Austria In December: Cold And Wintery

If you're planning to visit Austria in December, you should be prepared for cold weather. The average maximum temperature in December is 3°C to 4°C (37°F to 40°F), while the minimum can be as low as -4°C to 0°C (25°F to 32°F). So, it's important to pack warm and windproof clothing, including a scarf, gloves, a hat, and proper shoes.

Despite the chilly temperatures, December is a popular time to visit Austria, especially Vienna, due to the festive Christmas markets that pop up all over the city. These markets offer a unique opportunity to indulge in traditional foods like Glühwein (mulled wine), Maroni (roasted chestnuts), and Lebkuchen (Gingerbread cookies). The markets are usually associated with churches or monasteries, and the most famous one is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, located in front of the Rathaus City Hall.

In addition to the markets, there are also concerts and music performances held in churches throughout December. And, of course, New Year's Eve celebrations in Vienna are quite famous, with tens of thousands of people gathering in the city centre. So, if you're looking for a festive and cultural experience, Austria in December is a great choice!

Average temperatures in December

December in Austria can be very cold, with the average high temperature in Vienna being 3ºC, and lows reaching 0ºC (37ºF / 32ºF). The average high and low temperatures in Celsius are 4.6°C and 0.5°C, respectively. In Fahrenheit, this is 40.3°F and 32.9°F.

The coldest day of the year in Vienna is typically January 14th, when temperatures range from 27°F to 36°F. In December, the daily high temperatures decrease by 4°F, from 41°F to 37°F, and rarely fall below 25°F. The daily low temperatures also decrease by 4°F, from 32°F to 28°F, and rarely fall below 16°F.

The month of December sees shorter days, with an average of 8 hours and 24 minutes of daylight. The shortest day of the month is December 21st, with 8 hours and 20 minutes of daylight.

With such cold temperatures, it is recommended to wear warm and windproof clothing, including a hat, scarf, and gloves.

Despite the cold, December in Austria is a festive and magical time, with Christmas markets, decorations, and yuletide cheer. The city is adorned with twinkling lights, and the famous Christmas markets offer mulled wine and traditional foods to keep visitors warm and entertained.

So, if you're planning a trip to Austria in December, make sure to pack those warm layers and get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit!

Clothing to pack for the cold

Layering

The key to staying warm in Austria in December is layering. The average high temperature in December is around 3-4°C, with lows of around 0°C. So, you'll want to pack clothes that you can layer to keep warm. Start with a base layer of thermal leggings and a long-sleeved shirt, and add a sweater and a medium-weight winter coat. You may also want to pack a thicker coat if you tend to get cold easily, but this is not necessary as most indoor places will be heated.

Footwear

Make sure to pack shoes that can handle getting wet, as well as thick socks to keep your feet warm. You'll also want to bring a pair of waterproof boots if you plan on doing any hiking or spending a lot of time outdoors.

Accessories

Don't forget to pack a scarf, a knit hat, and gloves to keep your head, neck, and hands warm. These accessories will help to trap your body heat and keep you warm.

Waterproof gear

It's common to encounter rain or snow in Austria in December, so be sure to pack waterproof clothing. This includes a waterproof jacket or coat, as well as an umbrella.

Other items

Depending on your planned activities, you may also want to pack wool socks, a down jacket, and a waterproof bag or backpack.

Christmas markets to visit

Yes, Austria is cold in December! With average temperatures of 4.6°C (40.3°F) and 0.5°C (32.9°F) during the day and night respectively, you'll want to wrap up warm if you're visiting. And what better way to do that than by strolling through some of Austria's Christmas markets?

Vienna

The Austrian capital is famous for its Christmas markets, with over seven to choose from.

