on board the Glacier Express through the stunning wintery landscapes across Switzerland, it’s not the cheapest but it is so worth it.
5. Interlaken in December – Interlaken is a great place to base yourself with incredible views and easy access into the Jungfrau Region, so perfect for visiting all the snowy locations.
Switzerland in December FAQs
Is it good to visit Switzerland in December?
December is a wonderful time to visit Switzerland, with not only the beautiful snow-covered landscapes perfect for winter activities, but also Christmas markets.
Where is the best place to go in Switzerland in December?
If you want snow sports and a beautiful town to stay in then head to Zermatt or Interlaken, if you want Christmas Markets then head to Zurich or Basel.
Is Switzerland a good place to go for Christmas?
Switzerland is the most perfect magical place to spend Christmas, be it in a city or in the mountains.
When is the off season in Switzerland?
The off seasons in Switzerland are in the spring and the autumn, so be prepared for more tourists and possibly higher prices if visiting in December.
Is it worth visiting Switzerland in winter?
It is always worth visiting Switzerland, and even more so in winter with so much on offer in terms of snow sports, winter hiking and snow snow and more snow!
What is the warmest city in Switzerland in December?
The warmest city in Switzerland pretty much all year round is Lugano in the southern canton of Ticino. It averages around 5/10°C / 41/50°F.
What is the coldest city in Switzerland in December?
The coldest cities in Switzerland are those in the higher altitudes in the Alps, including St Moritz, Davos and Zermatt.
Is Switzerland too cold in December?
Switzerland is not too cold in December, however it can be a little cold in the mountains, (especially if it is windy, we visited Mount Rigi and it was -15°C / 5°F!), so be sure to pack appropriately if visiting the mountains.
Is Switzerland expensive in December?
As December is one of the peak season months in Switzerland it can be a little more expensive for accommodation and flights. However, if you book well in advance, you can save money on both.
Planning your own trip to Switzerland? Be sure to download Wise by far the best currency conversion app around. We use it daily living on the border of two countries and it is a game changer when travelling!
Conclusion: Switzerland in December
So, there you have our guide to Switzerland in December, the place to be if you want to experience true Christmas magic in the snow!
If Switzerland in December isn’t quite right for your trip…
Check out our other blog posts below about visiting Switzerland during other months of the year.
📍 Switzerland in February
📍 Switzerland in March
📍 Switzerland in April
📍 Switzerland in May
📍 Switzerland in June
📍 Switzerland in July
📍 Switzerland in August
📍 Switzerland in September
All Our Switzerland Content
Here are a few other articles you may find useful for planning your trip:
📍 How To Visit Switzerland On A Budget
📍 Switzerland in Spring: Best Things To Do & Places To Go
📍 Switzerland in Summer: Best Things To Do & Places To Go
📍 Switzerland in Autumn: Best Things To Do & Places To Go
📍 Switzerland in Winter: Best Things To Do & Places To Go
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.