What December feels like in Zurich
Early winter arrives in Zurich with December. 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. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Zurich in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 6.7 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 8:06 am and sunset at about 4:36 pm (local time) — 8 h 30 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 53 min. Measured sunshine covers about 53% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Zurich's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 3.9°C (7°F) lower, with 10 mm more rain. January is cooler again. By January, typical highs are 4.6°C (40.3°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 Zurich in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Zurich in December?
It feels cold: typical highs are 5.2°C (41.4°F), with lows near -0.3°C (31.5°F).
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in December?
Quite a lot — 100 mm spread over about 15 days.
What should I wear in Zurich in December?
Based on the averages: 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 Zurich?
December, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Zurich's months, against #12 for the other. January has fewer rainy days.