Spending Christmas in Frankfurt really puts you in the middle of true winter weather in Germany. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 6°C (43°F), and at night, it often gets close to freezing, with lots of damp, cloudy days. Snow can happen, but rain shows up more often, and the short daylight hours definitely add to that wintry vibe.
The chilly, damp air makes the city feel perfect for festive markets, hot drinks, and cozy gatherings inside. Light rain falls on many December days, so it’s smart to bring an umbrella or a solid waterproof jacket if you want to explore. Sunshine doesn’t make much of an appearance, but honestly, the glow from Christmas lights and decorations more than makes up for it.
If you know what weather to expect, you’ll plan your trip with a lot more confidence. Packing right and understanding how the climate shapes the holidays means you’ll enjoy the traditions and events without any weather surprises.
Typical Christmas Weather in Frankfurt
Frankfurt in December stays cold, with short days and damp conditions pretty common. Temperatures stay low, and while snow can happen, rain usually wins out. Light snowfall pops up sometimes, but don’t count on it.
Overview of December Climate
December kicks off winter in Frankfurt. Most days, highs reach about 5–6°C (41–43°F), and at night, lows usually fall near 0–1°C (32–34°F). The chill feels sharper because humidity runs high—often 85–90%.
Rain falls often. The city usually gets around 70–75 mm of rainfall in December, spread over 15–16 days. Most of it comes as rain, but you’ll see sleet or snow if temperatures drop closer to freezing.
Sunshine barely shows up, with only about 44 hours of sun for the whole month. Thick clouds hang around, and daylight barely lasts eight hours. The sky stays gray, making it feel colder than the numbers say.
Weather Patterns Around Christmas Week
During Christmas week, expect damp, chilly weather. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 3–6°C (37–43°F). At night, it hovers near freezing, so icy sidewalks are a real possibility.
Rain falls more often than snow, but snow showers do happen. If snow comes, it’s usually light and doesn’t stick around long. More often, you’ll deal with slush and wet ground.
Winds sometimes make things feel even colder, especially near the Main River or in open spaces. Wear a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and sturdy shoes if you want to wander through the Christmas markets in comfort.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other Months
December feels colder and wetter than November. November highs usually reach 8–9°C (46–48°F), and there’s a bit less rain. By Christmas, the colder air and shorter days make being outside a bit tougher.
January doesn’t bring much relief. It’s only a tad colder, with similar rain but chillier nights—sometimes below freezing for days.
If you’re after dry, mild weather, summer’s the time to go. June and July bring highs of 23–25°C (73–77°F) and a lot more sun. December, on the other hand, is one of the darkest and dampest times of the year.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
Frankfurt gets properly cold around Christmas. Days are short, nights are chilly, and while snow might show up, rain is more likely.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During the day, highs usually reach 4°C to 5°C (39°F to 41°F). Thanks to damp air and clouds, it often feels even colder. The sun doesn’t do much to warm things up.
At night, lows drop to about -1°C to 1°C (30°F to 34°F). Freezing conditions happen a lot, especially late at night and early in the morning. Even if it doesn’t snow, you’ll see frost on the ground.
So, you’ll want to dress for both chilly afternoons and freezing nights. If you’ll be outside for holiday events, a warm coat, gloves, and layers are a must.
Temperature Variability and Extremes
Temperatures don’t always stick to averages—they can shift fast. Some years, you’ll get milder days, maybe 7°C (45°F). Other times, cold snaps push highs down to 0°C (32°F) and lows near -5°C (23°F).
Snow might fall, but you can’t count on it. There’s only about a 2% chance of a day with just snow. Mixed rain and snow happen a bit more often. December usually brings around 1.5 to 1.6 inches of precipitation.
Extreme cold doesn’t happen every year, but it’s possible. Sometimes, temperatures dip below -7°C (19°F). On the flip side, a mild Christmas can feel more like autumn than winter.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Frankfurt in December usually means lots of damp days, with light to moderate rain and the occasional bit of snow. Expect short days, heavy cloud cover, and a steady chance of wet weather.
Average Rainfall Amounts in December
December rainfall averages 50–70 millimeters (about 2–3 inches) for the month. It’s spread out, so you won’t usually get heavy downpours all at once.
Compared to months like March, December is definitely wetter. Most of the rain is light or moderate, so it’s manageable if you’ve got an umbrella or a waterproof jacket.
Long-term data shows the city records about 56 mm on average, which lines up with typical winter precipitation for central Germany. The Main River makes the air damp, even when it’s not raining much.
Chance of Rain and Wet Days
You should plan for 15–20 wet days in December, so more than half the month sees measurable rain. Showers or drizzle are more common than big storms.
There’s a pretty good chance of rain any day, so you’ll want to stay flexible with your plans. Cloud cover sits around 70–80%, which adds to the damp feeling.
Because wet days are so frequent, waterproof shoes are a lifesaver, especially if you’re walking around the Christmas markets or downtown. Even light rain can leave streets slick all day.
Snowfall Probability and Patterns
Rain shows up more often than snow, but snow still happens—especially when it’s close to freezing. On average, you’ll see a few days of light snow or sleet in December.
Snow in Frankfurt doesn’t stick around long. The city’s slightly milder winter means you’re more likely to get wet snow that melts quickly rather than big drifts.
