weather in switzerland

Pilatus Kulm Peak Over Lake Lucerne Switzerland Europe

Weather in Switzerland

Travel guide

The weather in Switzerland is stunning year-round, offering a perfect backdrop for every kind of adventure. In summer, the temperature in Switzerland ranges from 18 to 27°C, ideal for hiking alpine trails or swimming in crystal-clear lakes. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, especially in the Alps, where temperatures can dip to -10°C or below. Cities stay milder, ranging from -2°C to 5°C, offering a crisp, festive atmosphere perfect for exploring Christmas markets and cosy cafés. Spring and autumn bring mild, fresh air and postcard-perfect scenery. Whether you're chasing snow or sunshine, the weather in Switzerland adds magic to every trip.

Zurich Old Town By The Limmat River On A Sunny Summer Day In Switzerland Largest City

Weather in Zürich

The weather in Zürich features warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average 20°C-25°C, while winter temperatures range from -2°C to 4°C. Rain is common year-round, and snowfall occurs mainly from December to February in this temperate Swiss city.

Experience the weather in Zürich on our Contrasts of Switzerland tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 8-9°C
Average Lows: 3-4°C
Rain: 7-9 days per month

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 11-20°C
Average Lows: 3-10°C
Rain: 10-12 days per month

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 23-25°C
Average Lows: 14-15°C
Rain: 11-12 days per month

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 8-20°C
Average Lows: 3-12°C
Rain: 9-10 days per month
Tranquil Scene And Beautiful Weeping Willow Tree Of Lake Geneva Vevey Switzerland

Weather in Geneva

The weather in Geneva is temperate, with warm summers and chilly winters. Summer temperatures range from 21°C to 28°C, while winter temperatures typically fall between -1°C and to 5°C. Geneva experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year and occasional snowfall in winter months.

Experience the weather in Geneva on our Swiss Delight tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 5-7°C
Average Lows: -1-0°C
Rain: 7-10 days per month

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 12-20°C
Average Lows: 2-9°C
Rain: 8-10 days per month

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 24-27°C
Average Lows: 12-14°C
Rain: 7-9 days per month

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 9-21°C
Average Lows: 2-11°C
Rain: 8-9 days per month
Diocletian S Palace S Peristyle In Front Of Cathedral Of Saint Domnius Bell Tower In Split Croatia

Weather in Basel

Basel experiences mild weather with warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C, while winter temperatures typically fall between -1°C and 5°C. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional snowfall in winter.

Experience the weather in Basel on our Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 5-8°C
Average Lows: 0-1°C
Rain: 8-10 days per month

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 12-20°C
Average Lows: 3-10°C
Rain: 9-11 days per month

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 24-26°C
Average Lows: 11-13°C
Rain: 9-10 days per month

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 9-21°C
Average Lows: 3-12°C
Rain: 8-9 days per month
Yachts On Lake Lucerne Mt Pilatus

Weather in Lucerne

Lucerne has a temperate climate with balmy summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures range from 19°C to 25°C, while winter temperatures typically fall between -2°C and 4°C. Rainfall is moderate year-round, with occasional snow in the winter months.

Experience the weather in Lucerne on our Best of Switzerland tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 4-6°C
Average Lows: -1°C

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 11-19°C
Average Lows: 2-9°C

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 24-25°C
Average Lows: 13-15°C

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 8-20°C
Average Lows: 3-11°C
Scenic View Of Snowcapped Mountains Against Sky Zermatt Switzerland

Weather in Zermatt

Zermatt is located in the Swiss Alps, so it has cool summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, while winter temperatures often fall between -10°C and 0°C. Snow is frequent in winter, making it ideal for alpine activities.

Experience the weather in Zermatt on our Switzerland and Austria tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 2-3°C
Average Lows: -6--5°C

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 7-15°C
Average Lows: -3-4°C

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 20-22°C
Average Lows: 9-10°C

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 6-17°C
Average Lows: -2-7°C
Swiss Alps Landscape

Weather in Interlaken

Interlaken has a mild climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C, while winter temperatures fall between -2°C and 4°C. The region experiences regular rainfall and occasional snowfall, especially during the winter months.

Experience the weather in Interlaken on our Best of Switzerland tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 3-6°C
Average Lows: -3--2°C

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 11-19°C
Average Lows: 1-8°C

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 22-25°C
Average Lows: 12-14°C

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 8-19°C
Average Lows: 1-10°C

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Landwasser Viaduct in Switzerland
overlooking-view-of-train-running-on-the-bernina-railway-in-switzerland-626077868.jpg
visit-klein-matterhorn-cable-car-zermatt-switzerland.jpg
melted-raclette-cheese-bowl-bread-zermatt-switzerland.jpg

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on your interests. For hiking and sightseeing, late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers mild weather and blooming landscapes. December to March is ideal for those who are in search of snowy Alpine conditions and festive winter charm.

July is typically the hottest month in Switzerland. During this time, temperatures in cities like Geneva and Basel can reach 28°C or slightly higher. Mountain regions remain cooler, making it a great month for both urban exploring and outdoor adventures in the Alps.

The coldest place in Switzerland is usually La Brévine, and it is located in the Jura Mountains. Known as the “Siberia of Switzerland,” it can see temperatures plunge below -30°C in winter. Its remote location and elevation contribute to its extreme cold, especially during clear, calm nights.

Yes, it snows regularly in Switzerland, especially in the mountains and during the winter months (December to March). Alpine areas like Zermatt and St. Moritz get heavy snowfall, ideal for skiing. Cities like Zurich and Lucerne also experience occasional snow, though less frequently and less heavily.

Switzerland experiences moderate to high rainfall, depending on the region. Mountain areas and cities like Lucerne can receive frequent rain, especially in spring and summer. While rain can be common, it rarely lasts all day, and most days still offer dry, pleasant intervals for outdoor activities.

Switzerland enjoys a good number of sunny days, particularly in the summer months. Areas like Valais and the southern region of Ticino tend to be sunnier than the north. Even in winter, sunny spells are common in the mountains, offering bright skies above the clouds and fog.

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