Salzburg or Vienna in December?
On climate data, Vienna comes out ahead overall in December. See the per-criterion details below.
SalzburgPhoto: Wladyslaw Sojka · FAL
ViennaPhoto: Ninanuri · CC BY 2.5Key figures in December
| Criterion | Salzburg | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 3 °C | 3 °C |
| Average daily low | -3 °C | -3 °C |
| Rainy days | 14 rainy days (est.) | 10 rainy days (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 1 h/day | 1 h/day |
| Humidity | 90 % | 90 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Vienna is drier, with about 4 fewer rainy days.
Salzburg or Vienna in December: the short answer
In December, Vienna comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Salzburg 23/100 vs Vienna 33/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on December as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Salzburg averages a climate score of 45/100, Vienna 56/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in December, side by side
The average daily high is about 3 °C in Salzburg and 3 °C in Vienna — about the same. Average daily lows are around -3 °C versus -3 °C.
On rain, Salzburg sees about 14 rainy days in December and Vienna about 10 — drier in Vienna. Sunshine is comparable (1 vs 1 hours a day).
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Salzburg records roughly 179 rainy days and Vienna about 133 — the drier of the two overall is Vienna. At their sunniest, Salzburg reaches about 7 hours of sun a day (June) and Vienna about 7 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Salzburg is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Vienna peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the December scores for each travel style:
City breaks: Vienna scores higher in December (Salzburg 27 vs Vienna 37).
Active & hiking: Vienna scores higher in December (Salzburg 21 vs Vienna 30).
Family: Vienna scores higher in December (Salzburg 22 vs Vienna 32).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In December, Vienna leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Vienna carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.