What December feels like in Salzburg
For Salzburg, December is early winter on the calendar. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. Little changes after sunset — nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Salzburg in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Wet days average about 7.2 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Salzburg's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.8 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:50 am and sunset at about 4:16 pm (local time) — 8 h 26 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 54 min. The sun is out for roughly 58% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Salzburg's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 4.4°C (7.9°F) lower, with 14 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. January averages a high of 4.2°C (39.6°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Salzburg in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Salzburg in December?
Expect around 5.3°C (41.5°F) in the afternoon and -2.4°C (27.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Salzburg in December?
It does: about 15 rainy days bring roughly 108 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Salzburg in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Salzburg?
On our 12-month climate ranking, December comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler.