Interlaken in December
Not the best time
December works for Christmas market atmosphere and early winter sports. But expect cold weather and many seasonal closures throughout the month.
Weather
December brings winter's return with snow showers becoming regular visitors to the valley floor. Temperatures hover around freezing during the day and drop well below at night. Fog and low clouds often obscure the mountain views.
3°C high-2°C low9 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$155/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Christmas markets
- •New Year celebrations
- •Winter sports season opening
December Tips
- •Christmas markets add some charm but expect limited outdoor activities
- •Many hotels and restaurants close between Christmas and New Year
- •Book early for New Year's Eve - it's surprisingly popular
All Months
Summer is peak season for good reason — June through September offers the most reliable weather for outdoor adventures. July and August see temperatures around 25°C, perfect for paragliding and lake swimming. But you'll share the trails with half of Europe, and hotel prices spike to their highest.
September is the sweet spot. The weather stays warm, autumn colors paint the mountainsides, and crowds thin out after school starts. You'll still have access to most mountain railways and hiking trails, but restaurant reservations become easier to snag.
Winter transforms Interlaken into a different beast entirely. The town becomes a base for skiing Grindelwald and Wengen, but many adventure activities shut down. If you're here for the slopes, book between December and March. Just know that some mountain railways run limited schedules, and lake activities are off the table.
Interlaken Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
9/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
10/10
Budget
3/10
Luxury
9/10
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