Salzburg in December
Advent markets
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
December is one of the weakest months in Salzburg.
December is magical, with Christmas markets and carols, but crowds and prices rise.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- -2–4°C
- Cold, with snow or frost and short days.
- Crowds
- High
- Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
+Christmas markets and lights.
–Cold and crowded at weekends.
My tip for December
Visit the markets on weekday evenings.
- Christmas markets
- Concerts
- Winter walks
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
12th of 12 overall in Salzburg, 9th for weather, 10th for space, 10th for value. The emptiest month is February; the best value is February.
See all twelve months for SalzburgPlan around
What’s on in Salzburg in December
- Advent markets
- The old town is busiest on weekends.
Late November–December
Not set on December?
Months I'd choose over December
Also good in December
Weather
Weather in Salzburg in December
In December Salzburg averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -2°C (28°F), with about 72 mm of rain or snow. The warmest month is July (around 24°C) and the coolest is January (around 3°C); the wettest month is August.
- Average high
- 4°C
- 39°F
- Average low
- -2°C
- 28°F
- Precipitation
- 72 mm
Climate data: Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Salzburg in December: the questions people ask
- Is December a good time to visit Salzburg?
- December is one of the weakest months in Salzburg. It ranks 12 of 12 months in Salzburg overall (9 for weather, 10 for space, 10 for value). The main upside: Christmas markets and lights. The main downside: Cold and crowded at weekends.
- What is the weather like in Salzburg in December?
- Average highs are around 4°C and lows around -2°C. Expect about 72 mm of rain or snow. Cold, with snow or frost and short days. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 24°C) and the coolest is January (around 3°C).
- Is Salzburg crowded in December?
- Crowds are high. Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening. The quietest month is February.
- How expensive is Salzburg in December?
- Prices are at level 4 of 5 (€€€€). Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms. The best-value month is February.
- When is the best time to visit Salzburg?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, September is the best month overall (December ranks 12 of 12). The quietest month is February and the best value is February.
Still going to Salzburg in December?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — cold and crowded at weekends.
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