When to go · Bern
Bern in December
Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Feb (grey, cold, bears hibernate).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 4°C39°F / −2°C28°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 10
- Crowds
- High
- Switzerland overall
- Prices
- High
- Switzerland overall
Verdict
Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Feb (grey, cold, bears hibernate).
Weather in December
- BernHighs around 4 °C, lows around -2 °C, rain on about 10 daysHighs around 39 °F, lows around 28 °F, rain on about 10 days
- Plateau cities, Switzerland · Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucernecool
Fog (Hochnebel) can sit over the Plateau for days in November–February while the mountains are sunny — take a train up.
- Bernese and central Alps, Switzerland · Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Engelbergbest weather
Skiing late December to early April ('best' in winter means snow); hiking late June to early October. Afternoon storms in July–August.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas big impact
24–26 Dec · Switzerland
Shops closed 25–26 Dec; resort prices peak through New Year.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Switzerland overall
- High
- Prices · Switzerland overall
- High
Switzerland overall: Christmas markets (Basel, Zurich, Montreux) and ski season from mid-month; Christmas–New Year is the most expensive week.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket