Last updated: August 27, 2025
December in Lugano, Switzerland presents a captivating mix of winter charm and chilly weather. With maximum temperatures reaching 13°C (56°F) and dipping to a brisk minimum of -8°C (17°F), visitors can experience a diverse range of winter atmospheres. On average, the month holds a chilly 3°C (39°F), complemented by a notable humidity level of 85%. Precipitation adds to the seasonal ambiance, with 104 mm (4.1 in) of snowfall and rain spread over 9 days. This combination creates a picturesque backdrop perfect for enjoying the festive spirit while exploring the beauty of this serene lakeside town.
In Lugano, Switzerland, December marks a notable turn in temperatures as winter takes hold. With minimums dipping down to -8°C (17°F), residents and visitors alike feel the chill, while average temperatures hover around 3°C (39°F). The city balances this cold with occasional highs reaching up to 13°C (56°F), creating a crisp but inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying the festive season. As the year draws to a close, the temperatures reflect a steady decline when compared to the milder autumn months, setting the stage for a picturesque winter landscape adorned with seasonal charm.
December in Lugano experiences a moderate precipitation total of 104 mm (4.1 in), maintaining a trend of increasing rainfall as the year progresses. With 9 rainy days, the month sees a slight decrease in precipitation days compared to November, which had 12. This subtle dip contrasts with the heavier downpours of late spring and summer, where months like May and June dominate with totals exceeding 170 mm. December’s rainfall sets the stage for a cool, damp winter, characteristic of Lugano’s climate, while also hinting at the transition towards drier months ahead in the New Year.
In Lugano, Switzerland, December brings a notable shift in humidity, with levels averaging 85%. This month maintains a relatively high humidity, closely mirroring the preceding months of October and November, which both hovered around 88%. Interestingly, as the year progresses towards winter, humidity shows a gradual decline from the summer lows of 64% in August. The trend reflects a seasonal pattern where humidity peaks in late autumn and stabilizes through winter, creating a damp but cozy atmosphere characteristic of this picturesque lakeside city.
In Lugano, Switzerland, the UV Index during December stands at 2, placing it in the low exposure category with a burn time of 45 minutes. As the year winds down, the UV levels are relatively mild compared to the summer months, when the Index peaked at 9 in both June and July, indicating very high exposure with a drastically shorter burn time of only 15 minutes. This trend illustrates a clear decline in UV intensity from the spring's high levels in March and April, down to moderate readings in the later months of the year. So, while you can enjoy outdoor activities during December with less concern about sunburn, it’s always wise to stay informed. For more details, visit the Lugano UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
Lugano, Switzerland, experiences a captivating transformation as the year winds down, reflecting a steady increase in sunshine throughout the colder months. December, with 211 hours of bright daylight, marks a gentle uptick from November’s 207 hours, gently illuminating the festive charm of the city. While winter may paint the landscape in serene white, the steady rise in sunshine from January's 187 hours to December's bright splendor hints at the returning light after the long nights. This trend suggests that even in the heart of winter, Lugano rewards its visitors with a glimmer of sunlight, enhancing the cozy atmosphere and inviting exploration of its breathtaking surroundings.
As December rolls in, Lugano experiences a 49% chance of sunny weather, reflecting a slight uptick compared to the previous months. This makes it one of the more favorable times for sunshine, particularly when juxtaposed with the lower percentages seen in the late fall, such as 42% in November. The trend shows a gradual increase in sunny days leading into the winter season, with March managing to peak at 62% earlier in the year. However, December's likelihood remains relatively strong, offering residents and visitors alike a refreshing balance of cozy winter charm and occasional sunny respite against the backdrop of the Alps.
In Lugano, Switzerland, the progression of daylight throughout the year reveals a captivating cycle of light. As we transition from December, where the sun graces the sky for approximately 8 hours, daylight begins to steadily increase with each passing month. By January, the duration stretches to 9 hours, then gradually climbs to 10 hours in February, and reaches a peak of 15 hours during the sunniest months of June and July. This trend showcases a clear pattern of expanding daylight as the seasons change, followed by a gentle decline as the year winds down again in autumn. Lugano experiences a vibrant contrast between the length of sunny days in summer and the shorter, cozy days of winter, creating a rhythmic dance of light that beautifully characterizes the Swiss landscape.
As December approaches in Lugano, Switzerland, the seasonal winds begin to stir, with an average speed of 1.7 m/s (4 mph), slightly more brisk than the preceding months. This increase marks a subtle departure from the relatively calm breezes of late autumn, which hovered around 1.3 m/s. While the winter months typically bring a gentle chill, the December wind serves as a reminder of the season's arrival, invigorating the picturesque landscapes surrounding the serene lakeside city. Visitors can expect a refreshing atmosphere that enhances the charm of Lugano’s charming holiday decorations, making each stroll through the town a delightful experience amidst the swirling winds.
Weather in Lugano varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Lugano, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January weather in this region shows some interesting similarities and differences. Both months experience average temperatures around 3°C (37°F), with January being slightly drier, receiving only 47 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation compared to December's 104 mm (4.1 in). Additionally, both months see maximum temperatures capping at 13°C (56°F), while December has a lower minimum temperature of -8°C (17°F) compared to January's -7°C (20°F). Humidity levels are fairly high in both months, with January reaching 88% and December at 85%. For more detailed information, you can visit Lugano weather in January.
