When should you go to Switzerland: summer or winter?
Snow-covered peaks, charming historic towns, delectable cheese, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes make Switzerland a perennial favorite and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world! With a plethora of activities to experience every season, it’s advisable to find the best time to visit Switzerland.
The most popular times to visit Switzerland are the summer months of July and August and the winter months from December to March. While summertime is the perfect time to swim in the crystal clear and clean waters of Switzerland’s many lakes, the winter months are ideal for snow activities.
However, the shoulder months from April to June are an excellent time to visit the country without the crowds. Springtime blossoms cover the region’s valleys and mountains during this period. The months of September and October are perfect for hiking and city explorations.
Best Time To Visit
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- Dig into a hot pot of fondue at Geneva
- Get ready for an unforgettable train ride to view the majestic Matterhorn aboard the Gornergrat Railway
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- Art connoisseurs will appreciate a tour of the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern
- Swish down some of the world’s best ski slopes at Zermatt
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- Get an insight into Swiss culture at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich
- Discover the inner workings of Zytglogge, a medieval tower in Bern that houses one of the oldest clocks in Switzerland
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- Admire the Grossmünster’s medieval architecture in Zurich
- Delight at the Jet d’Eau, Geneva’s most iconic attraction
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- To shop for the most exclusive brands in the world, head to Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich
- Take in views of the city’s tree-lined promenade and the beauty of the Alps as you hop on a boat ride over Lake Geneva
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- Savor a relaxed lunch at Vieille Ville in Geneva
- Sign up for a walking tour of Bern’s UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town
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- Take a cruise down Lake Zurich for sublime views of the city from the water
- An exciting cable car ride takes you to the balcony of Geneva, the Salève
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- Bonfires and fireworks are part of the Swiss National Day celebrations
- For the best views of Zurich, take a train ride to Uetliberg
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- Discover charming cafes and quirky shops as you amble the streets of Altstadt or Old Town in Zurich
- Take a relaxing walk along Lake Brienz
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- Surround yourself with nature at the Swiss National Park, the Alps’ oldest national park
- Hop on an unforgettable train ride to the top of Europe, the Jungfraujoch, for 360-degree views of the Aletsch Glacier
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- Savor some of the world’s best Swiss chocolates at Zurich
- Delve into the history and architecture of St Pierre Cathedral in Geneva
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- Sip on mulled wine and get into the festive spirit at the Christkindlimarkt in Zurich
- Get pampered with a sauna and spa treatment at one of Zermatt’s many spas
Best Time to Visit Switzerland by Season
Switzerland experiences all four seasons, with the summer months being the most popular for travel and tourism. With plenty of sunlight hours and pleasant temperatures, summer, which extends from mid-June to mid-September, is the perfect season for city exploration, lake swimming, and mountain hiking. Rain makes brief yet frequent appearances during these months.
Fall or autumn sets in only by the end of September as the leaves start to change color and the air gets cool and crisp. By October, the higher passes/pass roads begin to close. Towards the end of November, temperatures drop into the mid-40s and the days get shorter. Snow can be expected from the first week of December, particularly at the higher altitudes. It’s low season in the cities, except during the second half of December when Christmas markets pop up all over the country. But, in the mountains and ski resorts, it’s high season, which continues well into March. The landscape changes in April, with scenes of snow-covered valleys being replaced by those of flower-strewn hills and countrysides. Expect rain during this season.
What to Pack
With distinct seasons and weather conditions, what you pack for Switzerland depends on when you are visiting.
With varying temperatures at different altitudes, the general rule is to pack layers while traveling to Switzerland. Rain is not uncommon during spring and summer, so be sure to pack an umbrella and rain gear. While temperatures can reach the 80s during the day in summer, it can get a little chilly after the sun goes down, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended. The air turns chilly in autumn, so it’s time to bring out your full sleeve T-shirts, trousers and warm woolens. During winter, the temperature often drops below freezing, especially in the higher altitudes. If you are visiting Switzerland during its cold months for sightseeing or skiing, you will have to pack your winter coat, thermals, woolen cap, and gloves. Remember to bring sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen as the sun is stronger at higher altitudes. Switzerland is full of opportunities to experience the outdoors, so if you plan on hiking, good quality walking shoes are a must. For those planning on taking a dip in one of the country’s many beautiful lakes, swimwear is necessary.
Contact our travel experts for a customized Switzerland vacation package that is based on your interests and preferences.
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Best Places To Visit
Travel Guide
From currency to health and vaccines, tipping, traveling within the country and visa requirements, our Switzerland travel guide is packed full of information to help you prepare for Switzerland tours.
Things To Do
Whether you want to soak up the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps, explore one of its historic cities, or feast on delicious cheese and wine, this small Central European nation has mountains of appeal.
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