Switzerland
The best time to visit
When to go to Switzerland
Go in summer, June to September, for hiking, lakes and open mountain passes, or in winter, December to March, for skiing. The quiet shoulder seasons are cheaper but some lifts and trails close.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Zurich. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Sep.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hard cold.
In short
The year at a glance
Switzerland really has two peak seasons, and which is best depends on what you want. These ratings follow Zurich, but the experience is all about the mountains: summer for green meadows and high trails, winter for snow.
Summer, from June to September, opens the high passes, the cable cars and the hiking, with warm valleys and cool peaks. Winter, from December to March, blankets the resorts in snow. Spring and autumn are beautiful and quiet, but the high country can be caught between seasons, with lifts and trails closed.
Month by month
Switzerland month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Zurich.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -3°C / 27°F | 60 mm | Avoid 16 | Cold with a little rain. |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -2°C / 28°F | 55 mm | Avoid 25 | Cold with a little rain. |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 34°F | 70 mm | Good 50 | Cool with a little rain. |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 4°C / 39°F | 80 mm | Great 72 | Cool with a little rain. |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 8°C / 46°F | 110 mm | Great 73 | Mild with a little rain. Zurich hotels in May |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 120 mm | Great 70 | Mild and wet. |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 110 mm | Ideal 74 | Warm with a little rain. Zurich hotels in July |
| August | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 120 mm | Great 70 | Warm and wet. |
| September | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 90 mm | Ideal 81 | Mild with a little rain. Zurich hotels in September |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 43°F | 75 mm | Great 73 | Cool with a little rain. |
| November | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 75 mm | Fair 38 | Cold with a little rain. |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -2°C / 28°F | 70 mm | Avoid 20 | Cold with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
The Alps and the resorts
Summer for hiking around Zermatt, Grindelwald and the Jungfrau, winter for skiing. The shoulder months are quietest.
The lakes and cities
Geneva, Lucerne and Zurich are loveliest in summer, with lake swimming and long evenings. Spring and autumn are mild and quiet.
The valleys and vineyards
Lower and warmer, with a golden grape harvest in the southern valleys around September and October.
Go for
Best time to visit Switzerland for
Hiking and the high passes
July and August, when the trails are clear of snow, the cable cars run and the meadows are in full flower.
Skiing
December to March across the Alpine resorts, with the deepest, most reliable snow at altitude.
Lakes and cities
June to September for warm days, lake swimming and the long light of an Alpine summer.
Quiet and value
Late spring and autumn for fewer crowds and better rates, accepting that some high lifts and trails may be shut.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Alpine summer, July to Aug
Wildflower meadows, open trails and warm lakes across the mountains.
Ski season, Dec to Mar
The resorts fill with snow for some of the world's finest skiing.
Hard cold
Nov to Feb.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Switzerland
Compare hotels and rentals around Zurich, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Switzerland?
When is the best time for hiking in the Alps?
Is spring or autumn a good time to visit?
Where else, and when
Every country on one map, or jump straight to another guide.