Christmas in Munich feels cold, with short days and a festive vibe that lights up the city. Daytime highs usually hover around 3 to 5°C (37 to 41°F), and nights often drop below freezing. Snow sometimes falls, but honestly, you might get drizzle or light rain just as often. The air stays crisp, and the famous Christmas markets really pop against those gray December skies.
Sunshine barely makes an appearance. Most days seem overcast or foggy, which creates a cozy winter mood that seems perfect for hot drinks and hearty food. The chill rarely gets extreme, so you can manage it with the right clothing.
If you know what to expect, you can plan better. Maybe you’ll want to wander through market stalls, check out museums, or try some outdoor ice skating.
Overview of December Weather in Munich
December brings cold temperatures, frequent wet or snowy spells, and not much sunshine. You’ll notice short daylight hours, chilly mornings, and dampness that kind of dictates whether you spend time outdoors or inside.
Typical Temperature Range
Munich stays cold all December. Daytime highs usually reach around 4–5°C (39–41°F). Nights drop to about -1°C (30°F), and sometimes lower, especially if the sky’s clear.
You’ll definitely feel the chill in the mornings and evenings. The temperature difference from day to night isn’t huge, but the damp air makes it feel colder than you might expect.
Average temperatures:
- Daytime high: 4–5°C (39–41°F)
- Nighttime low: -1°C (30°F)
- Variation: about 5–6°C (9–11°F) between day and night
Warm clothes are a must. If you layer up—a thermal base, sweater, and insulated jacket—you’ll stay comfortable whether you’re exploring Christmas markets or sightseeing.
Precipitation Patterns
December brings a mix of rain and snow to Munich. You’ll see about 70–80 mm of precipitation during the month, spread over roughly 15–16 days. That means wet or snowy weather every few days.
Snow doesn’t fall every day, but light snow showers happen, especially later in the month. Rain is frequent, and the streets stay damp even if snow doesn’t stick.
Precipitation details:
- Monthly total: ~70–80 mm
- Wet days: 15–16 days
- Type: mix of rain and snow
Waterproof shoes and a sturdy umbrella or hooded jacket will help you stay dry. Be careful on sidewalks—they can get slippery when temperatures drop.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
December is Munich’s darkest month. You only get about 8 hours of daylight per day. The sun rises around 8:00 a.m. and sets before 4:30 p.m., so there’s not much time for outdoor sightseeing.
Sunshine is rare. On average, Munich gets only 1.5–2 hours of direct sun per day—about 60 hours total for December. Most days, clouds rule the sky.
Daylight and sunshine facts:
- Daylight length: ~8 hours per day
- Average sunshine: 60 hours in December
- Cloud cover: overcast about 60% of days
Since natural light is in short supply, it’s smart to plan indoor activities for late afternoons and evenings. Thankfully, the city’s festive lights and Christmas markets brighten things up, even under gray skies.
Temperature Variations and Extremes
Munich’s December weather shifts between chilly but manageable days and sharp cold spells. You’ll get a mix of mild winter afternoons, freezing nights, and the occasional extreme that stands out in the city’s long climate record.
Average Highs and Lows
Late December brings average daytime highs of 2°C to 4°C (35°F to 39°F). Nights drop much lower, with typical lows around -3°C to -5°C (23°F to 27°F).
Cold snaps can push temperatures below freezing for days at a time. Snowfall is pretty common, especially at night when it stays well below zero. Damp conditions stick around, since precipitation falls as snow or a rain-snow mix.
The contrast between day and night can feel sharp. Even if afternoons rise above freezing, mornings usually start off icy.
Record Temperatures
Munich’s climate history shows that December can swing from unusual warmth to severe cold. The average range is -7°C (20°F) to 2°C (37°F), but records go way beyond that.
On rare days, highs have reached 15°C (59°F) in December—these are outliers linked to odd weather patterns. On the flip side, bitter cold has dropped temperatures below -20°C (-4°F), usually during strong Arctic outbreaks.
You probably won’t see these extremes, but it’s good to know winter in Bavaria can surprise you.
Influence of Föhn and Cold Air Masses
Both Alpine and northern European weather shape Munich’s December. The Föhn wind, a warm flow from the Alps, sometimes pushes temperatures up. When that happens, snow melts fast, and the day feels oddly mild.
Cold air masses from Siberia or the Arctic do the opposite, bringing sharp temperature drops. These spells give you freezing weather, clear skies, and dry air.
This tug-of-war between warm and cold makes Munich’s December unpredictable. You might get a sudden warm-up, then freeze again just days later.
Precipitation and Snowfall
December brings a mix of rain and snow, with frequent wet days and little sunshine. You’ll notice moderate precipitation, high humidity, and a fair shot at snow cover around the holidays.
Rain and Snow Frequency
Munich averages 15–16 days with measurable rain or snow in December. Precipitation totals usually land between 60–80 mm for the month, so you’re likely to get wet about half the time.
Rain and snow swap places depending on the temperature. Days near 5°C (41°F) bring rain, but when nights hit -1°C (30°F), snow is more likely. Packing waterproof outerwear and warm layers is always a good idea.
Humidity stays high, averaging 80%, which makes the cold air feel even colder. Storms don’t get wild, but light to moderate precipitation is common, and it can mess with your walking or sightseeing plans.
Snow Cover and Accumulation
Snowfall in Munich during December is moderate, but it doesn’t always stick around. Fresh snow often melts during mild days when temperatures rise above freezing.
You’ll probably see a few snowfalls through the month, with a few centimeters building up at a time. Snow cover lasts longer near the end of December, when nights get colder.
Parks, rooftops, and areas outside the city hold snow longer than the city center, where traffic and warmer surfaces melt it fast. If you’re thinking about a day trip to the Bavarian Alps, you’ll find much deeper snow and a more classic winter scene.
Likelihood of White Christmas
A white Christmas in Munich? It’s possible, but not a sure thing. Historical data says snow covers the ground during Christmas week in about 20–30% of years.
If it stays cold in the days before December 24, snow is more likely to last. But a mild spell can melt it quickly.
If a snowy Christmas is a must, consider heading to higher-altitude spots like Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Snow is more reliable there in late December. Munich itself offers a chance, but honestly, never a guarantee.
Cloud Cover, Fog, and Sunshine
Late December in Munich often feels dim, thanks to thick clouds, frequent fog, and barely any sunshine. These conditions color how you see the city—whether you’re sightseeing or just out for a walk.
Average Cloudiness
Munich’s sky usually stays overcast during Christmas week. Climate data shows cloud cover for about 60–65% of December.
Clear skies do happen, but they’re rare and never last long. The low winter sun and moist Alpine air keep things gray and heavy.
If you’re planning your days, expect most to look cloudy or dull. Photographers might like the soft, muted light—it sets a unique mood in the Christmas markets.
Fog Occurrence
Fog is part of winter in Munich, especially in December mornings. On average, you’ll see about 2–4 foggy days during the month, though some years bring more.
Munich sits on a plain near the Alps, so cold air settles in and creates perfect foggy conditions. Visibility drops in the early hours, and sometimes fog sticks around past noon.
Fog can slow down travel, especially if you’re driving. For walking, it adds a quiet, almost magical vibe to places like Marienplatz or along the Isar River.
Sunshine Duration
December is the darkest time of year in Munich. Around Christmas, you’ll get 1 to 2 hours of sunshine per day on average. That’s just 30–60 total hours of sun for the month.
With only about 8.5 hours of daylight each day, natural light is precious. Even when the sun comes out, it sits low and gives off a soft glow, not a blinding brightness.
If you want to be outside, try to go around midday when the sun is most likely to peek through. Most people rely on Munich’s festive lights and decorations to brighten up the long, dim evenings.
Wind, Humidity, and Atmospheric Conditions
Munich’s winter climate around Christmas brings cold air, dampness, and light to moderate winds. These elements combine to shape how the city feels, whether you’re strolling through markets or exploring the countryside.
Typical Wind Speeds
In December, average wind speeds hit about 3 m/s (7 mph). That’s not strong, but it can make the air feel colder, especially in the evenings.
Winds usually blow from the west or southwest, bringing moist air and more clouds. On calmer days, wind speeds drop to 2.5 m/s, but gustier spells feel brisk, especially in open spaces.
Munich’s spot near the Alps means local geography plays a role. Cold air can settle in on still nights, while the occasional foehn wind from the mountains brings short, mild, dry stretches. These shifts don’t happen every day, but they definitely change how winter feels.
