Month guide · Interlaken · Switzerland
Interlaken in December
What December is really like in Interlaken: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrewrabbott at English Wikipedia, Public domain
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 3°C (37°F), lows of -3°C (27°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 8.6 hours of daylight. Ski season opens and Christmas markets and the ice rink bring the town to life; busy over the holidays.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 3°C (37°F) / -3°C (27°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 8.6 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Interlaken: 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 10 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 08:07
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:41
- Daylight
- About 8.6 hours
Winter (December–February). Skiing at Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren, sledging runs and snowy villages; Interlaken town is often foggy and cold.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas market in Interlaken (usually December)
- Ice Magic ice rink on the Höhematte (usually from mid-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.
Nature · Lake Thun
St. Beatus Caves
Above the north shore of Lake Thun, about a kilometre of lit passages leads past stalactites, underground pools and waterfalls into the mountain.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
- History
Viewpoint · Jungfrau region
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Check the summit webcam before you go; on cloudy days you may see nothing, and the ticket is costly.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Views
- Nature
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Interlaken Ost
Harder Kulm
A funicular from beside Interlaken Ost climbs to about 1,320 metres, where a viewing platform hangs over the slope with both lakes below and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau ahead.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Couples
- Iconic
- Photo spot
Nature · Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach Falls
Walk the flat valley path south towards Trümmelbach and Stechelberg for the best views of the falls.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 3°C, lows near -3°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 Interlaken?
A shoulder-season month, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, June–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Interlaken in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Interlaken?
It is a shoulder-season month. Ski season opens and Christmas markets and the ice rink bring the town to life; busy over the holidays.
+How warm is Interlaken in December?
Average highs are around 3°C (37°F) and lows around -3°C (27°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Interlaken in December?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.