January
January in Switzerland is typically frosty and wintry, and it is the coldest month of the year with average temperatures around 3 °C (37 °F). Snow usually falls above 800 metres (2,625 ft) and occurs on average 12 days in the month. In cities such as Zurich and Geneva, temperatures are milder but still cold, with average highs around 4–5 °C (39–41 °F) and lows around -3 °C (27 °F). Snow is less frequent in the cities but still possible. For skiing and snowboarding fans, January is the best month to visit. Switzerland offers everything from cross-country skiing to bobsledding. Don’t miss the famous Lauberhorn downhill race in Wengen or the World Snow Festival in Grindelwald, featuring impressive ice art.
February
February in Switzerland is quite similar to January, with excellent snow conditions at higher altitudes, ideal for skiing and snowboarding. While the mountains remain snowy, valleys may already show patches of grass by mid-February as the snow begins to melt. This transition is typical: the landscape appears brown at first, then slowly turns lush and green as the days get longer and sunnier. On average, there are about 10 days of snow or rain in February.
It’s also the month when Switzerland celebrates its traditional Fasnacht (Carnival), which kicks off in Lucerne and spreads to towns and cities across the country.
March
March is a transitional month from winter to spring and offers a unique atmosphere in Switzerland. By mid-March, the valleys begin to bloom while the mountains above 1000 meters (3280 ft.) are still covered in snow. Average temperatures range from 0 to 11 °C (32–52 °F), though sunny days can bring highs up to 20 °C (68 °F), making it feel surprisingly warm. Rain is relatively rare, with only about 6 days on average.
From mid-March onward, cherry blossom trees begin to bloom in many areas. The meadows slowly shift from brown to green, decorated with dandelions and colorful wildflowers that transform the landscape into a springtime dream.
April
April is a month of unpredictable weather in Switzerland, as the saying goes, ‘April does what it wants.’ The weather can change frequently, from winter-like conditions to thunderstorms due to long warm spells. Despite being much warmer than the previous months, with an average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius (60.8 °F), it’s still important to pack warm clothes. While spring is already in full swing in the valleys, it’s just beginning in the mountains, and patches of snow may still remain as the snow gradually melts. In April, there’s relatively little rain or snow, with an average of 5 to 8 days of precipitation throughout the month. April is also the beginning of the blossoming of apple trees and many other types of fruit trees. In my experience, spring only arrives at lower altitudes until mid-April, as higher altitudes remain colder and the snow melts more slowly.
May
The month of May marks the beginning of spring in the mountains. Although there may still be snow in some places, most of the mountains are green and blanketed with mountain flowers and a variety of vibrant plants. While the valleys are almost summer-like and can reach temperatures of around 20 °C (68 °F), up high you can still enjoy the fresh, cool air. The temperature drops significantly at night, with drops of 12–15 °C (53–59 °F) not uncommon. The number of rainy days increases due to heat-induced thunderstorms, but it still averages just 8 days per month. Trees and plants are in full bloom, and the whole landscape is covered with lush greenery. In 2022, temperatures in many places already reached over 30 °C (86 °F). May is also the transitional period from spring to summer.
June
July
July is similar to June in terms of weather, with temperatures continuing to rise and an average temperature of 22 °C (71.6 °F). However, Switzerland doesn’t benefit from sea breezes like coastal regions. On some days, it can feel extremely hot and stifling, with temperatures reaching up to 30 °C (86 °F) or more. In such cases, heading to the mountains can provide a welcome escape. Visiting an ice cave or a gorge like the Titlis or the Jungfraujoch can also be refreshing on hot days. Alternatively, you can follow the hiking tips for hot weather in this blog post.
The intense heat can lead to powerful thunderstorms, with some even reaching hurricane strength. This is especially dangerous if you’re hiking in the mountains without proper preparation. Weather conditions can change dramatically within just 15 minutes. If you smell rain, see mist forming, or suddenly lose sight of the surrounding mountains, find shelter immediately.
