Best time to visit Switzerland

What Is The Best Time To Visit Switzerland?

When you want to visit Switzerland, think about which month is best for visiting Switzerland.

There are a lot of things that go into this like weather, open attractions, skiing, and all other things.

In this blog post, I am going through the pros and cons of each month.

It’s true that some months offer better than others. So, if you want to travel to one of the most beautiful countries, then read this blog.

Table of Contents

Switzerland in January

Switzerland In January

January is a winter month all over Switzerland. If you visit during this month, you will see mountains full of snow.

You might even see snow in cities. But some cities like Zurich, and Geneva might have no snow.

In January, it is so cold in Switzerland. So, make sure to bring your warm clothes. In cities, the temperature is around 1°C to 2°C, and in ski resorts, it is around -10°C. 

So, in terms of this month, I like this month to visit because it’s less crowded and this is one of the good winter months.

If you want to go skiing, January is for you.

Also, this month don’t have Swiss holidays. So, locals aren’t in the ski resorts. That means you get more space for skiing.

For these reasons, January is a good month to recommend in winter. If you like winter and snow then must visit in January.

Switzerland in February

Switzerland In February

February is the peak time for snow. Also, There are ski holidays for the Swiss people and they go for skiing.

This is going to be more crowded in the ski resorts at this time. I would not advise you to go this holiday time.

The temperature is the same as in January. It is pretty cold overall in the cities and mountains. You are likely to see some clouds in February.

If you want to enjoy the winter in cities and taste some Swiss food, then you should visit in February.

But avoid this month if your goal is skiing.

However, February is less expensive to book a hotel.

Switzerland in March

Switzerland In March

March is the shoulder of this key season. So, in the first half of March, you can still go skiing.

It’s a little risky because it’s less certain than if you are coming in January or February depending on the quality of snow.

The snow might be a little bit warmer and not be the great quality for skiing.

You will have fewer crowds in the hotels. The hotels will likely be cheaper. But you may already started dealing with some closures in my opinion.

So, some of the resorts may close in the middle of the month. Check before you visit or book early.

March is a good option for the US people because the middle week in March is a spring break from universities and others. 

The temperatures are rising this month. Which is a good thing. But it can still be very cold. So, it is not the time for the hike.

If you want to come skiing in March, put a pin on it. Pick some of the ski resorts that are higher in altitude. 

You will be more guaranteed to be able to ski.

Switzerland in April

Switzerland In April

April is a tough month to visit because depending on the year the weather can still be rainy and cold.

If you are expecting more warm, spring-type season then it is a gamble on whether or not you are going to have it.

There are saying in German “In April, the weather does what it wants.” Basically, you can have four seasons in one day.

April is starting an off-season in Switzerland where some of the luxurious hotels and the Alpine resorts will be closed.

If you like storms, sunsets, rain, and everything the weather can do, this is the time for you to visit Switzerland.

Also, April is for those people who want to visit Switzerland on a budget.

Switzerland in May

Switzerland In May

May is partially great because it’s still quite cold at some ends. But most places are getting warmer.

Also, you can have the cool spring going on. You will need just a light jacket or sometimes long sleeves.

You have all the flowers blossoming in the mountains, in the Alps and it’s fantastic. This is something definitely worth seeing. And it’s not too hot yet.

You can hike in the mountains and enjoy the scenic view with less crowd. Because tourists are come less this month.

I think May is a perfect month to hike because of the combination of weather and nature.

Moreover, as in April, you are going to see some resorts close in May, especially those Alpine resorts.

Switzerland in June

Switzerland In June

There is summer in June. You’re going to have much better weather and more chance of having a blue sky without clouds.

It is your perfect time to hike. Go to the top of the mountains, take some cool pictures, and enjoy the moment. 

But I would advise if you like to go hiking, you may postpone it. June is something maybe you spend your time in the cities or the lower regions as well. 

Moreover, swimming in the lakes is not gonna possible because the lakes are still relatively cool. But if you can tolerate the temperature then it’s cool.

Switzerland in July

Switzerland In July

July is the high peak season in Switzerland. This is when many of you would like to visit Switzerland.

July is really perfect summer weather in Switzerland. It’s less oppressively hot than a lot of more Southern places in Europe.

