Last updated: August 27, 2025
December in Zurich, Switzerland, is characterized by chilly temperatures and significant moisture, making it a quintessential winter month. With highs averaging 14°C (57°F) and dipping to a brisk -5°C (23°F), visitors will want to bundle up. The city experiences 19 days of precipitation, accumulating around 136 mm (5.4 in) of rain and snow, while humidity levels hover around a crisp 90%. This atmospheric richness, paired with festive decorations, creates a picturesque winter landscape that captures the charm of Zurich during the holiday season.
In December, Zurich experiences a shift towards deeper winter, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -5°C (23°F) at night to a milder 14°C (57°F) during the day. The average temperature settles around 3°C (38°F), signaling a transition from the crispness of autumn to the embrace of winter's chill. This month marks a noticeable drop in temperatures compared to the previous months, emphasizing the city's seasonal changes. As the days grow shorter and snowfall becomes more likely, December creates a magical atmosphere, making it an ideal time to enjoy the festive decorations and holiday spirit that the city is renowned for.
December in Zurich ushers in a remarkable shift in weather, characterized by an uptick in precipitation. With 136 mm (5.4 in) of rainfall, it stands out as one of the wetter months, closely rivaling May and June. This month is notable not just for its volume of rain but also for the frequency of precipitation, with rain falling on an average of 19 days—the highest of the year. This creates a moody atmosphere, often synonymous with the holiday season, as Zurich becomes draped in a stunning wintry charm. As temperatures begin to drop, the city's landscape transforms, heralding the cold and wet days of winter that envelop the landscape in a serene hush.
December in Zurich, Switzerland, showcases a notable trend in humidity that mirrors the city’s winter chill. With an average humidity of 90%, December is one of the wettest months, following closely behind October, which holds an identical level of dampness. As the year comes to a close, the humidity starts to rise again after a gradual decline from the peak at 92% in January. The months of late summer and early autumn see a slight dip, with June to August hovering around 80%, before the cold air rushes in, elevating the humidity levels once more. This cyclical pattern reflects Zurich's crisp, moist winters, creating a picturesque, albeit damp, end to the year.
December in Zurich sees a low UV Index of 2, prompting minimal sun exposure precautions. As winter settles in, the risk of UV radiation decreases significantly, with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes under the sun. This trend marks a transition from the high and very high levels experienced in the preceding months. For context, compared to the very high readings of 9 in June and July, December offers a much safer environment for outdoor activities. As you plan your winter outings, it’s always wise to stay informed about UV levels, so check the latest updates on the Zurich UV Index for the best practices in sun safety.
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December in Zurich might bring fewer hours of sunshine, with 185 hours lighting up the month, yet it captures a contrast to the vibrant rays of the summer months. As the year winds down, the days become shorter, and sunshine retreats compared to the peak of 415 hours in July. The gentle decline from October's 279 hours to December feels like a natural ebb, leading to winter's embrace. Despite this, Zurich's charm remains illuminated by festive lights and the warm glow of holiday spirit, reminding us that even in less sunny days, there is beauty to be found. Embracing the winter months, the city transforms into a picturesque holiday haven, rich in culture and community, even as the sun bids its brief farewell.
In Zurich, December is characterized by a modest 29% chance of sunshine, which is a slight improvement compared to the gloomier late autumn months, particularly November with its mere 23% likelihood. As winter sets in, the trend of diminishing sunshine continues from January's dismal 15%, highlighting a seasonal decline. However, compared to the earlier winter months, December offers a glimpse of potential brightness as the chances gradually build through the later months of the year, making it an interesting time for those hoping for a sunny break amidst the holiday festivities.
In Zurich, Switzerland, December marks the return of shorter days, with daylight lasting around 8 hours. This monthly pattern highlights a gradual decrease in sunlight from the 15 hours enjoyed in June, slowly tapering off as the year winds down. As winter settles in, the city experiences its lowest daylight duration, mirroring the trend of diminishing light that begins in late autumn. As the year progresses from January's 8 hours to February's 10 hours, the daylight gradually begins to lengthen, foreshadowing the brightening months ahead. The subtle rhythm of Zurich's daylight offers a beautiful reminder of the changing seasons, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the cozy charm of winter.
As December arrives in Zurich, Switzerland, the city's gentle breezes reflect the winter's embrace, with an average wind speed of 1.8 m/s (4 mph). This marks a slight increase from the preceding months, hinting at the transition from autumn’s calm to winter's crisp touch. Throughout the year, wind speeds in Zurich have shown some intriguing patterns: typically mild, with January to March hovering between 1.8 and 2.0 m/s before dipping slightly in the summer months. As temperatures cool, the winds pick up ever so slightly in December, creating an invigorating atmosphere that adds to the charm of the festive season. This subtle rise hints at the potential for a more dynamic winter ahead, as Zurich readies itself for the changes that the new year will bring.
Weather in Zurich varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Zurich, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January showcase distinct weather patterns, each bringing its own characteristics to the winter season. In December, temperatures range from a low of -5°C (23°F) to a high of 14°C (57°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.4 in) over 19 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 90%.
In contrast, January experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and an average of 1°C (35°F), peaking at 15°C (59°F). Precipitation decreases to 112 mm (4.4 in) spread across just 12 days, yet the humidity remains slightly higher at 92%. Together, these months illustrate a gradual transition into colder winter conditions. For more detailed insights, check out Zurich weather in January.
