gowhereandwhen.comJune to September suits many hikes and lake trips. Zermatt is much cooler than Lugano. Check mountain routes and lifts before you go.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Zurich. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Sep.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Hard cold.
The year at a glance
The score uses Zurich weather. Compare four places below before choosing a month.
High passes and lifts have their own opening dates. Snow can change plans even in summer.
Switzerland weather by place
The score above uses Zurich. Compare three other places before choosing a month.
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Average daytime high and monthly rain, 1991–2020
| Month | Zurich | Geneva | Lugano | Zermatt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4°C 65 mm rain | 5°C 73 mm rain | 7°C 66 mm rain | 1°C 42 mm rain |
| Feb | 6°C 56 mm rain | 7°C 56 mm rain | 9°C 61 mm rain | 2°C 30 mm rain |
| Mar | 11°C 65 mm rain | 12°C 62 mm rain | 14°C 76 mm rain | 6°C 33 mm rain |
| Apr | 16°C 70 mm rain | 16°C 67 mm rain | 17°C 138 mm rain | 10°C 40 mm rain |
| May | 20°C 110 mm rain | 20°C 79 mm rain | 21°C 178 mm rain | 14°C 77 mm rain |
| Jun | 23°C 102 mm rain | 24°C 83 mm rain | 25°C 172 mm rain | 18°C 70 mm rain |
| Jul | 25°C 116 mm rain | 27°C 79 mm rain | 27°C 158 mm rain | 20°C 59 mm rain |
| Aug | 25°C 108 mm rain | 26°C 81 mm rain | 27°C 158 mm rain | 20°C 68 mm rain |
| Sep | 20°C 80 mm rain | 21°C 91 mm rain | 22°C 165 mm rain | 15°C 51 mm rain |
| Oct | 14°C 83 mm rain | 16°C 97 mm rain | 17°C 150 mm rain | 11°C 57 mm rain |
| Nov | 8°C 75 mm rain | 9°C 89 mm rain | 12°C 167 mm rain | 5°C 65 mm rain |
| Dec | 4°C 80 mm rain | 6°C 90 mm rain | 8°C 80 mm rain | 2°C 47 mm rain |
In July, Zermatt averages 20°C by day; Lugano averages 27°C. Lugano's spring rain is heavier.
These four stations miss many Alpine valleys and peaks. Town weather cannot show snow, trail or lift conditions.
Sources and weather limits
MeteoSwiss station averages for 1991–2020. Highs are average daily highs; rain is the average monthly total. Stations: Zurich/Kloten (426 m), Geneva/Cointrin (411 m), Lugano (273 m) and Zermatt (1,638 m). The Zurich score uses older separate inputs. Past averages are not forecasts.
MeteoSwiss station tables · Switzerland Tourism: seasonal demand and Ticino · Switzerland Tourism: mountain passes · Checked October 2026
Zurich weather by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Zurich.
JanuaryCold with a little rain.Avoid 16
- Daytime high
- 3°C / 37°F
- Overnight low
- -3°C / 27°F
- Rainfall
- 60 mm
Cold with a little rain.
FebruaryCold with a little rain.Avoid 25
- Daytime high
- 5°C / 41°F
- Overnight low
- -2°C / 28°F
- Rainfall
- 55 mm
Cold with a little rain.
MarchCool with a little rain.Good 50
- Daytime high
- 10°C / 50°F
- Overnight low
- 1°C / 34°F
- Rainfall
- 70 mm
Cool with a little rain.
AprilCool with a little rain.Great 72
- Daytime high
- 14°C / 57°F
- Overnight low
- 4°C / 39°F
- Rainfall
- 80 mm
Cool with a little rain.
MayMild with a little rainGreat 73
- Daytime high
- 19°C / 66°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 110 mm
Mild with a little rain.
JuneMild and wet.Great 70
- Daytime high
- 22°C / 72°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 120 mm
Mild and wet.
JulyWarm with a little rainIdeal 74
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 110 mm
Warm with a little rain.
AugustWarm and wet.Great 70
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 120 mm
Warm and wet.
SeptemberMild with a little rainIdeal 81
- Daytime high
- 19°C / 66°F
- Overnight low
- 10°C / 50°F
- Rainfall
- 90 mm
Mild with a little rain.
OctoberCool with a little rain.Great 73
- Daytime high
- 14°C / 57°F
- Overnight low
- 6°C / 43°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Cool with a little rain.
NovemberCold with a little rain.Fair 38
- Daytime high
- 7°C / 45°F
- Overnight low
- 1°C / 34°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Cold with a little rain.
DecemberCold with a little rain.Avoid 20
- Daytime high
- 4°C / 39°F
- Overnight low
- -2°C / 28°F
- Rainfall
- 70 mm
Cold with a little rain.
Where you go changes when you go
The Alps
Zermatt is cooler than the lowland cities. Check each trail and lift before travel.
Zurich and Geneva
Compare both cities month by month. Their weather does not describe nearby high trails.
Ticino
Lugano is warmer, but its spring and autumn can be wetter than Zurich.
Best time to visit Switzerland for
Hiking
June to September for many trails. Check local snow, weather and lift dates.
Skiing
Check each resort for snow and open lifts. Zurich weather cannot show ski conditions.
Cities and lakes
June to September has warmer days in Zurich and Geneva.
Mountain pass trips
Plan for summer, then check each road. Some passes shut after fresh snow.
Where to stay in Switzerland
Compare places to stay around Zurich. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
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Compare actual rates for your travel dates. The weather scores above do not predict accommodation prices or availability.
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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.
Plan another month or destination
Browse all 75 country guides · Sources, editorial approach and weather methodology