Best Time To Visit Switzerland: Monthly Guide By A Local & Tips [2024]

Are you thinking about exploring Switzerland and want to enjoy the best possible time? Choosing the right season (month) for your visit is one of the most important factors.

I lived in Switzerland for 3 years and experienced every month and season in the country, cities, and the mountains. So in this article, I’ll tell you when the best months to visit Switzerland is (for different purposes), and we’ll break each month down.

Let’s get to it!

Best Time To Visit Switzerland: Answered!

The best time to visit Switzerland is June, September, and winter, especially December and January. These months are also less crowded, prices are slightly lower, and temperatures are mild.

June is the best month to visit Switzerland overall because you’ll enjoy the scenery in its best beauty.

Imagine green meadows with cows and flowers, snowy mountains with glaciers, rivers full of water from the melting snow, and crystal blue lakes. The landscape in June is incredibly unique. Besides, everything is open, and you can enjoy all the excursions and hiking.

September is another great month, similar to June. The only difference is that it might snow in the mountains towards the end. It’s not every year and is rather unusual, but I experienced it.

Switzerland is also great to visit in winter, with perfect skiing slopes, winter landscapes, and Christmas markets. Prices are also lower in the first two weeks of December and January than in other winter months.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train

Best Time For Hiking In Switzerland

June, July, August, and September are the best months for hiking in Switzerland. The hiking trails and mountain huts are open, and the landscape is full of beauty.

The landscape colors and views at this time of year, especially June, are breathtaking.

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Best Time For Snowfall In Switzerland

January and February are the best times to visit Switzerland for snowfall. These two months, snow in the mountains, its towns, and Swiss cities is 99% guaranteed.

December is also a great month to visit Switzerland for snowfall. Still, it mostly snows in the mountains, and cities in the north, like Zurich, Basel, and St. Gallen, might still be without snow.

Best Time For Honeymoon In Switzerland

June, September, December, and January are the best months to visit Switzerland for the honeymoon.

June and September because the landscape colors are the most beautiful, everything is open and less crowded, and there are mild temperatures.

December and January are amazing for experiencing the Swiss winter wonderland, staying in wellness hotels, treating yourself, skiing, and enjoying winter hikes. These months are also less crowded, and the prices are slightly lower than other winter months.

Best Time To Visit The Swiss Alps

June, September, and January are the best months to visit the Swiss Alps. The landscape colors are the most beautiful, temperatures are mild, and you can enjoy both summer and winter hikes.

In January, you can also go skiing and sledding and enjoy other winter activities.

Hotels and some activities will be slightly cheaper than the rest of the year, too.

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Seasons In Switzerland: Weather & Best Time To Visit

Let’s break it down to seasons. In the section below, I’ll give you an idea of what Switzerland looks like in each season, what the weather is like, what temperatures are there, and which month of the season is best to visit.

Best Time To Travel To Switzerland In Spring

The best months to visit Switzerland in spring is the beginning of April or the end of May. Generally, you can enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds in spring in Switzerland.

Temperatures in spring in Switzerland range between 8°C/46°F and 14°C/57°F. It might still snow in the mountain towns at the beginning of April. And it gets warmer at the end of April and in May.

You can still enjoy skiing in many places at the beginning of April. Yet, the snow melts significantly, so there won’t be any snow in the mountain towns, only on the slopes.

Bear in mind that at the end of April (last two weeks) and the beginning of May (first two weeks) is a shoulder season in Switzerland, when many places close after winter and prepare for summer.

It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Switzerland at this time (if you can’t choose another time, stick to your schedule). But if you can choose, avoid visiting between 15th April and 15th May.

The end of May is the start of the summer season, so you can go hiking in some places, but some might still be closed, so check the status of the place online.

Best Time To Travel To Switzerland In Summer

The best time for visiting Switzerland in the summertime is June.

It’s the best time overall as everything is open, the landscape colors are incredibly beautiful, and you can enjoy Switzerland with everything it offers, with fewer crowds than during the peak summer season, which is July and August.

The summer temperatures in Switzerland range between 17°C/62°F and 30°C/86°F. It doesn’t have to be that it’s cold in the mountains. It’s usually the opposite; sun shines directly onto you in the mountains, so it’s quite hot, and there is a high risk of getting sunburned, so put on sunscreen.

It also rains a lot in the mountains in summer with many thunderstorms.

Best Time To Travel To Switzerland In Autumn

September and the beginning of October are the best autumn months to visit Switzerland. They have stunning autumn colors, and the mountains are usually covered by snow. So you can enjoy picturesque train rides and still some hiking trails.

