The best time to visit Switzerland

Switzerland is a dream destination for people all over the world.

No matter when and where you go, Switzerland always has something to offer. It’s rich in sights, beautiful landscapes, and interesting cities just waiting to be discovered by you.

Finding the right time to travel isn’t exactly easy. For skiing, January and February are the best months. From April to June, you can avoid the tourist rush. And there are good reasons why everyone wants to come to Switzerland in July and August for the high summer. There’s nothing stopping you from enjoying long hikes in the beautiful autumn, either.

As you can see, there isn’t a best time to visit Switzerland. There’s only your best time to visit. This can also affect the costs of your trip, as you can save money in Switzerland during the off-season. In this article, we’ll help you answer important questions about this topic and find out the best travel time for you.

month	season	high season (mountain regions)	high season (rest of Switzerland)	Ø temperature Interlaken	Ø temperature Zurich
January	Winter	++++	++	- 4.5° C	0.9° C
February	Winter	+++++	+	- 3.8° C	1.3° C
March	Spring	+++++	+	0.2° C	5.1° C
April	Spring	+	++	3.9° C	9.1° C
May	Spring	++	++	8.2° C	13.2° C
June	Summer	+++	+++	12.9° C	17.1° C
July	Summer	+++++	+++++	14.8° C	18.8° C
August	Summer	+++++	+++++	14.7° C	18.6° C
September	Autumn	+++	+++	10.9° C	14.7° C
October	Autumn	+++	+++	6.9° C	10.6° C
November	Autumn	+	+	0.9° C	5.2° C
December	Winter	+++	+++	- 3.0° C	1.8° C

How does the climate influence the best time to visit Switzerland?

Switzerland cannot be limited to a single climate zone. Thanks to its versatile topographical position, you will encounter a multi-layered, variable climate like hardly any other European country. The imposing Alpine massif functions as a gigantic climatic divide.

The weather in the Alps is extremely capricious. The high alpine climate brings you winters with lots of snow and ice as well as dry summers. On the mountain slopes you have to expect sudden weather changes. The areas near the Alps get warm foehn winds, which makes sailors and surfers happy.

The southern side of the Alps is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, almost Mediterranean conditions prevail there. In Ticino, the sunny room of Switzerland, as well as in the equally sunny southern Valais, you therefore enjoy a friendly climate.

On the northern side of the Alps, i.e. on the Swiss Plateau with its cities and lakes, the climate is continental. Western sea air and continental weather conditions from the east make it pleasantly mild. Autumn, however, can bring you gray days here with the high fog.

It is worth consulting the weather forecasts on a daily basis. Besides, with a balanced mix of clothes you are well prepared for such weather changes.

What is the best season to travel in Switzerland?

Due to the varied climate, there is no single peak season in Switzerland. However, you will face increased bookings and prices around Christmas time, in February and during the summer months in the mountain regions. In Ticino, on the other hand, you can expect high prices and tight availability from June to October

Peak season is not always the best time to travel. Crowds of tourists await you in flights and hotels booked up well in advance.

Most ski resorts close at the end of April, ushering in the low season in many places. This time also has its charm. Some destinations are almost deserted in May or September and therefore especially the prices of the hotel industry are cheaper.

Which month is the best time to visit Switzerland?

You can visit Switzerland at any time of the year. Every month offers numerous seasonal activities to choose from. Our month-by-month listing will definitely help you in planning your trip.

Spring in Switzerland

March

You find yourself surrounded by blooming daffodils at Lake Geneva, while your gaze rests upon the snow-capped mountains of Valais. It's still winter there, and you can go skiing. In the lowland areas, the first hiking tours are possible. You enjoy your coffee on the sun terrace in peace, as there are fewer tourists around now.