• The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is one of the largest and most popular markets in the city. As well as countless stalls offering handicrafts and culinary delights, there's a tree full of hearts in front of the illuminated town hall, and a children’s programme.
• The Stephansplatz market is located in the shadow of the Gothic Stephansdom church. It's lively and energetic, with a young, hip vibe.
• The smaller markets of Freyung and Am Hof are great if you're looking for unique crafts and ornaments.
• The Spittelberg market is another youthful option, with plenty of stalls serving drinks.
• The market at Schönbrunn Palace exudes imperial flair, with traditional handicrafts, nostalgic toys, and charming decorations.
• The Belvedere Palace market is considered the most romantic of all Advent markets by many Viennese. It's full of creative gift ideas and culinary delights.
• The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Freyung is another option, open from 15-23 December 2024.

Salzburg

The historic Christmas Market on Cathedral Square is one of the Top Christmas Markets in Austria. It has a romantic, fairy-tale feel, with the Fortress sitting high above the city and the Cathedral serving as a magnificent backdrop for the sales booths. The scent of bake apples, incense and cotton candy fills the air. The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt at Dom and Residenzplatz is equally elegant, with traditional huts in the heart of the baroque old town.

Innsbruck

The Christmas market in Innsbruck's old town is accompanied by the sounds of the tower brass players from the Golden Roof and the spicy scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. A particularly cosy Christmas mood settles in the medieval streets. The Marktplatz Market is also a Yuletide paradise for children.

Graz

Graz has numerous Christmas markets, conveniently located within walking distance. The oldest takes place around the Franciscan church, with Styrian arts and crafts, regional farm products, hot punch and mulled wine. Close by is the Christmas market in front of the City Hall, with a giant Christmas tree and an old-fashioned merry-go-round.

Other Christmas Markets in Austria

• St. Wolfgang: One of the most charming Advent markets, with regional traditions and authentic handicrafts.
• Johannesbach Gorge near Würflach: See Austria’s tallest decorated Christmas tree, at over 20 metres high.
• Salzburg Mountain Advent in the Großarl Valley: Features handcrafted nativity scenes ranging from tiny to life-sized, displayed by torchlight and candlelight.
• Hellbrunn Palace: An eight-metre-tall Christmas Angel towers over the palace pond, and there's a fairy-tale forest of 700 fir trees, adorned with 10,000 red baubles and fairy lights.
• Eisenstadt: The Esterházy Palace holds an Advent market from 13-15 December 2024.
• Forchtenstein: Advent market at Forchtenstein Castle from 29 November-1 December 2024.
• Lackenbach: Advent market at Lackenbach Castle from 6-8 December 2024.
• Krems: Kremser Adventzauber from 21 November-23 December 2024.
• Perchtoldsdorf: Christmas market at Kirchenbergl from 22 November-15 December 2024.
• Rosenburg: Waldviertler Christkindlmarkt at Rosenburg Castle from 23 November-8 December 2024.
• Steyr: Advent in the Christkindlregion Steyr Christmas market "Altstadt Steyr" from 22 November-22 December 2024.
• Linz: The Linz Christmas Market is located in the heart of Austria’s vibrant Upper Austria region. It beautifully combines traditional Austrian customs with the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Local delicacies include the famous Linzertorte, a delicious almond pastry with a lattice crust.

Day trips from Vienna

There are many options for day trips from Vienna, including:

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is just an hour away from Vienna by bus or boat. Wander around the delightful Old Town, which mixes medieval and Gothic architecture, and take in the architectural finery of Hlavné nám (Main Square). Look out for the Stará Radnica (Old Town Hall) and the art nouveau Blue Church, dedicated to St. Elisabeth of Hungary.

Melk, Austria

Melk is a small town located about an hour's train journey west of Vienna. It is known for the magnificent Stift Melk, an abbey with a history that goes back over 1000 years. The abbey is wrapped in Baroque architectural splendour and features a museum, an old library, the abbey church, a garden and park, and views across the Danube Valley.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a picturesque town on the banks of a lake and at the foot of the mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a guided walking tour of the town, which includes a cluster of 16th-century houses, and a boat tour across Lake Hallstatt.

