Last updated: February 26, 2025
In December, Grenoble, France, experiences a unique blend of winter chill and wet weather. Temperatures typically range from a brisk maximum of 12°C (54°F) to a biting minimum of -15°C (6°F), with an average hovering around 1°C (33°F). This month is characterized by significant precipitation, accumulating to 229 mm (9.0 in) over approximately 18 days, while the air remains notably humid at 90%. Whether you’re exploring the city's festive attractions or enjoying the beautiful snowy landscapes, December in Grenoble offers a captivating winter experience.
As December settles over Grenoble, the city experiences a notable chill, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -15°C (6°F) and averaging around 1°C (33°F). This month's temperatures are part of a striking trend as the year winds down, showcasing a gradual decline from the milder conditions of late autumn. While daytime highs can reach a comfortable 12°C (54°F), the nights can be quite frigid, inviting a cozy atmosphere to enjoy winter activities and festive cheer. Compared to previous months, the sharp drop in temperature marks December as the beginning of winter's grip, offering a picturesque snowy landscape contrasted with the warmth of holiday gatherings.
December in Grenoble, France, marks a significant shift in the weather pattern as it records the highest precipitation of the year, with 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days of rain. This increase is notable when contrasted with the month preceding it, November, which brought 119 mm (4.7 in) across 13 days. The trend towards heavier downpours in December may hint at the region's transition to winter, where precipitation not only intensifies but also transforms, potentially blanketing the surrounding mountains in snow. As the year draws to a close, this surge in rainfall underscores the vibrant dynamics of Grenoble's climate, creating a refreshing yet wet atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
In Grenoble, December greets residents with a humidity level of 90%, mirroring the dampness of the preceding months, particularly November's 90% and October's 89%. As winter settles in, humidity remains notably high, a trend that starkly contrasts with the balmy summer months of July and August, where levels dipped to as low as 72% and 63%, respectively. Overall, a gradual decline in humidity from spring to summer is evident, followed by a significant uptick in the autumn and winter months, creating a cozy, albeit moist, atmosphere as the year draws to a close. This seasonal shift emphasizes the importance of preparing for the chill and dampness characteristic of Grenoble's winters, while also reflecting the unique climate rhythms of this picturesque French city.
In December, Grenoble experiences a notably low UV Index of 2, indicating very minimal sun exposure risk. This trend reflects a consistent decline in UV levels as the year progresses from the intense summer months, where values soared to a peak of 10 in both June and July. With a burn time extending to 45 minutes in December, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities with less worry about sunburn. This seasonal shift underscores the importance of adjusting sun safety practices throughout the year. For a comprehensive overview of UV levels in Grenoble throughout the year, visit Grenoble UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As December settles in Grenoble, the city basks in a more subdued 205 hours of sunshine, a gentle decline from the vibrant glow of the summer months. Transitioning from July's peak of 427 hours, the winter months gradually usher in shorter days, with light stretching less and less with each passing month. Despite this dip, December retains a warmth of its own, offering its residents a cozy backdrop of crisp air and bright, albeit fleeting, sunny spells. The contrast from the heavier sunshine hours in the earlier months emphasizes the approaching winter, yet the spirit of the season in Grenoble remains bright, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace its charm and beauty.
In Grenoble, France, the likelihood of sunny weather experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year. As the year winds down into December, residents can expect around 40% chance of sunshine, a modest increase compared to the dreary November, which sits at 31%. This trend reflects a gradual ascent in sunlit days as winter approaches, especially after the relatively sunnier months of late summer and early autumn. Notably, the sunshine probability peaks in March at 49%, suggesting that while December may not be the sunniest month, it's emblematic of a mid-range winter climate that hints at brighter days ahead. As winter envelops the Alps, December strikes a balance, offering occasional glimpses of sunlight amidst the picturesque snowy landscapes.
As December settles over Grenoble, the city experiences a gentle decline in daylight, with only 8 hours of sun illuminating the winter skies. This is a marked contrast to the sun-drenched days of summer, where June and July bask in 15 hours of glorious daylight. The trend through the seasons is clear: daylight diminishes from the bright 14 hours of May, gradually tapering off as winter approaches, with January and November equally sharing 9 hours of light before hitting their lowest ebb in December. This cyclical rhythm of daylight not only shapes daily life in Grenoble but also invites residents and visitors alike to cherish and celebrate the sparkling moments of sunshine amid the enchanting winter landscape.
The December wind in Grenoble brings a gentle breeze, averaging 1.4 m/s (3 mph), slightly less vigorous than the transitional months of October and April. While the wind tends to be a constant companion throughout the year, we see a subtle ebb and flow in its strength. After the cooler, quieter winds of November, December maintains a steady calm, echoing the low averages established in the chill of winter. This stability sets a tranquil stage, as the city embraces the festive spirit of the season, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the serene landscapes gently accented by the cool December air.
The weather in Grenoble changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Grenoble and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January present a stark contrast in weather conditions. December typically features a milder average temperature of 1°C (33°F), with a minimum of -15°C (6°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). This month also sees considerable precipitation of 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 90%. In comparison, January experiences colder temperatures, with an average of -1°C (31°F), a minimum of -21°C (-6°F), and a similar maximum of 12°C (55°F). Precipitation during January decreases to 118 mm (4.6 in) over just 11 days, while humidity rises slightly to 91%. For further details, check Grenoble weather in January.
December and February present contrasting weather patterns, with December experiencing colder temperatures and higher precipitation. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C (6°F) with an average of 1°C (33°F) and occasional highs of 12°C (54°F). The month is marked by significant rainfall, totaling 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days, and high humidity levels around 90%. In contrast, February sees slightly milder temperatures, with minimums of -12°C (11°F), an average of 3°C (37°F), and maxima reaching 17°C (63°F). The overall precipitation is notably lower, at 107 mm (4.2 in) across 11 days, with humidity slightly decreasing to 87%. For more detailed insights on the weather, check out Grenoble weather in February.
December and March present contrasting weather conditions in terms of temperature, precipitation, and humidity. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -15°C (6°F), with an average of 1°C (33°F) and occasional highs reaching 12°C (54°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 90% and significant precipitation, totaling 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days. In contrast, March sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (7°F), an average of 5°C (41°F), and a maximum of 19°C (67°F). This month experiences less precipitation, amounting to 134 mm (5.3 in) over 14 days, along with a decrease in humidity to 84%. For a more detailed view of the weather in March, you can explore Grenoble weather in March.
December and April exhibit stark differences in weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -15°C (6°F), with an average around 1°C (33°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month also brings significant precipitation, with around 229 mm (9.0 in) falling over 18 days and a high humidity level of 90%. In contrast, April sees milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to an average of 8°C (47°F) and reaching up to 23°C (73°F). Precipitation decreases notably to 82 mm (3.2 in) over 11 days, while humidity drops slightly to 83%. For more detailed information about the weather patterns in April, check out Grenoble weather in April.
December and May present stark contrasts in weather. December's temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -15°C (6°F), with an average of just 1°C (33°F) and a maximum reaching 12°C (54°F). The month is also characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days, and high humidity levels at 90%. In comparison, May ushers in milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a comfortable maximum of 27°C (80°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F). Although May receives less precipitation at 174 mm (6.9 in) across the same number of rainy days, its humidity is notably lower at 78%. For more insights on May weather specifics, you can explore Grenoble weather in May.
December weather is characterized by significantly colder temperatures, with minimums reaching -15°C (6°F) and an average around 1°C (33°F). In contrast, June brings much milder conditions, with minimum temperatures of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F), peaking at a warm 32°C (89°F). Precipitation in December is also higher, totaling 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days, compared to June's 149 mm (5.9 in) across 16 days. Additionally, December's humidity is notably higher at 90%, while June enjoys a more comfortable level of 75%. For more detailed insights, check out Grenoble weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -15°C (6°F), with an average of 1°C (33°F) and highs reaching 12°C (54°F). This month also sees substantial precipitation, totaling 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days, accompanied by high humidity levels averaging 90%. In contrast, July offers much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and an average of 18°C (66°F), peaking at 33°C (92°F). The summer month experiences less precipitation at 110 mm (4.3 in) across 12 days and lower humidity at 72%. For a closer look at July weather specifics, check out Grenoble weather in July.
December and August present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -15°C (6°F), with an average of around 1°C (33°F) and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation, totaling 229 mm (9.0 in) across 18 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 90%. In contrast, August boasts much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), peaking at a warm 32°C (90°F). Precipitation in August is less intense, at 103 mm (4.1 in) over 12 days, and humidity levels drop to a more comfortable 63%. This seasonal shift highlights the dramatic differences in climate, making August a much more pleasant month compared to the cold, wet conditions of December. For more details on August weather, visit Grenoble weather in August.
December and September present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -15°C (6°F), with an average temperature of around 1°C (33°F) and a maximum reaching only 12°C (54°F). The month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 90%. In contrast, September boasts much milder temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a warm 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is less frequent, amounting to 81 mm (3.2 in) across just 10 days and a lower humidity level of 73%. For more details on September's weather, check out Grenoble weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to October, we see notable contrasts. December brings significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -15°C (6°F) and an average of just 1°C (33°F), compared to October's milder range of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F). Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, with 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days, while October sees less, with 120 mm (4.7 in) across only 11 days. Humidity remains similar in both months, hovering around 90% in December and 89% in October. For those interested in the specifics of October weather, more details can be found here: Grenoble weather in October.
In December, the weather becomes noticeably colder compared to November, with average temperatures dropping from 4°C (39°F) to 1°C (33°F) and minimum temperatures plunging from -8°C (18°F) to -15°C (6°F). The month also sees an increase in precipitation, totaling 229 mm (9.0 in) over 18 days, compared to November’s 119 mm (4.7 in) over 13 days. Despite both months exhibiting high humidity levels of 90%, December feels significantly chillier, making it a more inhospitable time of year. For more detailed insights, you can check Grenoble weather in November.
As December unfolds in Grenoble, the weather becomes distinctively chillier compared to the milder months. With an average temperature lingering around 1°C, brisk air prevails, bringing with it a hint of winter's harshness as highs reach only 12°C and lows plunge to -15°C. Rainfall is frequent, with about 18 days of precipitation contributing to a relatively damp atmosphere, where humidity hovers at a notable 90%. This wet cold can make December feel more intense than the preceding months, encapsulating a true winter experience that beckons both adventurers and comfort seekers alike. For those keen on exploring the nuances of Grenoble's climate throughout the year, check out the detailed insights here: Grenoble Climate.