Month guide · Hallstatt · Austria
Hallstatt in December
What December is really like in Hallstatt: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 3°C (37°F), lows of -3°C (27°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 8.5 hours of daylight. Snow, Advent lights and Christmas markets in the region; Krampus runs take place in some Salzkammergut towns in early December.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 3°C (37°F) / -3°C (27°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 8.5 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Hallstatt: days average 3°C (37°F) against a yearly average high of 13°C (55°F), and nights fall to about -3°C (27°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with November (7°C (45°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 2°C (36°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 07:47
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:15
- Daylight
- About 8.5 hours
Winter (December–February). Snowy and quiet, with Advent events and nearby skiing, but short, shaded days and some attractions closed.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
- Advent markets in the Salzkammergut (usually December)
- Krampus runs in local towns (around 5 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.
Landmark · Hallstatt Markt
Marktplatz
The small market square, ringed by painted houses with flower-filled balconies, has a Holy Trinity column at its centre.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Photo spot
- History
Viewpoint · Obertraun
Dachstein Krippenstein and 5fingers
Wear warm layers for the ice cave, which stays below freezing even in summer.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Views
- Active
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Nature · Lahn
Echerntal and Waldbachstrub waterfall
From Lahn, a level path leads into the Echern valley, then climbs through a gorge to the Waldbachstrub waterfall.
- Time needed
- 2–2.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
- Kids
Experience · Lahn
Hallstätter See by boat
Even if you arrive by bus, take the ferry across to the station and back for the view of the village from the water.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes–1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 3°C, lows near -3°C and 13 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Hallstatt?
A shoulder-season month, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–June and September are better overall. Compare every month.
Hallstatt in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Hallstatt?
It is a shoulder-season month. Snow, Advent lights and Christmas markets in the region; Krampus runs take place in some Salzkammergut towns in early December.
+How warm is Hallstatt in December?
Average highs are around 3°C (37°F) and lows around -3°C (27°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Hallstatt in December?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.