Vienna December — Christkindlmarkt lights at the Rathaus

Vienna · Austria

December

Vienna's most celebrated month — Christmas markets are among Europe's finest, prices reflect it.

Strong option

#11 of 12 months

There are better months for Vienna — see the full ranking below.

See when to go instead →

Climate

High

3°C

Low

-1.5°C

Rain

42mm

Sun

2hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How December scores in Vienna

Weather
Below average
Value
Above average
Crowds
Average
Events
Perfect
Atmosphere
Perfect

What you gain in December

  • Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz: Europe's most beautifully illuminated Christmas market
  • State Opera Christmas gala and Philharmonic concerts: peak cultural programming
  • If it snows (not guaranteed but possible): Schönbrunn and Belvedere under snow are extraordinary

What you sacrifice

  • Prices spike significantly for Christmas week and New Year's Eve
  • Rathausplatz Christmas market crowded from afternoon through evening throughout December
  • Cold (−2°C overnight) and minimal sunshine: not the city for outdoor exploration

How December compares to September (best month)

FactorDecemberSeptember
Weather
3
9
Value
5
5
Crowds
4
5

December in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Vienna, not across destinations. Methodology →