What December feels like in Lyon
For Lyon, December is early winter on the calendar. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Lyon in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 6.5 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year Lyon averages about 7.3 mm per rainy day, so December is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Lyon gets 8 h 42 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:15 am to sunset near 4:57 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 49 min less daylight than mid-November. About 55% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Lyon's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 3.7°C (6.7°F) lower, with 15 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. January averages a high of 6.8°C (44.2°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Lyon in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Lyon in December?
Expect around 7.7°C (45.9°F) in the afternoon and 1.8°C (35.2°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Lyon in December?
It does: about 12 rainy days bring roughly 79 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Lyon 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 Lyon?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Fair.