What December feels like in Geneva
Early winter arrives in Geneva with December. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Geneva in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 10.2 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. That is close to Geneva's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.7 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:11 am and sets around 4:50 pm local time, giving 8 h 39 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 50 min. The sun is out for roughly 60% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Geneva's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 3.8°C (6.8°F) lower, with 10 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. By January, typical highs are 5.5°C (41.9°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 Geneva in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Geneva in December?
Afternoons average 6.3°C (43.3°F) and nights about 0.4°C (32.7°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Geneva in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 2 and totals about 133 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Geneva 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 Geneva?
December scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Poor.