Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
| Metric | Zurich | Paris | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 5°C (41°F) | 7°C (45°F)▲ | Paris |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 0°C (32°F) | 2°C (36°F)▲ | Paris |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 14 days | 12 days▲ | Paris |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 92 mm | 68 mm▲ | Paris |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 5h/day▲ | 4h/day | Zurich |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 12 km/h▲ | 20 km/h | Zurich |
Zurich and Paris are closely matched in December. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Zurich is on the cooler side at 5°C, requiring warmer clothing. Paris is cooler at 7°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Paris is the stronger choice in December. Zurich receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Zurich reaches an average high of 5°C (41°F) and drops to 0°C (32°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Paris averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.
Zurich receives approximately 92 mm of rainfall across 14 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Paris sees 68 mm over 12 rain days. That makes Paris the drier option by 2 rain days and 24 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
Highs of 5°C, lows of 0°C, 14 rain days
Highs of 7°C, lows of 2°C, 12 rain days
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. December is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Zurich | Paris | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 5°C | 13d | 7°C | 12d |
| Feb | 6°C | 11d | 8°C | 10d |
| Mar | 10°C | 13d | 12°C | 11d |
| Apr | 14°C | 13d | 15°C | 11d |
| May | 18°C | 15d | 19°C | 11d |
| Jun | 22°C | 16d | 22°C | 10d |
| Jul | 24°C | 15d | 24°C | 10d |
| Aug | 23°C | 14d | 24°C | 9d |
| Sep | 19°C | 12d | 21°C | 8d |
| Oct | 15°C | 12d | 16°C | 11d |
| Nov | 9°C | 12d | 11°C | 11d |
| Dec | 5°C | 14d | 7°C | 12d |
Zurich Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Paris Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities