Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Best Time to Visit Switzerland for Ideal Weather

For a truly perfect experience, the best time to visit Switzerland is between June and August. However, the country is truly a stunning place and there is no bad season to visit it. The temperature is comfortable ranging between 19°C and 23°C with clear skies.

Switzerland's summer is comfortably warm with cool winds. This is when the country is bustling with tourists from all over the world. Outdoor activities are the most preferred option here during this season, with plenty of lakes, museums, monuments and mountains to explore.

This is the perfect season to explore Gurten, Berne or trek near the Alps. You can also easily attend a lot of festivals, including the Swiss Chamber Music Festival, Ascona Music Festival and many more.

Switzerland: Quick Temperature Guide

Before heading to any place, it is very important to plan your vacation according to the activities of your interest. Switzerland sees very well defined seasons with something to do in every season.

The country sees sunny summers, snowy cold winters and transitional months that offer more than stunning meadows and trekking opportunities.

Best Time to Visit Switzerland for Winter Sports

Without a doubt, winter is the best time to visit Switzerland for adventure sports. Winters in Switzerland last from December to February with temperatures fluctuating between -1°C and 4°C.

This season is a dreamland for anyone who has been planning to experience a beautiful snowscape backdrop while they explore authentic Swiss culture in the nearby towns. Places like Zermatt, Andermatt, Grindelwald and Engelberg are among the most beautiful towns to experience a Swiss winter.

This is also a perfect time to enjoy festivals, especially Christman festivities. The Grindelwald Snow Festival held during January is perfect for people planning to visit Switzerland for snowfall and winter sports. This is also a time when crowds are less and you can find lower rates.

Things to do in Switzerland

Switzerland is among the most beautiful places on Earth and many people dream of exploring it. Take a look at some of the best places to visit in Switzerland:

Zurich

Switzerland's largest city, Zurich is close to the river Limmat and is a great starting point for many travellers. The country has plenty of cultural attractions with a stunningly preserved Old Town with a lot of galleries, cafes and shops. It also has Bahnhofstrasse, one of the best shopping areas in Europe. There are over 50 museums and even more art galleries here for tourists to pick from. Popular attractions include the Kunsthaus Zurich, Rietberg Museum, Swiss National Museum and a lot of beautiful parks perfect for a family retreat.

The Matterhorn

Switzerland's most popular and iconic peak is popular among tourists for luxurious getaways, winter sports and summer glacier skiing. Tourists can visit the quaint charming village of Zermatt which is famous for its world-class hotels and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Tourists visit Matterhorn during winter to ski on more than 300 kilometres of snowy slopes. If planning to visit Switzerland during the summers, visitors can also try summer glacier skiing, hiking, and climbing in the nearby mountains.

Interlaken

Snugly located between two lakes is Switzerland's Interlaken. This place is an extremely popular summer vacation resort with beautiful flower beds, charming cafes and hotels overlooking the breathtaking mountains. Visitors can easily go hiking, abseiling, climbing and kayaking to the nearby peaks. There are also plenty of cable cars, mountain trains, ski lifts, chair lifts for visitors who wish to sightsee from above.

During winters, tourists can go on cross-country skiing or snowboarding along its extensive trails. Don't forget to try a paddle steamer around the lakes to get some beautiful pictures!

The Top of Europe

Visitors love onboarding the train to Jungfraujoch, otherwise known as the 'Top of Europe'. The place also boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Aletsch Glacier. Visitors can visit the scientific observatory situated at over 3,400 metres. Other must-visit places here include the Glacier Gorge, the trail from Holenstein to Brandegg and the beautiful glacier village of Grindelwald.

Best Time to Visit the Swiss Alps

Who hasn't heard of the spectacular Swiss Alps? If you're coming here to enjoy these snow-capped mountains, make sure to come during mild weather. The best time to visit the Alps in Switzerland is from June to October.

During these months, the chances of rain are the least and you can easily trek, hike or simply explore what this place offers. Tourists can easily spend some time here in the nearby villages and explore famous attractions including the Matterhorn, the Great Aletsch Glacier and the wildflower beds covering the valleys in between.

However, if you want to avoid crowds then avoid July and August as these are the busiest months to visit the Swiss Alps. Cable cars can be accessed from July onwards and are available until September. If these are high on your agenda, then make sure to confirm that they are running. Snow accumulation may cause a delay or cancellation that may ruin your plans to get some views from above.

Most Affordable Time to Visit Switzerland

Switzerland can hardly be considered a location for budget travellers. There aren't many countries that can beat Switzerland's high cost of living. The tickets alone cost a bomb, and staying and touring the country won't come very cheap.

However, if you're not put off by harsh winters then this is your chance to explore Switzerland at an affordable price. Compared to its accommodation and other rates during peak season, this is less crowded and hence lower prices for many facilities.

Just make sure to cover well and keep sufficiently warm clothes here. Make sure to check for discounts before making your visit as winters are not the peak tourism season in Switzerland and this may be useful for you. Furthermore, don't forget to pick a good travel insurance policy for Switzerland so that you're covered for any unexpected medical or other financial emergencies.

Other than winters, if you're looking for an affordable time to visit Switzerland then consider October. This month is considered the low season and is a great time to find budget-friendly flights and hotels. You can also get many discounted travel packages if you're travelling with friends or family.

Pro Tips Before You Visit Switzerland

• The best time to visit Switzerland if you want to explore the country is from May to June and September to October.
• If visiting during winters, don't shy from packing heavy woollens. Chances of getting blocked due to heavy rainfall are very high, especially in hilly regions. Carry heavy boots and sufficiently warm gloves, shawls and mufflers.
• Even if visiting during the summer, keep some warm clothes as it gets chilly towards night.
• While temperatures begin to rise February onwards, avoid visiting Switzerland during this time if you're tight on budget. This is a busy season and the ski resorts will be pretty expensive.
• If you want to save money while exploring Switzerland, get a railway pass that will let you travel extensively throughout the country.
• Check weather reports before booking any hotel, especially in the case of remote villages or towns.
• Avoid visiting Switzerland from July to October as this is the peak season and may disrupt your budget as well as plans. There won't be any discounts during this time.
• If you're a student, ask for discounts at different museums and tourist attractions as there are several places offering student discounts, local or not.

Finally, don’t forget to buy a Switzerland travel insurance plan as soon as you’ve finalised your tickets and travel dates. This will save you from any financial loss due to a change in plans or any other emergencies while you’re enjoying your stay in Switzerland.