Average Weather Conditions in March

City	Max. Temp (°C)	Min. Temp. (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	11	3	10
Geneva	11	1	8
Zermatt	6	-3	10
Lugano	13	5	7

April

Classic spring events await you, such as the colorful Tulip Festival in Morges or the traditional Zurich "Sechseläuten". The high winter prices in the mountains drop significantly, and you'll find attractive accommodation deals. Easter customs and traditions across the country will transport you to past times.

Average Weather Conditions in April

City	Max. Temp (°C)	Min. Temp. (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	15	6	11
Geneva	15	4	8
Zermatt	11	0	12
Lugano	17	8	10

May

The days become noticeably longer and warmer, and the ski season is over. May is a great time to enjoy the spring landscape on a panoramic train or during a boat cruise. If you're heading to higher altitudes, make sure to pack warm clothing. However, if you're going south to Ticino, you can already bring your summer clothes.

There may still be snow in the mountains, so extensive mountain hikes at higher altitudes might not be on the agenda yet.

Average Weather Conditions in May

City	Max. Temp (°C)	Min. Temp. (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	19	10	12
Geneva	19	8	10
Zermatt	14	4	14
Lugano	21	12	12

Summer in Switzerland

June

The longest days are here, with the sun setting the latest on June 21. This marks the start of the ultimate hiking season for you. Traveling to Ticino, Central Switzerland, the canton of Graubünden, or the Bernese Oberland will now be an unforgettable experience. The numerous Swiss nature parks, especially our National Park in the Engadin, are also great for outings.

Average Weather in June

City	Max Temp (°C)	Min Temp (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	23	13	12
Geneva	23	12	9
Zermatt	19	8	15
Lugano	25	16	10

July

July falls right in the peak season. With school holidays, it feels like the whole of Switzerland is on the move, especially in Ticino. There are constantly new outdoor activities to complement your countless options during the summer months. Besides hiking, your list will include mountain biking, escape games, canyoning, rafting, or paragliding. There's also a lot happening on and around the water. All water sports are very popular with the warm temperatures, and the swimming spots are quite busy.

Don’t miss: The international Montreux Jazz Festival is a real highlight on the Swiss event calendar.

Average Weather in July

City	Max Temp (°C)	Min Temp (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	25	15	11
Geneva	26	14	7
Zermatt	21	9	14
Lugano	28	18	8

August

August is the hottest month of the year and remains in peak season with higher prices and limited availability in tourist regions. Refresh yourself in one of the crystal-clear lakes and rivers, which aren't as crowded after the summer holidays starting mid-August.

You have options:

• Stand up paddle,
• canyoning,
• rafting, or
• kayaking, just to name a few.

You can also cool off with a guided glacier hike.

Average Weather in August

City	Max Temp (°C)	Min Temp (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	24	15	11
Geneva	26	13	8
Zermatt	20	9	11
Lugano	28	18	8

Autumn in Switzerland

September

Now, with milder temperatures and fewer tourists, it’s the perfect time for sightseeing. In various regions of Switzerland, the traditional descent of the cattle from the mountains takes place, where cows and goats make their way back to the valley after spending summer in the pastures.

If you're considering a high-altitude tour, now is the right moment. It’s also the time for mixed travel clothing, so you should be prepared for cooler temperatures.

Average Weather Values in September

City	Max.Temp (°C)	Min. Temp. (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	20	12	9
Geneva	21	10	7
Zermatt	16	6	12
Lugano	23	14	8

October

In the higher elevations, the first snow might already fall. In lower areas, pleasant mild days still await you. Trendy excursions and city trips are now in high demand: Zurich, Lucerne, Lausanne, Geneva, or Lugano with their lakes are definitely worth a visit.

With the grape harvest in the Lavaux region, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage, you’ll experience an unforgettable moment in the Swiss calendar.

October also marks the start of golden autumn. The leaves change color, making it perfect for a stroll through the forests. Particularly the Engadin, with its golden larch forests, is a popular destination.

Average Weather Values in October

City	Max.Temp (°C)	Min. Temp. (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	15	8	9
Geneva	15	7	9
Zermatt	12	2	10
Lugano	17	10	8

November

Now is definitely the time for a culinary experience. The weather is gradually getting wintery, which is why we warmly recommend a cozy fondue gathering.

Some high-altitude ski resorts start their operations, while in the valleys you can still hike and watch wildlife.

Tourist numbers and prices decrease, and we assume that you’ll find our article with bad weather ideas quite useful in November.

Average Weather Values in November

City	Max.Temp (°C)	Min. Temp. (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	9	3	10
Geneva	9	2	9
Zermatt	6	-2	10
Lugano	12	6	8

Winter in Switzerland

December

During the shortest days of the year, not only do the winter sports towns come alive, but indoor activities do too. You can take advantage of enticing wellness offers, water parks, escape rooms, and museums. A stroll through one of the many Christmas markets puts you in a festive mood. Throughout Switzerland, Christmas lights make the winter nights glow with festive brilliance.

Average Weather in December

City	Max Temp (°C)	Min Temp (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	5	0	10
Geneva	5	0	9
Zermatt	2	-6	10
Lugano	8	2	5

January

In the high altitudes, the atmosphere is awesome. It's peak season in the winter sports regions. In some cantons, ski holidays begin, leading to increased prices and booked-out accommodations. In January, you have a wide range of winter outdoor activities at your fingertips: you can tobbogan both day and night, ski, snowshoe, cross-country ski, and much more. Countless ski schools are available to assist you on the slopes. Thrilling rides on snowmobiles or snow bikes (also known as fat bikes) are also very popular in January.

Average Weather in January

City	Max Temp (°C)	Min Temp (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	4	-1	10
Geneva	5	-1	9
Zermatt	1	-7	9
Lugano	7	1	5

February

The ski season continues and ski holidays are in full swing. This means prices remain high, as does the occupancy of ski areas and accommodations. The offerings are still diverse. Like January, February is perfect for all kinds of winter sports.

A highlight across Switzerland in February is the Carnival season. Celebrations take place everywhere, complete with masked balls and parties. Particularly in Catholic towns, Carnival is widely celebrated. The cities known as carnival hotspots are Lucerne and Basel.

Average Weather in February

City	Max Temp (°C)	Min Temp (°C)	Number of Rainy Days
Zurich	6	0	9
Geneva	7	-1	7
Zermatt	2	-7	8
Lugano	9	2	5

The Best Travel Time for Winter Sports in Switzerland

The Christmas season, along with January and February, is regarded as the prime months for winter sports. Ski resorts are particularly busy, partly due to the skiing holidays in Swiss schools. Additionally, early December and, to some extent, November and March are also suitable for winter sports.

Winter activities in Switzerland include more than just skiing and snowboarding. Other popular activities are:

Selection of Winter Activities with Suitable Travel Times and Locations in Switzerland

Outdoor Activity	Area/Region	Altitude (m a.s.l.)	Best Times	Remarks
Cross-Country Skiing	Engadin	1779 - 1818	November to March	240 km of trails, including 6.5 km of night trails
	Davos	1185 - 1860	November to March	>100 km of trails, including 18.5 km of dog-friendly trails and 2.5 km of illuminated trails
Sledding	Albulapass from Preda to Bergün	1367 - 1789	Mid-December to Mid-March	6.5 km long, also night sledding, through the arches of the Rhaetian Railway (UNESCO World Heritage)
	Fideriser Heuberge in Prättigau	900 - 2000	Christmas to End of February	12 km sledding run with 1100 meters of elevation, night sledding around the full moon also available
	Lenzerheide	1495 - 1906	December to March	3.8 km run, Wednesday night sledding "Light Rider" with light installations and challenges
	Les Diablerets	1170-1730	Early December to Mid-April	7.2 km run
Snowkiting	Simplon Pass	2000	Mid-December - Mid-April	Untouched snow; at the pass, the necessary wind blows at 6-7 knots, check the weather report
Snowbiking	Davos	1800 - 2483	Christmas to Mid-March	Untouched snow
Snowmobiling	Titlis SnowXpark	1800	Mid-December - Mid-April	near the Titlis Trübsee station

Did you know that you can also do winter sports in Switzerland during the summer? At the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, it's possible. Athletes from all over the world come here, so you might just run into some celebrities.

