tourism in switzerland and the best time to visit

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The Best Times to Visit Switzerland, According to Local Experts

When to visit Switzerland for beautiful weather, lower prices, and more.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

• Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Smaller Crowds
• Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Good Weather
• Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Lower Prices

Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Skiing

Worst time to visit switzerland.

Switzerland conjures images of skiers swooshing down the snow-covered peaks of the Alps and warming up with cheese fondue. The European country is also well-known for its many sparkling lakes and incredible hiking terrain that draws heaps of visitors in the warmer months. Zürich and Geneva are hubs of finance. Of course, anyone with a sweet tooth loves Swiss chocolate, and don’t forget about the fairy-tale hotels . 

Given its small size and excellent connectivity via scenic railway, many travelers choose to do a multi-stop trip within Switzerland. But with such diverse destinations — from cosmopolitan cities to winter resorts — it’s important to understand the timing. For example, you won’t find powder during the summer, but the verdant alpine landscape will steal the show.  

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

To help decide the best time to visit Switzerland for your particular travel goals, we tapped the concierges at two of the finest hotels in the country. 

• High Season: June to August and December 
• Shoulder Season: April to May and September to October
• Low Season: November and January to March

SW Photography/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Smaller Crowds 

“There are really three Switzerlands: the cities, the countryside, and the mountains,” explains Benjamin Richard, a concierge at Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne. If you skip peak periods (the heart of summer and winter, respectively), it never feels all that crowded. “I really love the spring and fall shoulder seasons. It’s wonderful with pleasant temperatures and no swarms of tourists,” he adds. One of the many attractions of visiting the French regions of Switzerland in autumn is the wine harvest. 

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Good Weather 

The best times to visit Switzerland for good weather are typically during the late spring, summer, and early autumn, according to Giuseppe Tocco, a junior concierge at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva . “These months see mild temperatures and longer daylight hours, so it’s ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing,” he says. However, if you’re going for the express purpose of skiing, that answer would flip to winter, when the Alps look like a snow globe. 

Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Lower Prices 

Switzerland is an expensive destination. That doesn’t mean a trip is guaranteed to deplete your entire annual travel budget. Keen to save a few bucks? Tocco suggests visiting during off-peak times to help you avoid sky-high rates. You might even get some freebies like complimentary room upgrades if a hotel isn’t at capacity. 

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The conditions between December and February are prime for hitting the slopes at alpine hot spots across Switzerland. Just keep in mind the mountains tend to get crowded at the height of ski season. “Getting on the cable cars on a Christmas morning in Zermatt, St. Moritz, or Gstaad can feel like a crammed subway in London or Paris,” says Richard. Prices also reflect the popularity of this period. One way to mitigate that? Tocco suggests skipping holidays and school breaks and planning midweek visits instead.

Again, there’s no wrong time to visit Switzerland. It really just depends on what you’re looking to do. The low season is an underrated time to explore the cities and countryside, according to Tocco. Conversely, summer in ski areas offers those same off-season benefits. Tocco adds, “However, it’s important to note that certain activities, accommodations, and restaurants may have limited availability or reduced operating hours.”

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Switzerland Airports

Getting Around

Places to Visit in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Geneva

One Week Itinerary

Most Scenic Train Routes

Switzerland's Nature Parks

How to Go Skiing

The Top Hikes

Matterhorn Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Lakes

Foods to Try

Best Restaurants

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

If you've ever ogled over photos of Switzerland's Alpine peaks, rolling meadows, and pristine lakes, you'll be happy to know that it's even more beautiful in person. The central European country is small compared to its neighbors, but it packs a lot into its 16,000 square miles, including 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , more than 1,500 glaciers, and at least that many lakes.

All these geologic wonders add up to some of the more stunning scenery in the world. And that's enough to bring travelers—about 12 million of them per year —to Switzerland. When you factor in the countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and boating; hearty Swiss food; modern, interesting cities; and what is probably Europe's best public transportation system, you're met with an accessible, exciting, and altogether satisfying vacation destination.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit :  The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to do while you're here. Ski slopes are open November through March (though there is year-round skiing in a few places), while hiking and swimming are glorious in the summer months. But to beat the crowds, consider a visit in spring or fall.
• Language:  Switzerland's cantons, or states, are mostly either French- or German-speaking. In the southern Ticino canton, Italian is the first language and in the Graubünden/Grisons canton, Romansh, a form of ancient Latin, is still spoken by about 60,000 people. The good news for travelers is that English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, stores, and tourist attractions.
• Currency:  Despite being in the middle of western Europe, Switzerland is not part of the EU, though it participates in the European Common economic market. The official currency here is the Swiss franc (abbreviated CHF). That said, your euros will probably be accepted at most places, though they'll give you change in francs.
• Getting Around :  The clean, convenient, and comprehensive Swiss Travel System is the pride of Switzerland, and rightly so. The system includes trains, buses, lake and river ferries, funiculars, cogwheel trains, ski lifts, and gondolas that permit access to virtually every corner of the country. Because the system is so complete, we recommend touring Switzerland by public transportation, instead of by rental car. From airports and larger train stations, taxis are always available for those who don't feel like schlepping their bags.
• Travel Tip:  If you plan to do a lot of travel within Switzerland, consider purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass , which grants the holder unlimited first- or second-class travel across the country's network of trains, buses, and boats, and most scenic railways. Plus, you'll get admission to more than 500 museums, as well as discounts on mountain excursions. However, if you just plan to visit a couple of places in the country, you can get by with individual train/transit tickets.

TripSavvy / Michela Sieman

Things to Do

While every traveler has their own reasons for visiting Switzerland, the big draws here can more or less be broken down into three categories: scenery, outdoor activities, and Swiss history and culture. Your trip will likely start or end in one of Switzerland's big cities, where that history and culture are on full display. Be sure to plan at least one (or several) excursions into the Swiss countryside, either on an easy or challenging hike, a boat ride across an iconic lake, or a cable car ride up to some of the highest peaks in Europe.

Here are some ideas for planning your Swiss itinerary:

• Explore one of the country's culturally rich cities. If you're flying into Switzerland, you'll most likely arrive in Zürich or Geneva. Zürich , Switzerland's largest city, is a delightful place to spend a few days taking in art and history museums, dining in centuries-old restaurants, and strolling down the River Limmat. Geneva , in French-speaking Switzerland, is the diplomatic center of Europe, with plenty of history and classical appeal, and an idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Geneva.
• Hike, bike, swim, or ski. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll find a huge range of outdoor activities in Switzerland—though admittedly, swimming is a bit brisk from October to June! There are biking and hiking routes for every level of fitness, extensive networks of ski "arenas" across the Alps and the Jura mountains, and rivers and lakes waiting for you to jump in for a swim or a paddle.
• Choose a mountain excursion. In Switzerland, it doesn't matter if you're not a skier or hiker. You can answer the call of the mountains just the same, thanks to dozens of scenic mountain excursions that whisk you—by cogwheel rail, cable car, or ski gondola—for close-up looks at the Matterhorn , the Eiger, the Aletsch Glacier, and more. At most places, you can have lunch on the mountaintop while you enjoy the view. Don't leave Switzerland without partaking in at least one of these thrilling rides.

For more trip-planning ideas, check out our full-length articles on the top things to do in Switzerland , Switzerland's most scenic train rides , and Switzerland's top lakes .

What to Eat and Drink

Swiss cuisine is hearty, to say the least. Cheese, chocolate, potatoes, and meat feature heavily on Swiss menus everywhere, and risotto is popular in the cantons bordering Italy. Swiss wine, from vineyards mostly south of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss that only 2 percent is exported!

Here are some of the foods and beverages you shouldn't miss in Switzerland:

• Fondue. This classic dish of melted cheese, served with bread and vegetables for dipping, is as iconic as the Matterhorn. Fondue originated in French-speaking Switzerland , but it's pretty much ubiquitous across the country.
• Raclette. Sort of a cousin of fondue, raclette is melted cheese served on a plate with bread, potatoes, and gherkins. Its roots are high in the Alps, where farmers would make meals from their abundant cheese reserves.
• Rösti. Pancakes made of grated, fried potatoes, rösti may be served as a side dish or, when paired with eggs, meat, or cheese, as the main course.
• Chocolate. Thanks to milk from grass-fed Alpine cows, plus a few "secret" recipes, Swiss milk chocolate is among the creamiest in the world. Brands to look for include Toberlone, Lindt, Sprüngli, and Läderach.
• Swiss wine. Largely produced in the more temperant cantons south of the Alps, Swiss wine is equally celebrated in its red and white varieties. Chasselas and pinot noir are among the most common grapes, but across the country's wine-growing region, micro-vineyards specialize in small-batch wines. Be sure to sample the wine while you're here— Swiss wine is hard to find outside Switzerland.

Read more in our guides to the top foods to try in Switzerland and where to eat in Zürich .

Where to Stay

Switzerland's accommodation options range from rustic mountain bunkhouses for hikers to luxurious 5-star hotels with spas, Michelin-star dining, and every imaginable amenity. In between those extremes, there are concept hotels, ski-in/ski-out lodges, and a host of B&Bs, small inns, and vacation rentals.

If you're staying in a city, we usually recommend basing yourself in the historic center so that you're within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars. But cities like Zürich also have creative, modern districts outside of the center, which make for interesting bases as well. In an Alpine destination such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee, or Gstaad, we like cozy, traditional hotels that really impart a sense of place.

For a taste of what Zürich has to offer, check out our articles on Zürich's top neighborhoods and best hotels.

Getting to Switzerland

International flights to Switzerland, especially those originating outside of Europe, will likely arrive in Zürich or Geneva. Some intra-Europe flights might land at Basel's airport, which is actually located just over the French border.

You can reach Switzerland by train from the neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. Note that if you're traveling to Switzerland from an adjacent country, your ticket will likely only cover you until your first stop in Switzerland; for example, if you're traveling from Milan, Italy, your ticket will take you as far as Lugano. After that, you'll need a travel pass or ticket from the Swiss Travel System if you want to change trains.

If you're driving to Switzerland, you need to purchase or make sure your car already has a motorway vignette —a sticker that permits access to Swiss highways.

Learn more by checking out our guides to Zürich airport , traveling to Switzerland from Italy , and Zürich's public transportation .

Culture and Customs

While there are no special "rules" for visiting Switzerland, travelers here might find the Swiss somewhat reserved, especially when compared to Mediterranean cultures to the south. Here are a few basic customs and courtesies to keep in mind:

• Be on time. Trains aren't the only thing that runs on time in Switzerland. Plan to arrive on time, or even a few minutes early, for restaurant reservations or other reserved activities.
• Don't be noisy. In restaurants, on public transportation, and especially in the evenings in residential areas, keep your voices at a conversational level.
• Tip in moderation. While tipping waitstaff is appreciated in Switzerland, it's not expected. Tips for your hotel cleaning staff and bellhops are the norm, however.

Money Saving Tips

Here's something you should know about Switzerland before you start planning your trip: it's expensive. Hotels, dining, trains, and attractions are all costly compared to many other European countries, but there are a few ways you can save money:

• Travel in the shoulder seasons. Visit Switzerland in the spring or fall to save money on airfare and hotels.
• Drink tap water. Unless otherwise posted, tap water in Switzerland is clean and safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at any tap.
• Pack a picnic. Before you head out for a day of adventures, stop at a grocery store and pick up bread, cheese, cold cuts, or whatever else you want for a picnic. Just don't forget to grab a chocolate bar for the road!

https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ch

https://www.worlddata.info/europe/switzerland/tourism.php

Switzerland Tourism. "Language distribution." Retrieved on November 9, 2021.

Switzerland Tourism. "Currency." Retrieved on November 9, 2021.

BBC. "Tracing fondue’s mysterious origins." February 12, 2013.

Switzerland Travel Guide

The 17 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

The Top 20 Things to Do in Switzerland

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

One Week in Switzerland: The Ultimate Itinerary

How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

The 10 Best Restaurants in Switzerland

Matterhorn: The Complete Guide

How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

Your Trip to Zurich: The Complete Guide

The Complete Guide to Switzerland's Nature Parks

Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation

Best Time To Visit Switzerland: A Month-by-Month Guide

Wondering when is the best time to visit Switzerland? If you’re already planning your visit to the Swiss Alps, then you know that choosing the best time of year isn’t as obvious as you might think.

You wanna maximize your experiences, enjoy perfect weather with minimal crowds, and to top it off, you’d love to do it on a budget . But does this idyllic time of year even exist?

>>Just here for the free download? Here it is !

Prefer to WATCH instead of READ? Here ya go!

Hey, we’re Jana and Brett , and this beautiful slice of Switzerland has become our adopted home for the past 2 summers (since 2021). But we don’t just spend time here for our enjoyment — we’re on a mission to help you maximize your trip to Switzerland while minimizing your budget and planning time .

So today we’re gonna help you decide when is the best time to visit Switzerland, based on questions you often ask us about in the comments of our YouTube videos:

• What’s the weather like?
• Which months are cheaper or more expensive?
• What’s open and which trains/mountain lifts are running?

We’ll answer these questions month-by-month using real data. But you know we’re gonna give you more than just the facts, right? So after working our way through the calendar, we’re gonna get down to the nitty gritty—sharing when we would choose to visit based on sightseeing priorities and travel preferences that are way more personal than any amount of research.

So are you ready to plan your trip to Switzerland? Let’s go.

Follow along using our free spreadsheet download of month-by-month weather data, average Airbnb costs, and train openings!

Weather in Switzerland Year Round (Month-By-Month)

As we work through the calendar, here’s what we’ll highlight for each month using data for Interlaken, Switzerland since that’s the hub of the region (and may be one of the best places to visit in Switzerland):

• Average high temperature
• Average # of days with sunshine
• Average # of days with precipitation (rain or snow)
• Average cost of an Airbnb during the month
• Which railways and cable cars are open or closed

Keep in mind, though, that averages only tell some of the story. This region frequently has extreme weather swings, so your experience could be quite different than the averages indicate. And of course, it can change quite drastically depending on the altitude.

So use this as a guide to help make your decision, and then commit to having a great time on your trip to the region no matter what the weather throws at you!

Switzerland Weather in January

• Temperature : 36°F
• Sunshine : 7 days
• Precipitation : 9 days
• Lodging : 4th least expensive

It’s no surprise that the first month of the year is also the coldest, with an average high temperature of 36 °F, 7 days with sunshine, and 9 days with precipitation.

It’s also the 4th least expensive month based on airbnb data.

During January, you’ll find that most of the important mountain trains and cable cars are running, with the exception of ones that run only in summer such as the funicular to Harder Kulm, the cogwheel train to Schynige Platte , and the steam train to the Brienzer Rothorn.

The Berner Oberland Regional Pass (our favorite!) won’t be available for a few more months, but in the past few years a winter version of the Top of Europe pass has been available.

If you love snow or snowsports, then January is obviously a great month to visit, and there are even sledding, snowshoeing, and winter hiking tracks too.

Switzerland Weather in February

• Temperature : 40°F
• Sunshine : 5 days
• Precipitation : 3 days
• Lodging : least expensive month

February looks a lot like January in many ways. The average high temperature is slightly warmer at 40°. 

You’re likely to see snow or rain just as often as in January. But it has one of the lowest amounts of total precipitation for the entire year.

But It’s typically not as sunny, with an average of just 5 days with sunshine—however, February also has fewer days, so there is that 😉

A benefit of traveling in February is that it’s the least expensive month to book a rental on Airbnb . And as for rail operation and travel passes, you’ll pretty much find the exact same availability as January.

When is the best time to ski in Switzerland? Possibly February because that’s when the locals go. Schools typically close for a week or two in February and lots of Swiss use this time to go skiing. So if you’re coming primarily for a ski trip you might want to avoid this month, or at least be aware of how school holidays might impact the crowds and prices.

Switzerland Weather in March

• Temperature : 48°F
• Sunshine : 10 days
• Precipitation : 11 days
• Lodging : 5th least expensive

March is kind of a weird month in a lot of ways. Winter is starting to say goodbye, especially at lower elevations, but it really isn’t spring yet either.

