December is wintery with snow in alpine areas and festive markets in cities like Vienna and Salzburg; ski areas typically open and attract visitors. City lodging can be busier around the holiday season despite overall lower tourism outside ski resorts.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Austria in December.
Tyrol & Vorarlberg
This month can swing quickly between late-winter storms and early spring sunshine - low valleys sometimes taste the first signs of melt while the high glaciers still offer excellent snow for skiing. Toward month-end you’ll find quieter slopes and lower hotel rates outside school holiday windows, but also occasional roadwork clearing snow. Pack a mix of warm and lighter clothing if you plan to split days between town cafés and alpine excursions.
Central Alps and lake district
Late spring into early summer is when Salzkammergut shines: lakes reach comfortable temperatures for swimming by June, and cable cars to Dachstein and Schafberg run frequently. It’s an excellent month for combining Salzburg’s concerts with lake days at Wolfgangsee or Fuschlsee. Expect more tourists than in spring but fewer than July-August; pack swimwear, a light sweater for nights, and a waterproof layer for sporadic showers.
Vienna, Lower Austria & Burgenland
Late spring into early summer is reliably pleasant - warm days conducive to outdoor cafés, the reopening of Heurigen wine taverns and comfortable cycling routes through the countryside. Neusiedler See becomes pleasant for water-sports and outdoor festivals proliferate. Pack layers for cooler evenings and a hat and sunscreen for strong sun during inland days.
Carinthia & Southern Styria
Late spring into early summer is one of the best times for this region: lakes warm up, vineyards shine and mountain trails are generally dry. Tourism picks up but never reaches high-Alpine crowds, making it an excellent time for relaxed sightseeing, biking through Styrian wine roads and lounging by Wörthersee. Bring swimwear, light layers for cooler mornings, and a rain jacket for occasional showers.
Upper Austria, Mühlviertel, Waldviertel
By late spring the uplands are green and comfortable, with meadows and forests ideal for hiking and cycling; guesthouses and farm stays reopen in earnest. Daytime temperatures are pleasant and evenings can still be cool, so bring a fleece for after-dinner walks. This period is excellent for quiet touring and enjoying local cuisine without the peak-season bustle.
From late November into December, cities and towns host traditional Christmas markets selling crafts, food and seasonal goods.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.