Geneva Weather in December
Thinking of visiting Geneva in December? Expect low temperatures reaching 6°C (43°F) during the day, dropping to -1°C (30°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of snow/rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Geneva in December
You can expect snow/rain on roughly 14 days based on historical data, averaging 144 mm (5.7 in) for the month. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.
Temperature in Geneva in December
If you're visiting Geneva in December, expect highs of 6°C (43°F) and overnight lows around -1°C (30°F). This month falls in the winter season. The days stay cool from start to finish. Layering up well will make outdoor time much more comfortable. Nights are well below freezing at -1°C (30°F). An extra blanket is a good idea if you feel the cold, especially in older or less well-heated accommodation.
Sunshine in Geneva in December
The month has fewer sunny days, with around 47 hours of sunshine.
Average water temperature in December
The water temperature is only 9°C (48°F) this month — cold enough that most people will want to stay out. Hardy swimmers may manage a quick dip, but it won't be comfortable.December in Geneva can still be great, but if you prefer pleasant temperatures along with dry and sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Switzerland, check out our Geneva's climate page.
Geneva Temperature in December
Min Temperature
-1°C (30°F)
Max Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Water Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Chance of Rain
47%
Precipitation
144 mm (5.7 in)
Rainy days
14 days
Humidity
82%
Sunshine
47 hours
Percentage Sunshine
21%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Geneva typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 6°C (43°F). Nights are very cold, with lows around -1°C (30°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Geneva in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Geneva spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Geneva historical weather extremes in December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Geneva from 1976 through 2025.
- The hottest December day on record in Geneva reached 19°C (66°F) (December 16, 1989).
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was -5°C (23°F), recorded on December 15, 2001.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -14°C (7°F) on December 25, 1986, marking the coldest December night on record.
- The wettest December day on record brought 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation to Geneva (December 31, 2008).
Best Places in Switzerland in December
Find out more about the weather in Switzerland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Switzerland in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Geneva in December
Cold weather calls for smart layering in December. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. With water temperatures around 9°C (48°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.What To Do in Geneva in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Switzerland, check out our Geneva's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Water Temp
See the full Geneva climate overview or explore weather in Switzerland.