Humidity Levels
December ranks as one of Munich’s most humid months, with average relative humidity near 91%. That thick moisture makes the cold feel heavier and more biting than the numbers suggest.
Humidity peaks during mornings and evenings, when temperatures are lowest. Fog pops up often, especially near the Isar River and in lower parts of town.
Compared to spring or summer, December’s dampness stands out because it mixes with near-freezing temperatures. Even without rain or snow, the air feels moist. If you plan to venture outside, warm and water-resistant clothes will keep you more comfortable.
Pressure and Air Quality
In Munich, atmospheric pressure during December jumps between low-pressure systems that bring rain or snow, and short high-pressure spells that clear things up and make the days colder. These shifts are pretty typical for a central European winter, so the weather can change on you fast.
Usually, air quality stays moderate. Cold, damp air sometimes traps pollutants near the ground, especially during temperature inversions when warmer air sits above the cold surface.
Munich doesn’t really struggle with extreme smog, but you might notice the view gets a bit hazy now and then. On the flip side, when high pressure takes over—especially after a fresh snowfall—the winter air can feel crisp and surprisingly clean.
This constant back-and-forth in pressure keeps Munich’s December weather interesting, especially around Christmas.
Comparing Munich’s December Weather to Other German Regions
December in Munich usually means cold days, freezing nights, and a fair bit of precipitation. Conditions can shift a lot if you compare Munich to northern Germany or even to other cities in Bavaria. These differences really matter when you think about travel plans or what to pack.
Munich vs. Northern Germany
Northern German cities like Hamburg and Bremen generally get milder Decembers than Munich. Daytime highs often reach 5–7°C, and nights usually stay just above freezing. It rains a lot, and snow doesn’t show up much.
Munich, though, tends to be colder. Daytime highs hover around 3–5°C, while nights drop to -1°C or lower. Snow falls more often, especially close to Christmas, but you’ll still get some rainy days.
Sunshine is another difference. Up north, thick clouds cover the sky most of the time, and sunny breaks are rare. Munich is still pretty gray, but sometimes you get a little more winter sun, which can make sightseeing feel brighter even if it’s chilly.
If you want a better shot at snow and that classic winter vibe, Munich is the place. But if you’d rather skip the frost and have an easier time getting around, northern Germany might feel more comfortable.
Munich vs. Other Bavarian Cities
Weather in Bavaria changes depending on where you are and how high up. Oberstdorf and Garmisch-Partenkirchen sit in the Alps, so they’re colder than Munich. Daytime highs usually stay near 1–2°C, and nights can fall to -7°C. These towns get heavier, more reliable snow, which is great if you’re into skiing.
Nuremberg and Bad Füssing are lower down and have weather a bit like Munich’s, just a touch milder. Daytime highs reach about 5°C, and nights hit around -1°C. You’ll see a mix of rain and light snow, with moderate precipitation.
Munich falls right in the middle. You get colder, snowier weather than northern Bavaria, but it’s not as harsh as in the mountains. That balance makes Munich a solid base if you want winter charm without the deep freeze.
Travel Tips for Visiting Munich at Christmas
Traveling to Munich in December means you’ll face cold temperatures, short days, and crowded holiday streets. If you prepare well, you can stay warm, really enjoy the Christmas markets, and make the most of your visit to Bavaria’s capital.
What to Pack for December Weather
In December, Munich’s temperatures usually run from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), and nights often drop below freezing. Snow might fall, and dampness is common. Pack layers so you can adjust quickly as you
Staying Comfortable During the Holidays
Munich gets really busy during the holidays. Crowds pack into the popular markets and main attractions.
If you want to avoid the rush, try visiting big markets like Marienplatz early in the morning or on a weekday. They’re much less crowded then, so you’ll have a better time.
Bring some cash in euros. A lot of the smaller stalls won’t take cards, and it’s just easier that way.
Public transport usually works well, but it gets packed during peak hours. If you’re planning several rides or a day trip, grab a day ticket or Bayern Ticket to save some money.
Book your accommodations and any popular tours ahead of time. December fills up fast in Munich.
And honestly, pace yourself. Switch things up between wandering outdoor markets and ducking into indoor spots like the Deutsches Museum or Residenz Museum. That way, you get festive fun, but also stay warm and rested.