Avoid visiting Switzerland in November if you can, as it’s the shoulder season. Many businesses are closing to prepare for the winter season, and many cable cars are in maintenance.

While you can still do a lot, it’s important to check the status of each activity and see whether the things you want to do are open.

Autumn temperatures in Switzerland range between 6°C/43°F to 14°C/57°F. September is the warmest autumn month, October has mild temperatures, and November starts getting much colder.

It usually starts snowing in November. And the Swiss Alps get the first snow around the end of September or the first 2 weeks of October.

Best Time To Travel To Switzerland In Winter

Switzerland in winter is amazing. It’s the perfect winter wonderland; even nonskiers can enjoy its beauty.

You can go skiing and snowboarding in one of the best ski resorts in the world. As a nonskier, you can benefit from many activities such as winter hiking, mountain excursions, spedding, panoramic train rides, or enjoying a spa.

The winter temperatures in Switzerland range between 0°C/32°F and -10°C/14°F. Switzerland is usually covered in snow in December, except in the northern part, where it starts snowing later towards the end of December.

January and February are the coldest months in Switzerland.

Is December A Good Time To Visit Switzerland?

Yes, December is a great time to visit Switzerland. It usually starts snowing, so you can enjoy the winter wonderland with beautiful snowy views and go skiing and snowboarding.

In the first 2 weeks of December, hotels and activities are slightly cheaper than the rest of the winter season.

👉 READ ALSO: Grindelwald In Winter: Complete Guide For Your Visit

Monthly Guide For Visiting Switzerland: Weather In Switzerland, Places To Visit & Things To Do

Now, let’s jump into the details. Below, I’ll give you an overview of what each month in Switzerland looks like, the best places to visit, and which activities you should do.

Note that every season is slightly different. I experienced snow in Grindelwald in September, but it might not happen next year.

So, all these numbers and temperatures are approximate to give you an idea of how Switzerland feels each month.

Switzerland In January

January is the coldest month in Switzerland. Most of the places are covered in snow. It’s the best time to go skiing and snowboarding and enjoy the Swiss winter wonderland.

January is a great time to visit the country as you can enjoy fewer crowds and prices are slightly lower in some places.

The average temperature in January in Switzerland is around 0°C/32°F up to -11°C/12°F. The northern part is warmer, while the Swiss Alps can experience temperatures up to -11°C/12°F.

❄ BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN JANUARY IN SWITZERLAND: Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lucerne, Davos.

❄ BEST THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY IN SWITZERLAND: skiing, snowboarding, mountain excursions, winter hikes, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting chocolate museums, and cruising on Swiss Lakes (only some lakes).

SWITZERLAND IN JANUARY OVERVIEW:

❄ Northern Switzerland: Average temperature 0°C/32°F ❄ The Alps: Temperatures range around -4°C/25°F ❄ Snow: In mountain towns and high moountain peaks, great for skiing ❄ Swiss Cities: Snowy ❄ Overall: Less crowded and lower prices especially first 3 weeks of January

Switzerland In February

February is similar to January in terms of the weather and temperatures. It’s the coldest month in Switzerland, along with January. Temperatures range between -1°C/30°F and -11°C/12°F.

The only difference between January and February is that February is more crowded, and prices can be slightly higher. It’s winter school holidays for many people, and so many families with kids set off to the mountains for skiing.

❄ BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN FEBRUARY IN SWITZERLAND: Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lucerne, and Davos.

❄ BEST THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY IN SWITZERLAND: skiing, snowboarding, mountain excursions, winter hikes, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting chocolate museums, and cruising on Swiss Lakes (only some lakes).

SWITZERLAND IN FEBRUARY OVERVIEW:

❄ Northern Switzerland: Average temperature 0°C/32°F – -3°C/26°F ❄ The Alps: Temperatures range around -5°C/23°F ❄ Snow: A lot of snow, perfect for skiing ❄ Swiss Cities: Snowy ❄ Overall: February is the busiest winter month and also the most expensive

👉 READ ALSO: Is Switzerland Expensive? Ultimate Guide To Budget Your Trip

Switzerland In March

In March, it gets warmer, and snow starts melting in some parts. I remember skiing in March in Switzerland when the mountain peaks were not fully covered in snow anymore.

Yet, you can still ski and snowboard. But the conditions, especially for free riders, are slightly worse than in January and February.

Average temperatures in March are between -2°C/28°F and 4°C/39°F in Switzerland. The northern part with cities gets warmer, around 4°C/39°F, and snow melts. The Swiss Alps still have snow.

If you were to hop on a panoramic train, it might not be 100% winter wonderland anymore as the snow starts to melt, so it might be grey and gloomy.

The winter season is fully in operation, and you can still enjoy all winter activities.

❄ BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MARCH IN SWITZERLAND: Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lucerne, Lugano.

❄ BEST THINGS TO DO IN MARCH IN SWITZERLAND: skiing, snowboarding, mountain excursions, winter hikes, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting chocolate museums, and cruising on Swiss Lakes (only some lakes).

SWITZERLAND IN MARCH OVERVIEW:

❄ Northern Switzerland: Average temperature 2°C/35°F – 4°C/39°F ❄ The Alps: Temperatures range around 0°C/32°F ❄ Snow: Snow melts, but still great for skiing ❄ Swiss Cities: Barely any snow, wet and gloomy ❄ Overall: March is less busy and cheaper, its gets warmer, but you can still go skiing, less options for free riders

Switzerland In April

April is the shoulder season in Switzerland, and many businesses close to prepare for the summer season at the end of the month.

Some cable cars and trains are in maintenance, so check the status of your activity and place if you plan to visit Switzerland in April if they’re operating.

Temperatures in April range between 6°C/43°F to 13°C/55°F.

Depending on the season, you can still go skiing and snowboarding in the Swiss Alps at the beginning of April (first 2 weeks). Mainly in Mt. Titlis, Jungfrau region, and Zermatt, the snow is more and less guaranteed.

But it’s not for free rides, and the snow melts significantly in the mountain towns, so you might have to take a cable car back to town instead of skiing down the slopes.

April is less crowded, and prices are significantly lower. It’s due to the shoulder season and many things being closed.

🔆 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN APRIL IN SWITZERLAND: Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lucerne, Zurich, Lugano, Rhine Falls.

🔆 BEST THINGS TO DO IN APRIL IN SWITZERLAND: skiing, snowboarding, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, and visiting museums.

SWITZERLAND IN APRIL OVERVIEW:

🔆 Northern Switzerland: Average temperature 11°C/52°F – 14°C/57°F 🔆 The Alps: Temperatures range around 6°C/43°F 🔆 Snow: Snow melts, but still good for skiing first 2 weeks of April, mountain towns barely have any snow 🔆 Swiss Cities: No snow, spring starts 🔆 Overall: April is the least busy and cheapest, its gets warmer, but you can still go skiing in some parts, the rest of Switzerland welcomes spring

Switzerland In May

In May, when winter is gone in Switzerland, the summer starts knocking on the door. At the beginning of May (first 2 weeks), it’s still shoulder season, so many things might be closed or in maintanance, prepareing for the summer.

Temperatures in Switzerland in May range between 10°C/50°F and 16°C/61°F.

So it’s better to visit Switzerland in the last two weeks of May (if you can choose). It’s when the grass turns lush green, the glacier and snow from the mountain melt, locals bring cows to the meadows, and everything is super beautiful.

May is generally one of the cheapest months with fewer crowds, and you can enjoy most things.

🔆 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MAY IN SWITZERLAND: Lucerne, Zurich, Lugano, Bern, Rhine Falls, Grindelwald, Geneva, Montreux, Scuol.

🔆 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAY IN SWITZERLAND: mountain excursions, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting chocolate museums, cruising on Swiss lakes, and hiking.

SWITZERLAND IN MAY OVERVIEW:

🔆 Northern Switzerland: Average temperature around 16°C/61°F 🔆 The Alps: Temperatures range around 10°C/50°F 🔆 Snow: No snow, spring starts 🔆 Swiss Cities: Beautiful, great time to visit 🔆 Overall: May is a shoulder season (first 2 weeks), many things are closed or in operation, last 2 weeks; it’s a great time to visit with fewer crowds and cheaper prices

👉 READ ALSO: Does Switzerland Use The Euro? All You Need To Know

Switzerland In June

June is overall the best month of the year to visit Switzerland.

The landscape colors are the most beautiful, and Switzerland brings you everything that you picture it to be: lush green meadows with flowers and mowing cows, mountain peaks covered in snow, rivers full of water, and crystal clear lakes.

Everything is open again after the shoulder season. Yet, there are still fewer crowds, and the hotels are slightly cheaper than during the peak summertime.

In June, temperatures in Switzerland range around 16°C/61°F to 24°C/75°F.

🌄 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN JUNE IN SWITZERLAND: Entire Switzerland

🌄 BEST THINGS TO DO IN JUNE IN SWITZERLAND: everything from mountain excursions, hiking, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting museums, cruising on Swiss Lakes, and visiting Swiss cities.

SWITZERLAND IN JUNE OVERVIEW:

🌄 Northern Switzerland: Average temperature around 22°C/72°F 🌄 The Alps: Temperatures range around 18°C/64°F 🌄 Swiss Cities: Beautiful with warm temperatures 🌄 Overall: Best time to visit with the most stunning landscape colors, everything is open and there are fewer crowds than in the peak summer season

Switzerland In July

July is the hottest and the most crowded month in Switzerland. Many people come for a vacation, whether they want to enjoy Swiss lakes, mountain excursions, beautiful cities, or go hiking in nature.

It’s overall a great time to visit if you don’t mind crowds.

Temperatures in July in Switzerland range between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F.

🌄 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN JULY IN SWITZERLAND: Entire Switzerland

🌄 BEST THINGS TO DO IN JULY IN SWITZERLAND: everything from mountain excursions, hiking, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting chocolate museums, cruising Swiss Lakes museums, and visiting Swiss cities.

SWITZERLAND IN JULY OVERVIEW:

🌄 Northern Switzerland: Average temperature around 26°C/79°F 🌄 The Alps: Temperatures range around 22°C/72°F 🌄 Swiss Cities: Beautiful with hot temperatures 🌄 Overall: Great time to visit Switzerland, everything is open but there are many crowds

Switzerland In August

August is a similar month to July. It gets slightly less crowded towards the end of August. But it’s pretty much the same. It’s another hot month in Switzerland; you can enjoy everything it offers and its full beauty.

Temperatures in August range around 20°C/68°F up to 29°C/84°F.

🌄 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN AUGUST IN SWITZERLAND: Entire Switzerland

🌄 BEST THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST IN SWITZERLAND: everything from mountain excursions, hiking, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting chocolate museums, cruising Swiss Lakes museums, and visiting Swiss cities.

SWITZERLAND IN AUGUST OVERVIEW:

🌄 Northern Switzerland: Average temperature around 26°C/79°F 🌄 The Alps: Temperatures range around 22°C/72°F 🌄 Swiss Cities: Beautiful with hot temperatures 🌄 Overall: Great time to visit Switzerland, everything is open but there are many crowds, fewer crowds the last week of August

👉 READ ALSO: How Many Days In Switzerland Is Enough? Revealed!

Switzerland In September

September is the second best month to visit Switzerland (right after June). It’s the time of the year when it gets less crowded, and prices for some activities get lower at the end of the month.

The autumn colors start to shine throughout the Swiss landscape, and it is another beautiful time of the year. Everything is still open, so you can get the most out of your time in Switzerland.

It’s specifically amazing for panoramic train rides, hiking, and mountain excursions.

It might snow a bit in the Swiss Alps in September, but it depends on the season. I experienced it when it snowed in Grindelwald and the mountains on the 17th of September. But again, it depends on the season.

Temperatures in September in Switzerland range between 15°C/59°F and 6°C/43°F.

⚜ BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SEPTEMBER IN SWITZERLAND: Entire Switzerland

⚜ BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER IN SWITZERLAND: everything from mountain excursions, hiking, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting chocolate museums, cruising Swiss Lakes museums, day trips from Interlaken, and visiting Swiss cities.

SWITZERLAND IN SEPTEMBER OVERVIEW:

⚜ Northern Switzerland: Average temperature around 16°C/61°F ⚜ The Alps: Temperatures range around 12°C/54°F ⚜ Swiss Cities: Beautiful with mild temperatures ⚜ Overall: Best time to visit, everything is open but there are fewer crowds, stunning autumn landscape colors, great for panoramic trains

👉 READ ALSO: Is Swiss Travel Pass Worth It? All You Need To Know

Switzerland In October

October is a beautiful month to visit Switzerland. It’s when summer is gone, and many people are busy working, so it’s much less crowded. Prices are significantly lower.

Most things are still open in October, and the autumn landscape colors are beautiful.

Temperatures in October range between 10°C/50°F and 3°C/37°F.

I loved spending October in Switzerland. When the crowds were gone, I went up to the mountains, and while it was slightly more chilly, I enjoyed hiking and walking around.

It’s a special time of the year and one of the best to visit.

⚜ BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN OCTOBER IN SWITZERLAND: Entire Switzerland

⚜ BEST THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER IN SWITZERLAND: everything from mountain excursions, hiking, panoramic train rides, eating Fondue, visiting chocolate museums, cruising Swiss Lakes museums, and visiting Swiss cities.