It’s a summer like any other place. So, you can stay out throughout the day. You don’t have to go in and seek shade. It’s not like you are in Dubai. 

It is perfect for summer vacation if you don’t think about the budget. But you will see so many people in July because schools and universities are on break in Europe and North America. 

Also, there is no snow in the mountains which makes it a world-class hiking trail. And swimming is also possible in July.

Make sure you get hotel reservations, and restaurant reservations in advance, especially when you’re in more touristy locations and on weekends.

Also, make sure you book in advance the seats on those scenic trains because those will book up. So, the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are the best scenic trains. 

Therefore, this is really a cool month for you to visit Switzerland.

Switzerland in August

Switzerland In August

The first of August is Swiss National Day, kind of like Independence Day in the U.S.

There are a lot of marches and activities in every town and village , and I think it’s a lot of fun to be in Switzerland during this time.

August is the heaviest month in terms of events. August and July are really similar in terms of weather patterns.

One thing to note is that you may have some storms, and scattered thunderstorms in most places in summer.

I think the big difference between July and August in Switzerland is that in August more of the Swiss people take their vacations.

So, In cities, it’s a little bit less crowded but some of the local restaurants and shops may close because the owners and workers will be taking their vacations.

Switzerland in September

Switzerland In September

September is still summer. September is a bit like June and a very nice month because you still have some warm temperatures.

You can go around with long sleeves or a T-shirt depending on the weather. 

You will see fewer people this month in tourist places. Swiss people are back in the cities. So, you can go to the mountains and enjoy the time.

Also, you can swim in rivers and lakes. The temperatures are still warm. So, it actually going to be quite enjoyable to swim in Swiss Lakes or Rivers.

In September, all the gondolas and the mountain trains are likely to be open and still running.

This month you can plan your visit on a budget because September is considered an off-peak month. So. you will get hotels and food at a cheaper price.

Switzerland in October

Switzerland In October

October is likely going to be a bit more cloudy. There is more rain in October and it’s going to be cooler. You need warm clothes definitely.

You can see some snow on top of the mountain but no snow in the cities. Also, there is no snow in ski resorts. So, it’s not the time for skiing. But you can still do the hike.

October is the time when the colors are going to change in Switzerland. The view is changing all over Switzerland.

So, if you visit in October you will see a different Switzerland.

One thing to note about October is that the operations of the summer schedule will end.

Therefore, the Glacier Express will end in October for maintenance, and a lot of funiculars and gondolas may stop.

Switzerland in November

Switzerland In November

November is really tough month to travel to Switzerland. I am not going to recommend you to visit Switzerland in November.

This is the period when there is downtime for tourism in Switzerland.

November is a little bit challenging because November is when you will have the widest closures. 

So, for most of the month, the Glacier Express will be closed. The funiculars, gondolas, and toboggans will be closed for the entire month. 

You can not go up mountains for two or three weeks.

The weather in November is also tough. So, the trees may at the very beginning of the month have some changing colors but mostly the trees will be dead.

But if you planned already and think that you can do it in November then you can do it.

Also, if you are a foodie then November is the best season in Switzerland to eat some delicious food. You will have all fall and autumn food in November.

You can eat venison and the fondue pots and the raclette coming out in November.

Therefore, if you don’t like Swiss food and want to go around Switzerland then don’t come in November.

Switzerland in December

Switzerland In December

December is one of the best months to visit Switzerland. When you think of December, Christmas comes into your mind. 

And December is amazing if you like Christmas markets.

I think Switzerland is one of the best places for Christmas markets. Almost every part of Switzerland has Christmas markets.

If you want picturesque Christmas decorations and snow, you should head up to the snow resorts and ski resorts.

But you need to book early because there is a period of time when Swiss people spend time in the mountains. 

It’s the week of Christmas and New Year’s. This may be the only week in the mountains, which is the busiest but it’s also the best week. 

It’s alive, people are happy and having fun.

So, if you planning to visit Switzerland in December. I would recommend you to come and enjoy your time with fun.

To conclude, I like to say that you can visit any time in Switzerland. But try to avoid November. I wish you have a great time and have more fun while visiting Switzerland.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *