Are you planning a trip to Switzerland and wondering when is the best time to visit?
In this article, we will delve into the various seasons and weather conditions in Switzerland to help you determine the best time for your visit.
In general, the best time to visit Switzerland is from April to October, when the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Keep reading to find out more about the best time to visit Switzerland and what you can expect during each season.
About Switzerland
Switzerland is a small, landlocked country located in central Europe. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Swiss Alps covering a large portion of the country and providing many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain climbing.
Switzerland is one of the smaller nations in Europe with a population of about 8.5 million. The capital of Switzerland is Bern, a charming city with a rich history and a number of cultural attractions
Switzerland is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and high-quality amenities and services attracting visitors from around the world. It is also home to many international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the International Olympic Committee.
Climate in Switzerland
Switzerland has a Temperate Climate with four distinct seasons.
The country is located in the heart of Europe, and its climate is influenced by its location in the middle of the continent as well as by its topography, with the Swiss Alps acting as a natural barrier to the north and east.
In general, Switzerland has cool to cold winters and warm to hot summers.
Average temperature
In winter (December – February), the average high temperatures in Switzerland are typically around -2 to -2°C (27-28°F). The minimum temperatures during these months can be quite cold, with an average low of -3 to -2°C (27-28°F).
In spring (March-May), Switzerland experiences a transition from cooler to warmer weather. The average high temperatures during this season range from 11-19°C (52-66°F), and the minimum temperatures range from 1-8°C (34-46°F).
During summer (June-August), Switzerland’s average high temperatures range from 22-24°C (72-75°F). The minimum temperatures during these months tend to be mild, with an average low of 12-14°C (54-57°F).
During autumn (September-November), Switzerland experiences a transition from warmer to cooler weather. The average high temperatures during these months range from 8-19°C (46-66°F), and the minimum temperatures range from 1-10°C (34-50°F).
Number of monthly rainy days
As you can see from the graph below, Switzerland experiences pretty steady rainfall throughout the year, with an average of 9 to 14 rainy days per month.
June, July, and August are typically the wettest months, with an average of 12 to 14 rainy days per month.
The least wet months are usually December, January, and February, with an average of 9 to 10 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
Switzerland has more sun hours in the summer months and fewer in winter.
The sunniest months are June, July, and August when the average number of sun hours ranges from 189 to 219 hours per month.
The least sunny months are December, January, and February when the average number of sun hours ranges from 51 to 78 hours per month.
Seasons in Switzerland
Switzerland has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (March to May)
The weather in Switzerland in the spring months of March, April, and May is generally mild.
The average maximum temperatures range from 11°C to 19°C (51°F to 66°F) and average minimum temperatures range from 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F).
The spring season in Switzerland is also characterized by a moderate amount of rainfall, with the average number of rainy days ranging from 11 to 12 days per month.
The spring months typically have a moderate amount of sun, with an average of 125 to 183 hours of sun per month.
In general, if you want to see Switzerland’s natural splendor without the summertime crowds, the spring season can be an excellent time to travel.
Layerable clothes is an excellent idea to pack because Switzerland’s weather can change quickly and is often unpredictable.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 11°C / 51°F | 15°C / 59°F | 19°C / 66°F |
| Min temperature | 1°C / 34°F | 4°C / 39°F | 8°C / 46°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 125 hours | 155 hours | 183 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 11 days | 12 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Tolerable | Good |
Summer (June to August)
Summer in Switzerland is generally warm and pleasant, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 76°F) and average minimum temperatures ranging from 12°C to 14°C (54°F to 57°F).
The summer season in Switzerland is also characterized by a moderate amount of rainfall, with the average number of rainy days ranging from 12 to 14 days per month.
The summer months typically have a high amount of sun, with an average of 189 to 219 hours of sun per month.
Summer in Switzerland is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy the warm weather and participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and sightseeing.
It’s a good idea to bring lightweight and breathable clothing and to be prepared for occasional rain showers.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 22°C / 72°F | 25°C / 76°F | 24°C / 75°F |
| Min temperature | 12°C / 54°F | 14°C / 57°F | 14°C / 56°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 189 hours | 219 hours | 195 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 14 days | 12 days | 13 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn in Switzerland is generally cooler and more unpredictable.
The average maximum temperatures range from 14°C to 19°C (58°F to 66°F) and average minimum temperatures range from 6°C to 10°C (43°F to 50°F).
There is a moderate amount of rainfall in Switzerland in autumn, with the average number of rainy days ranging from 9 to 10 days per month.
The autumn months typically have a moderate amount of sun, with an average of 103 to 149 hours of sun per month.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 19°C / 66°F | 14°C / 58°F | 8°C / 46°F |
| Min temperature | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 149 hours | 103 hours | 67 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 10 days | 9 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Good | Tolerable | Bad |
Winter (December to February)
The winter season in Switzerland is generally cold and wet.
The average maximum temperatures range from 3°C to 5°C (38°F to 42°F) and average minimum temperatures range from -2°C to -3°C (28°F to 27°F).
The winter season is also characterized by a moderate amount of precipitation, with an average of 9 to 10 rainy days per month.
The winter months typically have a low amount of sun, with an average of 51 to 78 hours of sun per month.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 4°C / 39°F | 3°C / 38°F | 5°C / 42°F |
| Min temperature | -2°C / 29°F | -3°C / 27°F | -2°C / 28°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 51 hours | 66 hours | 78 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 10 days | 9 days | 9 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit Switzerland weather-wise
In general, the summer season, which runs from June to August, is considered the best time for warm and sunny weather in Switzerland.
The average temperatures during the summer months range from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F), and the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with long days and plenty of sunshine.
Note, that the summer season is also the peak tourist season in Switzerland, and the country can be quite crowded during this time of year.
The spring months of April and May and the autumn months of September and October are also considered good times to visit Switzerland weather-wise, as the weather is typically milder and more predictable during these times of the year.
From November to January the weather in Switzerland is generally cold and bad. Unless you are planning a skiing trip to Switzerland, we wouldn’t recommend this period for traveling to Switzerland.
Best time to visit Switzerland for sightseeing
The best time for sightseeing in Switzerland is the period between April and June and September and October.
These periods are characterized by pleasant and comfortable weather. The crowds of tourists are typically smaller during these times of the year, which can make for a more enjoyable sightseeing experience.
The summer season, which runs from June to August, can also be a good time to visit Switzerland for sightseeing, as the weather is typically warm and sunny, with long days and plenty of sunshine.
However, the summer period is also the peak tourist season in Switzerland, and the country can be quite crowded during this time of year. Also, the hot temperatures during this time of year might be too tiring for some people.
Best time to visit Switzerland for skiing
In general, the winter season in Switzerland, which runs from December to March, is the best time for skiing, as the higher elevations in the Swiss Alps receive significant snowfall during this time of year.
The ski season in Switzerland typically begins in mid-November and runs through late April, depending on the specific ski resort and the weather conditions.
The most reliable snow conditions are typically found from December to February, although the ski season can vary widely depending on the region and the specific location within the country.
Best time to visit Switzerland for hiking
The best times for hiking in Switzerland are considered spring and autumn.
The weather is typically milder and more predictable during these times of the year.
Also, the trails are typically less crowded during these periods, which can make for a more enjoyable hiking experience.
See more guides about Switzerland