Switzerland also hosts a variety of outdoor festivals during July, featuring music from hard rock to techno — perfect for those looking to enjoy warm summer nights with great vibes.
August
August marks the late summer season in Switzerland and begins with Swiss National Day on August 1st. While higher altitudes tend to be cooler, the average temperature is around 20 °C (68 °F), and it often rises above 30 °C (86 °F). After hot days, intense thunderstorms can develop, which is why summer is often considered rainy, even though there are relatively few rainy days overall. However, when it does rain, it can result in intense rainfall. Swiss National Day is celebrated in nearly every village across the country, featuring spectacular fireworks and modern drone shows. If you’re into parties, don’t miss the world-famous Street Parade in Zurich in mid-August, where several hundred thousand people gather to celebrate electronic music in the streets, with DJs performing on moving trucks. It’s reminiscent of the iconic Love Parade from earlier decades.
September
September is the transitional month from summer to autumn in Switzerland. At the beginning of the month, there are usually no signs of autumn, but temperatures can quickly drop due to the decreasing hours of sunshine. While there are about 12 hours of sunlight in June, sunshine duration drops to around 9 hours in September. Nighttime temperatures often drop into the single digits, so packing warm clothes is essential. It’s an excellent time for hiking mornings are cool and midday heat is more bearable. By the end of the month, the leaves begin to turn golden and fall. Statistically, there are only about 3 to 5 days of rain in September, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Alternatively, you can witness the Swiss tradition of the “Alpabzug,” where beautifully decorated cows are guided down from the alpine pastures to their winter stables. It’s a unique tradition showcasing Swiss cultural heritage and rural charm.
October
In October, as autumn sets in, leaves start falling from the trees and blanket the hiking trails with brown foliage. The temperature drops rapidly, ranging between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius (50–59 °F), making it quite chilly. Warm clothing is highly recommended. On average, there are 8–10 rainy days in October, and in mountainous regions, it’s not uncommon to experience early snowfall during this month.
The autumn air is often humid due to longer nights. This season is also known for mushroom picking — the earthy scent of mushrooms fills many forests. Larch trees are particularly beautiful in October, turning a stunning golden yellow as seen in early November.
One of the best autumn hikes is the 5 Lakes Hike in Zermatt, which takes you through enchanting larch forests and past five alpine lakes, all while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn. HERE
November
November marks the transition from autumn to winter. October and November are also referred to as the “foggy months” due to frequent low-lying or high-altitude fog, making the scenery often appear grey. At the beginning of the month, conditions are still similar to October, and most trees have already lost their leaves. Hikes in larch or conifer forests are especially recommended particularly in regions like the Engadin (Grisons) or Valais where you can still enjoy stunning late autumn views.
The weather in November is typically fresh, with temperatures ranging between 5–10 °C (41–50 °F). Winter clothing is highly advisable, as nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. On average, there are about six rainy days in November. By the end of the month, many mountain regions have already seen their first major snowfall, covering rooftops in a thick layer of white.
December
December marks the beginning of winter in Switzerland. During the day, temperatures typically range from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius (32–41 °F), making it quite cold. Therefore, warm clothes are a must-have in your suitcase. If you don’t ski, you can always rent a sled and enjoy a ride down the slopes. Almost every mountain region has a sledging slope, and rental usually costs between 10 and 20 francs.
Many people celebrate Christmas in December, making a visit to a cozy Christmas market a must. It’s wonderful to sip on punch or mulled wine and get into the Christmas spirit, especially if it’s snowing. Although cities like Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, and Bern are dream destinations for a white Christmas, rain is more common during this time.
New Year’s Eve is celebrated extensively in Switzerland, with many towns and villages hosting big firework displays or even spectacular drone shows.
And after the New Year, January begins. 😊
I hope I’ve been able to assist you with your planning and provide a rough idea of the weather conditions in Switzerland during each month. If you found this helpful, please leave a comment and rate the blog.
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1 thought on “Monthly Swiss Weather Guide”
I want say thank you for that Guide! It is very helpfull!