Switzerland in December

December has the shortest days of the year, with sunset around 16:30. In cities and lowlands, temperatures usually range between 0 and +8°C, and you should be ready for fog, overcast skies, and occasional rain. Snow can happen in the cities, but it’s not consistent, so it shouldn’t be the foundation of your plans.

In the mountains, the picture changes quickly. From 1,500-2,000 m and above, snow is typically stable, and temperatures often drop to -5 to -10°C. December is considered relatively dry in the Alps, which means you can get clear mountain days when the weather aligns.

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Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe (Jungfraujoch) is one of Switzerland’s most impressive winter experiences. At nearly 3,500 m, it delivers wide-open views of snow and glaciers framed by Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It’s also set up for families: lifts, tunnels, cafés, souvenir shops, and the Ice Palace help you manage cold weather and keep the day comfortable.

At the same time, this is a highly touristic location. Expect crowds on clear days and higher costs. Cold can feel intense (around -9°C with wind), and altitude may cause mild symptoms such as fatigue or light dizziness, especially for children.

Christmas defines December across Switzerland. Seasonal markets, festive lights, and winter food stalls shape the atmosphere in both cities and resort towns. Some of the most well-known Christmas markets take place in Basel (Basel), Zurich (Zurich), Lucerne (Lucerne), Montreux (Montreux), and St. Gallen (St. Gallen). These locations are especially convenient for families thanks to compact layouts, lakeside promenades, and easy walking routes.

December 6 is St. Nicholas Day, which is particularly meaningful for children and adds a playful, family-oriented layer to the season. Evenings remain lively until December 24, after which cities noticeably slow down. On December 25-26, most shops and many restaurants close, while New Year’s Eve brings energy back, with fireworks that are especially striking near lakes and in mountain resorts.

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December marks the opening of the winter season. Families can already enjoy sledding, snow tubing, easy winter walks, snowshoe routes, and early skiing in higher regions. These activities are well suited to children and don’t require full ski programs to be enjoyable.

In valleys such as Lauterbrunnen (Lauterbrunnen), waterfalls may partially freeze, creating rare winter scenery that feels very different from summer Switzerland. One of December’s most distinctive natural phenomena is temperature inversion: fog settles over lakes and cities, while higher elevations sit in bright sunshine above the cloud layer.

As the Itinerary Expert, I often plan mountain days specifically to escape valley fog. Some of the brightest, most photogenic December days happen well above the clouds.

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Planning Switzerland in December requires a slightly different rhythm than other seasons. Short days, variable weather, and holiday closures mean smart structure matters more than packed schedules.

Plan days from 10:00 to 16:30, not later.

Daylight ends early in December. From my experience, families who start late lose much of the atmosphere. Do outdoor walks, viewpoints, and photos before 15:30, and keep evenings for markets, food, and short strolls.

If you want snow, go higher than 1,500-2,000 m.

Cities such as Zurich or Lucerne are often grey and snow-free. I always plan mountain days in regions like the Jungfrau Region (Grindelwald, Wengen), where winter conditions are reliable.

At Jungfraujoch, go outside first, then inside.

I learned this the hard way. When you arrive at Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, head straight to outdoor terraces and snow areas. Warm tunnels and cafés can wait – most visitors do the opposite.

Check Christmas market dates carefully.

Large cities run markets daily, but smaller towns may operate only on weekends. I always double-check dates in advance; arriving to a closed market with children is frustrating and avoidable.

Expect closures on December 25-26 and plan food ahead.

These two days are very quiet. Many shops and restaurants close. I usually book accommodation with breakfast or plan simple dinners to avoid last-minute searches.

Use fog to your advantage.

December often brings fog to valleys and sunshine above. Some of our best family moments came from driving up to Mürren, finding clear skies while cities stayed grey below.

Rent a car for flexibility.

As the Itinerary Expert, I consistently recommend a car in December. Weather changes fast, daylight is short, and traveling with children becomes far easier when plans can adjust quickly.

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I visited Switzerland in December 2023, and this month showed the country in its most honest form. Not polished and not always sunny, but deeply atmospheric. In cities like Lucerne (Lucerne) and Zurich (Zurich), days were short and sometimes grey, yet Christmas lights, markets, and lakeside walks created a calm, cozy rhythm that works well for families.

The real magic started once we went higher. In the Jungfrau Region (Grindelwald, Wengen), December felt like winter done right: stable snow, strong contrasts, and the unforgettable moment of rising above the cloud layer. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe (Jungfraujoch) was cold, crowded, and expensive – and still worth it when approached early and without rushing.

Switzerland in December isn’t about checking off landmarks. It’s about atmosphere, contrast, and nature doing quiet work. It’s a rewarding country to explore thoughtfully – and a place where the Itinerary Expert would be glad to help you design a personalized route, adapted to your family, timing, and expectations.