Geneva in December

Cold; Escalade festival; Christmas closures.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatWarm, long days.
• JuneGreatWarm; lake swimming begins.
• JulyGreatWarm and busy; book ahead.
• AugustGreatAug 1 National Day; heat some years.

• GenevaHighs around 5 °C (41 °F), lows around 1 °C (34 °F), rain on about 10 daysHighs around 41 °F (5 °C), lows around 34 °F (1 °C), rain on about 10 days
• Lake Geneva, Switzerland · Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Lavauxcool

  Mild; the bise wind makes winter days raw. Grape harvest in Lavaux late September–October.

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.

• Escalade

  Around 11–12 December · Old Town

  Costumed parade and closed streets.

• Christmas markets check

  Late November to December · Old Town and Plainpalais

  Stalls and crowds; higher hotel rates.

• 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 Geneva, 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

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