When to go · Lugano
Lugano in December
Good month. Outside the best window (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct). Across Switzerland: Christmas markets (Basel, Zurich, Montreux) and ski season from mid-month; Christmas–New Year is the most expensive week.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) / 2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 7
- Crowds
- High
- Switzerland overall
- Prices
- High
- Switzerland overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct). Across Switzerland: Christmas markets (Basel, Zurich, Montreux) and ski season from mid-month; Christmas–New Year is the most expensive week.
Is another month better than December?
December is rated good. These months rate higher:
Weather in December
- LuganoHighs around 8 °C (46 °F), lows around 2 °C (36 °F), rain on about 7 daysHighs around 46 °F (8 °C), lows around 36 °F (2 °C), rain on about 7 days
- Ticino, Switzerland · Lugano, Locarno, Bellinzonacool
Warmest region with palm trees; heavy rain possible in autumn. The Gotthard base tunnel puts it 2 h from Zurich.
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.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Lugano, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Good
Apr: Great (better)
Daytime high
Dec: 8 °C (46 °F)46 °F (8 °C)
Apr: 17 °C (63 °F)63 °F (17 °C)
Night low
Dec: 2 °C (36 °F)36 °F (2 °C)
Apr: 8 °C (46 °F)46 °F (8 °C)
Rain days
Dec: 7 (better)
Apr: 10
Crowds
Dec: High
Apr: Low
Prices
Dec: High
Apr: Medium
Festivals listed
Dec: 1
Apr: 0
December: Outside the best window (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct). Across Switzerland: Christmas markets (Basel, Zurich, Montreux) and ski season from mid-month; Christmas–New Year is the most expensive week.
April: Inside Lugano's best window: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Lugano: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket