Month guide · Geneva · Switzerland
Geneva in December
What December is really like in Geneva: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Wikibusters, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 5°C (41°F), lows of 0°C (32°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 8.6 hours of daylight. Cold, festive and lively, with the city's own Escalade festival and Christmas markets.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 5°C (41°F) / 0°C (32°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 8.6 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Geneva: days average 5°C (41°F) against a yearly average high of 15°C (59°F), and nights fall to about 0°C (32°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with November (9°C (48°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 5°C (41°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:12
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:50
- Daylight
- About 8.6 hours
Winter (December–February). Cold and often cloudy in the city, but festive in December and close to sunny ski slopes.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is June at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in May). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
- L'Escalade — costumed parade, a city run and chocolate cauldrons (usually the weekend nearest 11–12 December)
- Coupe de Noël — mass swim in the cold lake (usually mid-December)
- Christmas markets in the Old Town and by the lake (December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Experience · Lake Geneva
Mouettes water taxis and lake cruises
The small yellow Mouettes Genevoises boats shuttle across the harbour between the Pâquis, the Jardin Anglais and the Eaux-Vives on standard public-transport tickets.
- Time needed
- 10 minutes to a full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
Market · Plainpalais
Plainpalais flea market
Arrive mid-morning on Saturday for the widest choice, and bring cash for smaller stalls.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Off the beaten path
Neighbourhood · Old Town
Old Town and Place du Bourg-de-Four
The Old Town's lanes lead to Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city's oldest square, on the site of a Roman forum.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Iconic
- Rainy day
Historic site · Nations
Palace of Nations
Bring photo ID and arrive early for security screening at the visitors' entrance.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 5°C, lows near 0°C and 10 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Geneva?
A shoulder-season month, with 3 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Geneva in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Geneva?
It is a shoulder-season month. Cold, festive and lively, with the city's own Escalade festival and Christmas markets.
+How warm is Geneva in December?
Average highs are around 5°C (41°F) and lows around 0°C (32°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Geneva in December?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.