Alsace · December
Low seasonFrance · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 6° (43°)-3– (27–)14 (57) | 8° (46°)0– (32–)15 (59) | 12° (54°)5– (41–)21 (70) | 17° (63°)7– (45–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)11– (52–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)16– (61–)33 (91) | 27° (81°)18– (64–)35 (95) | 26° (79°)16– (61–)34 (93) | 22° (72°)14– (57–)29 (84) | 17° (63°)8– (46–)24 (75) | 10° (50°)1– (34–)18 (64) | 7° (45°)-1– (30–)14 (57) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 0° (32°)-8– (18–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-7– (19–)7 (45) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)9 (48) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)12 (54) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)3– (37–)17 (63) | 8° (46°)0– (32–)13 (55) | 4° (39°)-5– (23–)10 (50) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)8 (46) |
☀️Sunshine | 2h UV 2 | 4h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 4 | 3h UV 3 | 2h UV 2 |
🌧Rain Days | 6d40mm (1.6") | 5d34mm (1.3") | 6d35mm (1.4") | 6d46mm (1.8") | 9d72mm (2.8") | 8d74mm (2.9") | 8d67mm (2.6") | 8d73mm (2.9") | 6d49mm (1.9") | 7d53mm (2.1") | 6d48mm (1.9") | 8d48mm (1.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
December is the coldest winter month in Alsace — with highs of only 7°C (45°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, and August.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 7°C (45°F) during the day and drop to 1°C (34°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 14°C (57°F), the coldest nights around -6°C (21°F) — frost does occur. With 2 sunshine hours per day and 8 rain days (48 mm (1.9 in)), this is one of the cloudier months.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
December is the big moment: the Christmas markets of Strasbourg and Colmar draw visitors from all over Europe, and the half-timbered houses are dressed in lights. After that it goes quiet. Daytime highs sit at 5 to 7°C (41 to 45°F), nights are frosty and the sun shines only one to four hours.
Events & Festivals
- Strasbourg Christkindelsmäriklate November to 24 December
One of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, dating from 1570, now on Place Broglie and other squares in the old town; the big Christmas tree stands on Place Kléber.
- Colmar Christmas marketslate November to late December
Six Christmas markets spread across Colmar's decorated old town, one of the most popular Advent settings in Alsace.
Packing list for Alsace in December
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Alsace?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Alsace (Score: 19/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, and August.
- How warm is it in Alsace in December?
- In December, Alsace sees daily highs of 7°C (45°F). Nights cool to 1°C (34°F), with a daily average of 4°C (39°F). Peaks reach around 14°C (57°F), the coldest nights around -6°C (21°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Alsace in December?
- In December, Alsace receives an average of 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Alsace get in December?
- Alsace averages 2 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.