What December feels like in Munich
Early winter arrives in Munich with December. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. There is little difference between day and night: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Munich in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. A rainy day brings about 5.3 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Munich's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6.5 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:57 am and sunset at about 4:20 pm (local time) — 8 h 23 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 55 min. The sun is out for roughly 52% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Munich. Compared with November, afternoons are 3.8°C (6.8°F) cooler, with 7 mm more rain. January is cooler again. The next month's average high: 3.8°C (38.8°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.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Munich in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Munich in December?
Afternoons average 4.7°C (40.5°F) and nights about -1.5°C (29.3°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Munich in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 2 and totals about 69 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Munich in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Munich?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12).