Switzerland (Lucerne) · December
Low seasonSwitzerland · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 4° (39°)-3– (27–)12 (54) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)14 (57) | 11° (52°)2– (36–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)5– (41–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)9– (48–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)14– (57–)31 (88) | 25° (77°)16– (61–)32 (90) | 24° (75°)14– (57–)30 (86) | 20° (68°)11– (52–)26 (79) | 15° (59°)7– (45–)21 (70) | 9° (48°)1– (34–)16 (61) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)12 (54) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-8– (18–)5 (41) | -1° (30°)-6– (21–)5 (41) | 2° (36°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 6° (43°)-1– (30–)11 (52) | 10° (50°)2– (36–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)19 (66) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)16 (61) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 0° (32°)-7– (19–)5 (41) |
☀️Sunshine | 3h UV 3 | 5h UV 4 | 7h UV 6 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 3h UV 3 | 3h UV 2 |
🌧Rain Days | 8d63mm (2.5") | 7d54mm (2.1") | 8d67mm (2.6") | 8d78mm (3.1") | 12d138mm (5.4") | 12d130mm (5.1") | 12d148mm (5.8") | 11d158mm (6.2") | 8d99mm (3.9") | 8d76mm (3.0") | 8d65mm (2.5") | 9d80mm (3.2") |
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 Switzerland (Lucerne) — with highs of only 5°C (41°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in May, June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 5°C (41°F) during the day and drop to 0°C (32°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -7°C (19°F) — frost does occur. With 3 sunshine hours per day and 9 rain days (80 mm (3.1 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.
Lucerne often sits under a blanket of fog or cloud while the sun shines on Pilatus and Rigi above. The old town grows quiet, and mulled wine and snowflakes give the Chapel Bridge its postcard light. In February the Fasnacht brings a brief burst of noise and confetti to the lanes.
Packing list for Switzerland (Lucerne) 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 Switzerland (Lucerne)?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Switzerland (Lucerne) (Score: 20/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Switzerland (Lucerne) in December?
- In December, Switzerland (Lucerne) sees daily highs of 5°C (41°F). Nights cool to 0°C (32°F), with a daily average of 2°C (36°F). Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -7°C (19°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Switzerland (Lucerne) in December?
- In December, Switzerland (Lucerne) receives an average of 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain over 9 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Switzerland (Lucerne) get in December?
- Switzerland (Lucerne) averages 3 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.