There’s an average high temp of 48° in Interlaken with 10 days with sunshine and 11 days with precipitation. But your experience could really vary depending on where you visit.

Lower elevation ski areas such as Oeschinensee and the Niederhorn wrap up their winter season and close for maintenance by the middle of the month.

And airbnb prices are beginning to pick up, but it’s still the 5th least expensive month of the year.

Switzerland Weather in April

• Temperature : 54°F
• Sunshine : 14 days
• Precipitation : 12 days
• Lodging : 7th least expensive

April really is the beginning of Spring in Switzerland, especially at lower elevations. Interlaken sees an average high temp of 54°, but you’ll probably see days in the 60s as well, especially later in the month.

There are an average of 14 days with sunshine and 12 days with precipitation, but it also ranks 7th for your budget, indicating that international tourism is beginning to come out of hibernation.

The Top of Europe summer pass is usually available around the middle of the month, but it’s a complicated time to plan your sightseeing. More cable cars and mountain trains are shut down part of the month for maintenance, with the Schilthorn included in that mix.

But the funicular to Harder Kulm opens midway through the month, and might just be the best spot for a sunset view on a clear day.

And around this time, you also see Lake Thun and Lake Brienz spring back to life, with boat cruises beginning to run regularly. It’s not a great time for hiking or skiing in the high mountains, but at lower elevations it might be one of the most beautiful times of year.

Waterfalls and rivers flow freely, wildflowers begin to bloom, and it’s all set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Keep in mind that schools also closed for a week or two around Easter for a spring break of sorts. So you might find more Europeans traveling and perhaps some smaller shops or restaurants closed for the break.

Need a cheat sheet?

I know, this is a lot of technical information. But when you’re planning a trip to the mountains, this is the stuff you need to know!

So we created a free download with all of the weather data and Airbnb stats we’ve been referencing, plus we made a comprehensive chart of 23 trains, cable cars, and funiculars in the Jungfrau Region and which months they’re open or closed.

Sign up for the free download and it will be sent straight to your inbox!

But for now, let’s dive into the next few months which are the peak tourism season in the Swiss Alps.

Switzerland Weather in May

• Temperature : 64°F
• Sunshine : 11 days
• Precipitation : 19 days
• Lodging : 9th least expensive

May feels more like the springtime you might be used to with average high temperatures of 64° and plenty of days well into the 70s.

It also rains like the spring you might be used to—with just 11 days with sunshine and 19 days with precipitation on average, making it the rainiest month of the year. (Maybe that’s why they call it “spring?”)

But as colleges in the U.S. wrap up their spring semesters, you’ll see the return of more international tourists, as well as higher prices on airbnb.

There are still times of maintenance for some of the mountain railways and cable cars; but very few of them are shut down for the entire month.

The cable car and train from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren is closed for maintenance for a couple weeks. But thankfully the Schilthornbahn is open once again so you can reach Mürren using that cable car instead.

On top of that, the cogwheel train to Schynige Platte and the gondola to the beautiful blue lake at Oeschinensee are running by the end of the month, and you’ll finally be able to use our favorite train pass: the Berner Oberland regional pass.

Oh and we forgot to mention that our free download also shows you which train passes are available for every month of the year.

Switzerland Weather in June

• Temperature : 70°F
• Sunshine : 12 days
• Precipitation : 18 days
• Lodging : 2nd most expensive

When June comes around it’s officially summer in Switzerland—both in terms of weather and tourism.

The average high temperature is just 70°, but you’ll likely see temps reach well up into the 80s at some point.

June sees an average of 12 days with sunshine. But along with the heat, you’ll also see plenty of precipitation.

The first part of the month can still feel like Spring in Switzerland, depending on the year. But by the middle of the month we’re very much into high season, making this the 2nd most expensive month according to airbnb data.

A couple of mountain trains and funiculars, like the one to Allmendhubel , wait until the first or second weekend of the month to open for the summer season, but by the middle of the month, everywhere you’d like to visit in the mountains is open.

Schools break for the summer starting early in the month, which means you’ll definitely notice a difference in how busy this place gets as June moves along.

And that definitely won’t show any signs of slowing down as we move into July.

Switzerland Weather in July

• Temperature : 75°F
• Precipitation : 17 days
• Lodging : Most expensive

July could probably be thought of as the high of high season, and there are plenty of good reasons for that:

• Schools and universities are on break in Europe and North America, bringing tons of international travelers.
• The snow has melted at most higher elevations, making world-class hiking trails available all over the region.
• The weather is the warmest and the days are the longest.

While the average high temperature is only 75°, don’t be surprised to see that thermometer stretch up into the high 80s or even the 90s.

Your chances of sunshine tend to be higher than during the Spring, but you’re probably going to see your fair share of rain as well.

Unfortunately all that means July is also the most expensive time to book an airbnb . But along with high prices and lots of daylight, you also have every summer activity imaginable at your disposal.

All of the mountain trains and cable cars are running throughout the entire month, and this is also the perfect time for cruising on—or even swimming in—the lakes.

If you’re coming for summer sports activities and are willing to pay a premium and endure the crowds, July is a safe choice.

Switzerland Weather in August

• Sunshine : 16 days
• Precipitation : 15 days
• Lodging : 3rd most expensive

Moving on to August, it would be a mistake not to mention that the 1st of the month is the Swiss National Day, kind of like Independence Day in the U.S.

There are activities and parades in nearly every village and town, and we think it’s a lot of fun to be in Switzerland during this time. But you’ll likely see a lot more of the Swiss traveling to the area and some small shops might be closed at least for the day, so keep that in mind.

August has the same average high temperature as July, and the first part of the month is almost certainly going to feel like the heat of summer. But as the month goes along, you just might find hints of Fall temperatures around the corner.

It also tends to be a little more stable than Spring and early Summer, with an average of 16 days with sun compared to 15 days with precipitation. 

August is the 3rd most expensive month on airbnb. But just like July, all of the mountain trains and lifts will be running, making it another fantastic month for summer sports of all kinds.

Switzerland Weather in September

• Temperature : 68°F
• Sunshine : 20 days
• Precipitation : 10 days
• Lodging : 5th most expensive

By early September, schools are back in session in Switzerland, Europe, and North America, so you’ll notice a discernible decrease in the number of tourists.

The average high temperature drops back to 68°, but there is normally still an abundance of sunshine and quite a bit less rain, and you’ll probably see plenty of days with temperatures in the 70s.

It’s the 5th most expensive month on airbnb, but all of the mountain trains and cable cars are still running, making it a solid option for those traveling on a budget who still want high mountain hiking options.

The last two years we’ve noticed pretty drastic weather changes between the first and second half of the month. And while that might not be typical every year, it’s worth mentioning that Autumn really has arrived by the end of the month.

All that to say, if you crave warm temperatures and long, sunny days, both are likely gone by the time the calendar changes to October! But to us, the blue September skies just look a little clearer and this is one of our favorite months to visit this region.

Switzerland Weather in October

• Temperature : 57°F
• Sunshine : 22 days
• Precipitation : 8 days
• Lodging : 6th least expensive

Speaking of October, this is the month when the locals enjoy spending time in their mountains.

Schools are on break for a couple weeks and most international tourists have packed up and left, so October is perhaps one of the most authentic times to enjoy the Jungfrau Region.

The weather tends to be pretty cooperative too, even though it’s quite a bit cooler, with an average high of 57° and temperatures rarely reaching beyond the 60s.

If you like sunshine and cooler temperatures, this just might be the month for you. 22 days with sunshine compared to just 8 with precipitation makes this one of the sunniest and driest months of the entire year.

Having said that, October will also bring a few more planning complications compared to the summer in Switzerland. By the end of the month, lots of mountain trains and lifts start closing for maintenance, with Grindelwald First included in this group.

But all in all, October (which is the 6th least expensive month) might just be an all-around bargain. With Fall colors on full display, and fresh mushrooms and local game on offer at restaurants, there’s a lot to love about this time of year.

Switzerland Weather in November

• Temperature : 45°F
• Sunshine : 15 days
• Lodging : 3rd least expensive

What can we say about November? For starters, it seems to have a bit of an identity crisis. It’ll make you think it’s Autumn in Switzerland and it’ll also tell you it’s Winter—and sometimes both at the same time!

