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Gorner Glacier and Matterhorn

When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Gorner Glacier and Matterhorn

The best time to visit Switzerland is between April and October, though winter sports enthusiasts may prefer December to March. The country has four distinct seasons, each with its own attractions.

The spring months of March to May bring Alpine blooms, flowering trees and cows heading out to pasture. In the warmest months of June, July and August summery temperatures prevail, though you’ll rarely get any humidity thanks to the high altitude. This is when locals and visitors alike head to the lake shores, meaning thicker crowds.

The wine and fruit harvests dominate the fall months of September to November and from December to February, you’ll find snow, cold and winter sports.

In the lowlands, rain most often falls in November and May. Because it’s between the busy summer and winter seasons, these months are when many attractions have limited hours and residents often take their own trips.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Switzerland

Christmas markets in ´Üü°ù¾±³¦³ó

Visiting Switzerland in December - January

December and January are the coldest, but not the wettest, months of the year. There’s frequently snow, which makes the Christmas markets in Switzerland’s main cities even more festive. Temperatures hang around freezing, but it’s still common to enjoy crisp blue skies and bright sun reflecting off the snow.

Events & Festivals

  • Christmas markets (mid-November through early January): Cities feature cute wooden chalets, lots of traditional food, handmade crafts and hot spiced wine.
Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Visiting Switzerland in February - March

Temperatures begin to rise in February and March, but these months tend to see more rain and snow at altitude. Ski resorts are very busy at this time, since many schools take their mid-term breaks.

Montreux Riviera, Lake Geneva

Visiting Switzerland in April - May

Spring arrives over April and May, and bright flowers come out on the Alpine mountainsides and in the green, low-lying valleys. Meadows return to life, dairy cows are released to graze and Alpine resorts become void of skiers. April can sometimes see a late flurry of winter weather.

Wildflower meadow

Visiting Switzerland in June - July

In the summer months of June and July, the mountain scenery is at its best. The weather is mild and temperatures are pleasant and rarely too hot. Days are generally dry and sunny, offering clear views across the mountain peaks and rolling countryside.

Events & Festivals

  • Montreux Jazz Festival (July): The biggest music festival in Switzerland with artists from around the world performing for two weeks on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Sailing on Lake Lucerne

Visiting Switzerland in August - September

As fall approaches in August and September, the lakes, mountains and cities all overflow with harvest beauty. Flowers adorn wooden chalets, the forest scenery takes on a cloak of golden brown and more mountaintops take on snowy caps. Farmers are out in force as fruit trees ripen and grapevines bend under their heavy load.

Events & Festivals

  • Swiss National Day (August 1): A lot of towns and cities celebrate with street festivals and parades, many with elaborate fireworks and live music.
Bern

Visiting Switzerland in October - November

October and November mark the late fall, when the last of the wine grapes are harvested, the cows are brought down from the hillside and the weather begins to turn cold. In early October you can be blessed with lovely sunny days, but as the days shorten through November many hotels, restaurants and attractions close their doors for respite and refurbishment before the busy winter arrives.

Events & Festivals

  • Christmas markets (mid-November through early January): Cities feature cute wooden chalets, lots of traditional food, handmade crafts and hot spiced wine.

Switzerland Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Geneva 3°C 78mm 5°C 77mm 9°C 74mm 14°C 71mm 18°C 86mm 22°C 94mm 25°C 72mm 24°C 90mm 20°C 90mm 14°C 79mm 8°C 93mm 4°C 84mm
Lugano 3°C 67mm 5°C 65mm 8°C 89mm 12°C 128mm 16°C 169mm 20°C 158mm 23°C 128mm 22°C 158mm 19°C 135mm 14°C 128mm 8°C 109mm 5°C 60mm
Zermatt -6°C 131mm -5°C 117mm -4°C 125mm -1°C 135mm 3°C 150mm 7°C 168mm 9°C 151mm 9°C 173mm 7°C 140mm 3°C 129mm -2°C 143mm -4°C 133mm
´Üü°ù¾±³¦³ó 2°C 64mm 4°C 63mm 9°C 65mm 13°C 87mm 18°C 110mm 21°C 136mm 23°C 127mm 25°C 134mm 22°C 91mm 13°C 67mm 7°C 76mm 3°C 67mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Switzerland, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.

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