Bern in December

Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Feb (grey, cold, bears hibernate).

December is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatInside Bern's best window: May–Sep.
• JuneGreatInside Bern's best window: May–Sep.
• JulyGreatInside Bern's best window: May–Sep.
• AugustGreatInside Bern's best window: May–Sep.

• BernHighs around 4 °C (39 °F), lows around -2 °C (28 °F), rain on about 10 daysHighs around 39 °F (4 °C), lows around 28 °F (-2 °C), 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.

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 · 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.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Bern, side by side.

• 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

Build the full packing list for your trip →