SWITZERLAND IN OCTOBER OVERVIEW:

⚜ Northern Switzerland: Average temperature around 9°C/48°F ⚜ The Alps: Temperatures range around 5°C/41°F ⚜ Swiss Cities: Beautiful, slightly more chilly ⚜ Overall: Great time to visit Switzerland, everything is open but there are fewer crowds and significantly lower prices, stunning autumn landscape colors, great for panoramic trains and relax

Switzerland In November

November is a less popular time to visit Switzerland. While I always say that if you only have a chance to visit Switzerland in November, it shouldn’t put you off. But if you can choose, I recommend to avoid visiting the country at this time of the year.

The weather in November is usually gloomy, and the trees lose leaves, so the landscape is less pretty than in October. Temperatures range between 5°C/41°F and 0°C/32°F.

November is also the shoulder season (similar to April), when businesses close and prepare for the winter season. Also, many cable cars and trains are in maintenance.

So check the status of your activity and place before visiting and whether it’s open.

It usually starts snowing at the end of November in Switzerland, especially in the Swiss Alps.

You can already enjoy skiing in some resorts, such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Diavolezza, Glacier 3000, and Mt. Titlis.

⚜ BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NOVEMBER IN SWITZERLAND: Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lugano, Diavolezza, Mt. Titlis, Lucerne, Geneva.

⚜ BEST THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER IN SWITZERLAND: visit Swiss cities and museums, eat Fondue, visit chocolate museums, cruise on Swiss Lakes (only some lakes), some mountain excursions, skiing and snowboarding in some resorts.

SWITZERLAND IN NOVEMBER OVERVIEW:

⚜ Northern Switzerland: Average temperature around 5°C/41°F ⚜The Alps: Temperatures range around 2°C/36°F ⚜Swiss Cities: Gloomy and cold ⚜Overall: Not a good time to visit, it’s shoulder season, many businesses are closed, and cable cars/trains are in maintenance, you can still visit, but activities are restricted, yet it’s the cheapest month to visit

👉 READ ALSO: Switzerland In November – if you’re visiting, see what you can do to get the most of your time

Switzerland In December

December is another great month to visit Switzerland and one of the most magical times. Everything is back in operation after the break, and you can go skiing in all the ski resorts.

It starts snowing in the entire of Switzerland. You can enjoy Christmas markets with a special atmosphere in the Swiss cities or the beautiful mountain towns and their winter wonderland.

December is a great month to visit; even if you’re a nonskier, you can enjoy many activities like panoramic train rides, winter hikes, or adventure activities.

The first two weeks of December are less crowded, and prices are still lower before they skyrocket for the festive season.

Temperatures in December in Switzerland range between 2°C/35°F and -10°C/14°F.

❄ BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN DECEMBER IN SWITZERLAND: Zermatt, Grindelwald, Davos, Mt. Titlis, Lucerne, Geneva, Jungfraujoch.

❄ BEST THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER IN SWITZERLAND: skiing and snowboarding, visiting Swiss cities for Christmas markets, museums, eating Fondue, cruising on Swiss Lakes (only some lakes), mountain excursions, and winter hiking.

SWITZERLAND IN DECEMBER OVERVIEW

❄ Northern Switzerland: Average temperature 3°C/37°F ❄ The Alps: Temperatures range between -2°C/28°F and -10°C/10°F ❄ Snow: In mountain towns and high moountain peaks, great for skiing ❄ Swiss Cities: Less or no snow ❄ Overall: Less crowded and lower prices first 2 weeks of December

👉 READ ALSO: 11 Cheapest Ways To Travel Switzerland On A Budget

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions for you. Check my answers below:

What Is The Best Month To Go To Switzerland?

June is the best month to go to Switzerland. It has mild temperatures, fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and beautiful landscapes.

What Is The Cheapest Month To Visit Switzerland?

The cheapest month to visit Switzerland is November. It’s shoulder season, so many businesses are closed or are in maintenance, yet some are still open, so you can enjoy activities for less.

The weather is mostly gloomy, and while it’s not the best time to visit the country, it’s certainly the cheapest.

Which Month Is The Most Beautiful In Switzerland?

June is the most beautiful month in Switzerland. The landscape colors are the most beautiful, with melting glaciers, rivers full of water, lakes crystal clear, and meadows lush green with flowers, and everything is so lively and beautiful.

What Is The Rainy Season In Switzerland?

The rainy season in Switzerland is from May until the beginning of November. It usually rains the most in May and October.

The summer months (July and August) also get a lot of rain with thunderstorms, especially in the mountain towns.

WRAP-UP: Best Time To Visit Switzerland

This is how Switzerland feels each month of the year. While some months are better for your visit than others, Switzerland is just beautiful all year round. So check the weather forecast and the status of activities in the region you want to visit, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time all year round.

If you have any questions or need a customized travel itinerary, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Swiss Travels!