Wachau Valley, Austria

The Wachau Valley is a romantic stretch of the Danube Valley, between Krems an der Donau and Melk, featuring terraced vineyards, forested slopes and apricot orchards. It is a great spot for a cycle ride, with children or without.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a couple of hours away from Vienna by car. It features castles, opera houses and Baroque architecture. Start your trip in the Castle District, where Castle Hill towers above the Danube. Take in the scene from Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic viewing platform, and then head to the Royal Palace.

Vienna's famous alleys

Yes, Austria is cold in December, with Vienna's average high and low temperatures for the month being 4.6°C (40.3°F) and 0.5°C (32.9°F) respectively.

Vienna, Austria's capital, is a great city to walk around. The city is steeped in art and culture, with a history that dates back to Roman times. The parks, museums, and galleries are seemingly endless, and you can follow in the footsteps of figures like Mozart and Beethoven. The public transportation system is easy to navigate, so you should have no trouble finding your way to these famous alleys and streets:

• Graben Street: Graben is a must-visit for shoppers, with stores offering traditional Viennese wares and modern clothing outlets. It's also great for a stroll, having been pedestrianised since the 1970s. You'll get to see some of Vienna's finest landmarks, like medieval fountains and the renowned marble Plague Column.
• Kärntner Strasse: This is a celebrated shopping street that runs from the heart of Vienna at Stephansplatz Square down to Karlsplatz Square. It's been largely rebuilt since World War II, but you'll still find relics from the past. Shoppers will love the pedestrianised section, with luxury brands like Hugo Boss, Gucci, Prada, and Swarovski.
• Fleischmarkt: Fleischmarkt, or "meat market", is a small thoroughfare through Vienna's Greek Quarter, Leopoldstadt. It's named after the butchers who used to set up shop along the street in the 1200s, and it's perfect for taking pictures, as many of the buildings here are among Vienna's oldest. The imposing Art Nouveau buildings give way to quaint medieval structures, and you can also check out the interior of the Greek Orthodox church built by the Greek community in the 1800s.
• Ringstrasse: This major beltway circles Vienna's Inner Town and is a great length for a leisurely stroll—Freud used to walk it daily. The road is full of historic architecture, showcasing some of Vienna's finest buildings, including The Austrian Parliament, the Vienna State Opera House, and Vienna City Hall.
• Kohlmarkt: Kohlmarkt is a pedestrianised high-end shopping street in the heart of Vienna. It's part of what's become known as Vienna's "Golden U", with golden street decorations and gilded storefronts all the way down. You'll find Austrian and international jewelers like Wagner, Bucherer, Cartier, and Tiffany.
• Schönlaterngasse: This small hidden street on the edge of Vienna's first district is named the "Street of the Beautiful Lantern" after the replica lantern at Schönlaterngasse 6. You'll feel like you've travelled back to medieval Vienna, with Baroque architecture leading the way to its medieval legends. Opposite the lantern, an inscription tells the tale of a basilisk found and destroyed with a mirror at the bottom of a well.
• Herrengasse: The "Street of Lords" is very popular with sightseers due to the grand palaces lining it. The oldest is the Renaissance era Palais Porcia, built in 1546, and there are also plenty of later Baroque palaces.
• Probusgasse: This tiny street in the suburbs, just a few minutes' walk from the Heiligenstadt train station, is popular for one main reason: the Beethoven Museum, formerly the German composer's apartment, where he wrote some of his most famous symphonies.
• Tuchlauben: Translated as "cloth arches", Tuchlauben is named after the cloth merchants who used to sell their wares along the street in medieval times. Nowadays, Tuchlauben is known for its luxury shopping and ice cream. You'll find all sorts of luxury fashion brands in the Goldenes Quartier, and in the summer, you can try some of Vienna's most loved ice cream at Eissalon Tuchlauben.

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