December weather is characterized by milder temperatures, with an average of 3°C (39°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while February sees slightly colder weather overall, with an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). The precipitation levels in December are higher, totaling 104 mm (4.1 in) over about 9 days, compared to February's 47 mm (1.9 in) over 8 days, indicating a drier month. Additionally, humidity remains high in both months, but December is slightly more humid at 85%, compared to February's 81%. For a more detailed look at February conditions in the region, visit Lugano weather in February.
December and March present distinctly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures hover between a chilly -8°C (17°F) and a max of 13°C (56°F), with an average of 3°C (39°F), accompanied by high humidity at 85%. This month experiences about 104 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 9 days, contributing to a colder and wetter atmosphere. In contrast, March sees a slight increase in temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and a maximum reaching 21°C (70°F), averaging 7°C (45°F). Although March has slightly less precipitation at 94 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days, the humidity drops to 76%, indicating a more comfortable, albeit variable spring weather. For more detailed insights on the weather during this month, visit Lugano weather in March.
December weather is characterized by cold temperatures, with average highs reaching only 3°C (39°F), and lows dipping to -8°C (17°F). This month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 104 mm (4.1 in) over approximately 9 days, along with higher humidity levels at 85%. In contrast, April brings a notable warming trend, with average temperatures ranging from a low of -1°C (30°F) to a comfortable high of 24°C (75°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). However, it also sees increased rainfall, totaling 140 mm (5.5 in) across 11 days, but with slightly lower humidity at 77%. For a more detailed look at the conditions in April, you can check Lugano weather in April.
December weather in Lugano presents a chilly atmosphere, with average temperatures ranging from a frigid -8°C (17°F) to a mild 13°C (56°F). Humidity is notably high at 85%, and the month experiences about 104 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 9 days, making it a relatively wet season. In contrast, May ushers in a significant warming trend, where temperatures rise to an average of 15°C (59°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F). Despite having higher rainfall at 173 mm (6.8 in) and more wet days totaling 17, the humidity is lower at 74%, contributing to a more pleasant and vibrant springtime atmosphere. For more detailed information, check out Lugano weather in May.
December weather presents a stark contrast to that of June. With temperatures ranging from a chilling minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), December often brings a wintry atmosphere, accompanied by significant precipitation of 104 mm (4.1 in) spread over about 9 days and high humidity at 85%. In contrast, June offers much milder conditions, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a warm maximum of 35°C (95°F). This summer month also sees increased rainfall, totaling 196 mm (7.7 in) across approximately 15 days, but with lower humidity at 71%. For a deeper look into the June climate, you can explore Lugano weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a mild maximum of 13°C (56°F), with an average temperature of around 3°C (39°F). It is also a relatively wet month, receiving approximately 104 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 9 days, along with high humidity levels at 85%. Conversely, July boasts much warmer conditions, with temperatures dipping only to 11°C (52°F) at night and peaking at 31°C (88°F) during the day, averaging around 21°C (70°F). Rainfall is more frequent in July, totaling about 167 mm (6.6 in) across 16 days, but the humidity is lower at 67%. For a deeper look at the summer climate, you can check Lugano weather in July.
In December, the weather in Lugano is characterized by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 3°C (39°F), while August boasts warmer conditions, featuring a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation levels differ significantly as well, with December receiving 104 mm (4.1 in) over nine days compared to August's 174 mm (6.9 in) across thirteen days. Additionally, humidity is higher in December at 85%, compared to a more moderate 64% in August, highlighting the sharp contrast between these two months. For more details on the weather during August, visit Lugano weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December and September, notable differences emerge. December typically features colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 3°C (39°F), while September enjoys much warmer conditions, ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 26°C (80°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in September, with 141 mm (5.5 in) over 12 days, compared to December's 104 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days, though December’s higher humidity at 85% contributes to a chillier feel. For more detailed insights into September weather, you can visit Lugano weather in September.
In comparing December and October weather, December is noticeably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while October enjoys a milder temperature range of 3°C (38°F) to 24°C (75°F) with an average of 12°C (55°F). October also experiences significantly higher precipitation, measuring 206 mm (8.1 in) over 9 days, compared to December's 104 mm (4.1 in) during the same number of days. Humidity remains relatively similar between the two months, with December at 85% and October at 87%. For those interested in the specifics of October weather, more details can be found Lugano weather in October.
In December, the weather sees a notable shift compared to November, with average temperatures dropping from 8°C (46°F) in November to just 3°C (39°F). The minimum temperature plummets further to -8°C (17°F), while the maximum reaches only 13°C (56°F), indicating that December is significantly colder. Additionally, December experiences less precipitation at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days, compared to November's 174 mm (6.9 in) across 12 days, suggesting a drier month overall. Humidity remains relatively stable, hovering around 85% in December compared to 88% in November. For more details on November weather, you can visit Lugano weather in November.
As December settles in, Lugano experiences a notable shift in weather, characterized by cooler temperatures and increased humidity. The maximum daytime highs are milder compared to the warmer months, while nighttime can see temperatures dipping as low as -8°C. Additionally, frequent precipitation contributes to a damp atmosphere, with nearly a third of the month seeing rain. This blend of cooler air and moisture sets December apart, marking the transition into winter for this picturesque Swiss city. For a deeper insight into the overall climate trends, visit Lugano Climate.