The best time to visit Switzerland!
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.
Whatever time you decide to visit, you will never be short of breathtaking views.
Here are the best times to travel to Switzerland!
December - February
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.
March - May
Temperatures begin to rise in 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. This would be the best time to Visit Switzerland if you like a white dusting!
Spring arrives over April and May, and bright flowers come out on the Alpine mountains 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.
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.
August - September
As autumn 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 (1st August): A lot of towns and cities celebrate with street festivals and parades, many with elaborate fireworks and live music.
October - November
October and November mark the late autumn, 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 wooden chalets, lots of traditional food, handmade crafts and hot spiced wine.
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Other Switzerland Related Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to Switzerland:
Have you been to Switzerland before? If so, we would love to hear in the comments below!
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