Still, when snow falls, it makes the city feel extra festive. Often, snow mixes with rain, turning everything slushy. Warm, water-resistant clothing helps, since snow and slush make sidewalks slippery.
Clothing and Packing Recommendations
Frankfurt’s December weather is cold, often near freezing, with plenty of rain and the occasional snow. You’ll need warm, layered clothes and practical gear if you plan to be outside for a while.
Essential Winter Clothing
Daytime highs rarely get above 5–6°C (41–43°F), and lows stick close to 0–1°C (32–34°F). Layering is your best friend. Start with a thermal or moisture-wicking base layer to keep warm without getting sweaty.
Throw on a fleece or wool sweater for your middle layer. Top it off with a waterproof and wind-resistant jacket—you’ll want protection from both rain and wind.
For your legs, insulated pants or jeans with thermal leggings underneath work well. Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good traction are important, since streets and markets can get wet or icy. Waterproof shoes are especially handy for slush or light snow days.
Bring at least two pairs of warm socks, preferably wool or synthetic. Cotton just doesn’t cut it when it’s damp.
Weather-Appropriate Accessories
Accessories can make or break your day. You’ll need a warm hat—one that covers your ears is best.
Don’t forget gloves. Waterproof or insulated gloves let you hold your market snacks without freezing your hands. A scarf or neck gaiter helps block out the wind and adds a bit more warmth.
Umbrellas aren’t great in crowded markets, so a compact rainproof hood or a jacket with a hood works better. December brings about 50–60 mm of precipitation, and you’ll see about 20 wet days.
A small day bag is useful for stashing extra layers, snacks, or your market finds. Pick one with water-resistant fabric to keep your stuff dry if it rains or snows.
Weather Impact on Christmas Activities
Frankfurt’s cold, wet weather and short days definitely shape how you experience Christmas. These conditions affect outdoor festivities and how easy it is to get around the city.
Outdoor Events and Christmas Markets
Frankfurt’s Christmas markets are the big draw in December, but the weather really influences how you enjoy them. Daytime highs are usually 5–6°C (41–43°F), and nights get close to freezing. Standing outside for a while feels colder, especially when the air is humid.
Rain is common—about 50–70 mm during the month. Light snow can happen, but rain is more likely. Wet cobblestones can get slippery, so waterproof shoes or boots are a smart choice.
Layering is key. A base layer, insulating middle layer, and a water-resistant jacket help you stay comfortable as the weather shifts. Gloves and scarves are good for those long evenings outside.
Crowds pack the markets on weekends, but fewer people show up when it’s cold or wet. If you like quieter browsing, try going out during light rain or on chillier evenings—lines at food stalls get much shorter.
Travel and Transportation Considerations
Weather changes how you get around Frankfurt during Christmas. With lows around 0–1°C (32–34°F), icy spots can form overnight on sidewalks and train platforms. Give yourself extra time in the mornings and watch your step.
Rain and the occasional snow can mess with public transport schedules. Buses and trams usually run well, but heavy precipitation can cause delays. Check live updates before heading out, so you don’t end up waiting too long outside.
If you’re driving, take it slow. Wet roads mean longer stopping distances, and ice can show up fast. If you rent a car, make sure it has winter tires—they’re required in Germany when it’s snowy or icy.
Rail travel between cities doesn’t get hit as hard by weather, but trains fill up fast during the holidays. Book your tickets ahead of time, especially for busy evenings near Christmas Eve.
Long-Term Weather Trends and Records
Christmas in Frankfurt usually means short days, chilly air, and plenty of damp weather. Expect temperatures near freezing, lots of light rain, and not much sunshine. Snow can happen, but it’s not a sure thing.
Historical Weather Data for Christmas
Looking at past years, late December in Frankfurt usually brings average daytime highs of 3–5°C (37–41°F) and nighttime lows near -1°C (30°F). Frost shows up most mornings, especially if the sky clears overnight.
Rain falls steadily but rarely gets extreme. December averages about 50–55 mm (2 inches) of rain, spread over 14–16 days. You’ll see drizzle or light showers more often than heavy rain.
Snow does fall, but not as much as rain. Usually, you’ll get a few snow days in December, but snow rarely sticks around long. Daytime temperatures above freezing mean it melts pretty quickly.
Daylight is limited—about 8 hours a day—which makes it feel colder than the thermometer says. Sunshine only averages 1–2 hours daily, so expect gray skies for most of the Christmas season.
Notable Weather Events in December
Frankfurt’s December weather usually feels pretty moderate, but a few years really stand out. Sometimes, cold snaps drop temperatures below -10°C (14°F), and you’ll notice icy streets and frozen riversides.
Snowstorms don’t show up often, but they’re not impossible either. Every now and then, a single storm dumps several centimeters of snow overnight, and suddenly the city looks like a winter postcard.
Those snowy nights stick in people’s memories because they’re so different from the usual damp, mostly snow-free holidays. It’s a rare treat.
Some Decembers bring heavy rain instead. Long stretches of wet weather can swell the rivers and cause localized flooding near the Main.
You don’t see that every year, but it happens, and it’s a reminder that precipitation can really change from one December to the next.
Most visitors will probably find December in Frankfurt more damp and chilly than anything else. Extreme winter conditions? Not so much.