December weather tends to be milder, with an average temperature of around 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), despite experiencing a few colder days with minimum temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F). It is a relatively wet month, with 136 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation spread over 19 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 90%. In contrast, February is cooler, featuring a minimum temperature of -12°C (10°F) and a slightly higher average of 4°C (39°F), reaching a maximum of 18°C (65°F). February sees less precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over just 11 days, with humidity remaining quite high at 89%. For more detailed information about the weather in February, you can visit Zurich weather in February.
In December, the weather is characterized by milder temperatures, with averages around 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while winter's chill brings minimum temperatures down to -5°C (23°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.4 in) over 19 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 90%. In contrast, March sees a slight increase in average temperatures to 6°C (43°F), with a maximum of 20°C (69°F) and a minimum dropping further to -11°C (13°F). Although the total precipitation is lower at 100 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, humidity remains relatively high at 87%. For more details on the weather trends in March, you can check Zurich weather in March.
December weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as -5°C (23°F) and average highs around 3°C (38°F), making it a chilly month. In contrast, April experiences a notable warming trend, with average temperatures rising to around 10°C (50°F) and maximums that can reach a pleasant 26°C (79°F). Furthermore, December sees significantly more precipitation, with 136 mm (5.4 in) over 19 days, compared to April's lighter rainfall of 77 mm (3.0 in) over just 10 days. The humidity also remains high in December at 90%, though it slightly decreases to 84% in April. For a more detailed overview of the weather, you can check Zurich weather in April.
December and May present contrasting weather patterns in terms of temperature and humidity. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) at their lowest to a mild 14°C (57°F) at their highest, with an average of 3°C (38°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 90% and significant precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.4 in) over about 19 days. In contrast, May experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums around -2°C (29°F) and maximums soaring up to 30°C (86°F), while the average settles at a pleasant 13°C (56°F). Precipitation remains similar at 137 mm (5.4 in) but occurs over fewer days (16), with humidity dropping to 80%. For more details on the weather in May, you can visit Zurich weather in May.
December and June present contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures typically range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) at night to a mild 14°C (57°F) during the day, with an average of 3°C (38°F). The winter month is marked by high humidity at 90% and considerable precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.4 in) over about 19 days. Conversely, June boasts a more temperate climate, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), yielding a comfortable average of 18°C (65°F). The month experiences slightly higher precipitation at 149 mm (5.9 in) but over fewer days, only 16. Despite the rain, June's humidity is lower at 82%, creating a more pleasant outdoor atmosphere. For more detailed insights into June weather in Zurich, refer to Zurich weather in June.
When comparing the weather in December and July, a stark contrast emerges. December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), while July enjoys milder conditions, featuring a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with December receiving 136 mm (5.4 in) of rain over 19 days and July slightly less at 134 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 90%, compared to July's 83%. This seasonal shift highlights the differences in warmth and moisture between the two months, making July a more inviting time for outdoor activities. For more detailed information on July weather, you can visit Zurich weather in July.
December and August present distinctly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -5°C (23°F), with an average of around 3°C (38°F) and highs reaching 14°C (57°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 90% and ample precipitation, falling on 19 days and totaling 136 mm (5.4 in). In contrast, August boasts a much warmer atmosphere, with minimum temperatures of 9°C (49°F), average temperatures of 20°C (67°F), and maximums soaring to 34°C (93°F). While precipitation is slightly higher at 141 mm (5.6 in), it occurs over fewer days, just 14, and humidity is also lower at 80%. For more information, check out Zurich weather in August.
December and September present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures reach a maximum of 14°C (57°F) but can drop to a chilling minimum of -5°C (23°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). This month experiences high humidity at around 90% and significant precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.4 in) over 19 days. In contrast, September boasts a milder climate, featuring a maximum temperature of 28°C (83°F) and a comfortable average of 16°C (60°F). The minimum temperature is notably higher at 5°C (41°F), and the month receives less rainfall, totaling 104 mm (4.1 in) over just 11 days, accompanied by a lower humidity level of 83%. For more details, visit Zurich weather in September.
In December, the weather exhibits colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), compared to October's milder minimum of 2°C (35°F) and average of 11°C (52°F). While both months experience high humidity levels at 90%, December sees increased precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.4 in) over 19 days, whereas October has slightly less with 122 mm (4.8 in) over 13 days. For more detailed information on October's weather, you can visit Zurich weather in October.
December weather is generally colder and wetter compared to November. While November experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), December's temperatures drop significantly, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F). Additionally, December sees more precipitation, measuring 136 mm (5.4 in) over 19 days, whereas November has only 76 mm (3.0 in) over 12 days. The humidity also rises slightly in December to 90%, compared to November's 88%. For more detailed insights, check out Zurich weather in November.
December in Zurich welcomes winter with a chill, showcasing a significant drop in temperatures compared to the milder months of fall. With maximums hovering around a brisk 14°C and an average of just 3°C, the city transitions into a crisp atmosphere that sets the stage for snow-capped landscapes. Precipitation becomes more frequent, with approximately 19 days of rain or snow, contributing to a high humidity level of 90% that permeates the air. This contrasts sharply with the drier conditions experienced in the preceding months, making December a notable time for cozy indoor activities and enjoying the festive spirit. To learn more about the overall climate patterns in Zurich, visit Zurich Climate.