The Best Time to Hike in Switzerland

Any month is perfect for hiking: snowshoeing, autumn hikes, spring walks, cave explorations (ideal in high summer), and glacier hikes are possible all year round.

From June to September, most cable cars are operating and the majority of the snow has melted. That’s why these months are the best for mountain hiking. Switzerland has a well-developed network of marked hiking trails. In our guide on hiking in Switzerland, you can learn more about this topic.

The Best Time for Sightseeing in Switzerland

To make the most of your sightseeing, it's worth keeping a few guidelines in mind. Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and good transport connections are key.

Your ideal travel time depends on how you want to explore the city. You can either venture out on your own or join a tour. You can also explore the city using a Tuk Tuk, e-bike, or Segway.

Generally, spring and autumn are great seasons for a city trip. But of course, you can also stroll through the streets in summer and winter.

Check out our article on city tours and sightseeing in Switzerland for more information on this topic.

The best time to experience culinary delights in Switzerland

Love for the country also comes through its delicious food. Countless culinary experiences enhance your typical restaurant visit or private invitation. Depending on the dish, a specific time of year proves to be ideal.

• We particularly enjoy cheese fondue during the winter months. Game specialities are often featured on menus across the country in late autumn. Grill dishes thrive during the summer months.
• Culinary hikes and bike tours are especially popular in summer and autumn.
• Culinary boat trips are offered year-round or from spring through autumn, depending on the region.
• You can enjoy culinary mountain excursions all year round, savoring delicious meals with stunning views.
• Wine tastings are a fantastic experience any time of year, but they are particularly lovely in summer and autumn when the vines are lush with green leaves and the grapes are ripe.

The best time to travel for events in Switzerland

Countless events fill the months of the Swiss annual calendar. In this immense offer of big and small festivals and traditions, you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for. The following events should encourage you in your personal search:

Top events in Switzerland

• January: Lauberhorn Race Wengen - World Cup Ski Race of the Extra Class
• February: White Turf St. Moritz - exclusive VIP horse race in a white dream setting
• April: Lucerne Festival - an international mecca of classical music
• June: Art Basel - the international art fair of Switzerland
• July: Montreux Jazz Festival - the biggest Swiss music festival with artists from all over the world
• August: Locarno Film Festival - one of the most important film events in the world
• August: Omega European Masters Crans Montana - one of the most prestigious professional golf tournaments
• September: Weltklasse Zürich - the best athletes in the world

Other interesting events in Switzerland

• January: World Snow Festival Grindelwald with snow and ice sculptures as far as the eye can see
• April: Zermatt Unplugged at the foot of the Matterhorn, a special kind of music festival celebrates the end of the alpine winter.
• June: the Zurich Seenachtsfest with a mixture of folk festival, fair, music and parties (takes place every three years)
• August: the Swiss National Day is celebrated on August 1 in a big way all over the country
• September: traditional wine festivals in the Swiss wine-growing regions
• September: numerous alpine processions and alpine festivals in the Swiss mountain regions
• December: Christmas markets in all cities in Switzerland

As I said, the choice is huge. Take the opportunity to book the right event on your ultimate trip through Switzerland.

As you can see, there is no such thing as the par excellence best time to travel to Switzerland. There is only your best time to travel. The Swiss climate is as diverse as the country itself, depending on the region. Orientate yourself according to your desire and travel purpose on the rich offer of the respective months. The good news is that you can always visit Switzerland at any time of the year.