The average high temperature is 45°, but you might see days with highs in the low 30s and other days in the low 60s.

The amount of sunshine also drops quite a bit, though you likely won’t see huge amounts of precipitation either. Gray, misty fog just might be the best picture of an average day in November.

But November is also the 3rd cheapest month according to airbnb.

Most of the summer trains and cable cars have shut down by this point, and even the Schilthorn goes into maintenance mode partway through the month.

Jungfraujoch is open 365 days a year, but even a visit there could be more complicated. Both the Eiger Express from Grindelwald and the train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg are closed for maintenance for part of the month, meaning it could take up to an hour longer than normal to reach Jungfraujoch depending on where you’re staying.

Answers to your travel questions

Travelers just like you have asked us a ton of questions about when to visit, what’s the weather like, and what to do if the lifts are closed—and this post and our free download are made to give you a realistic picture of what it’s like to visit Interlaken during each month of the year.

Just want to remind you to snatch up the free-and-helpful goodness using the form below!

And now, let’s wrap up with the final month of the year.

Switzerland Weather in December

• Temperature : 38°F
• Lodging : 2nd least expensive

If Christmas markets, mulled wine, puffy coats, and snow sound charming to you, then you’re probably going to love December.

I’m sure we don’t need to tell you it’ll be cold, with average high temperatures in the upper 30s. But that’s what gets you in the holiday spirit, right?

Unsurprisingly, the amount of sunshine drops along with the temperatures, but average precipitation for the month remains pretty low.

If you avoid the days surrounding Christmas and New Years, December is pretty budget friendly, with airbnb ranking it the 2nd cheapest month of the year.

Though the first half of the month still has quite a few closures, all the important ski areas and sightseeing spots—including Grindelwald First and the Schilthorn —will be open and waiting for your visit.

So if you like the holiday season and know how to pack your layers, December in the Jungfrau Region could be an experience unlike anything you’ve enjoyed before!

That was helpful but…now what?

We’re all about helping you maximize your trip while minimizing your budget and planning time, so here are some bonus tips that will help you decide when to visit based on specific priorities and activities.

We get lots of questions like, “When is the most beautiful time to visit the Swiss Alps?”

While that’s an impossible question and every time of year is beautiful here, we know this usually means a few things: wildflowers in bloom, green alpine meadows, and waterfalls filled to the brim with snow melt.

To enjoy scenes like these that inspired even great writers like Tolkien, there’s nothing like Springtime in the Jungfrau Region. Particularly, aim for mid-April to mid-June .

Giessbach Falls will be raging, the Sprutz and Staubach falls will be plunging mightily, and the entire Lauterbrunnen Valley will look like a fantasy.

If you’re looking for the best combination of springtime beauty and hiking availability, look to June. You might not be able to access the highest of alpine hikes, particularly early in the month, but you’ll find plenty to keep all of your senses busy!

If you’re like us and you love hiking in the Swiss Alps , then plan your visit sometime from June to September . A word of caution though about June: snow sometimes covers trails above 2000m well into the month. So if it’s really important to you to have the best trails available with good conditions, you might wanna wait until at least the second half of June . 

And if you’re looking for fewer tourists and perhaps a lower budget, the first half of September has proved to be a great time to visit. You’re less likely to experience extreme heat, the weather is a little more stable, and the snow usually hasn’t yet returned even at higher elevations.

Now if the hiking you’re more interested in isn’t so high in the mountains, mid-May to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October could be a great choice as well. But don’t count on being able to hike mountain trails above 1700 or 1800, even though it might be possible depending on the year.

It goes without saying that if you like to swim in the lakes and you’re not cold-blooded, July and August will be the best times to visit.

But enjoying a nice boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz can happen anytime from mid-April until the last week or so of October . This entire time is also great for lakeside strolls .

Winter in Switzerland

If you love winter wonderlands yet winter sports aren’t your reason for traveling, it’s hard to imagine a better time to visit than December , when the Christmas markets and decorations are in full swing, and the charm level is dialed up to a 10 out of 10.

If winter sports are your jam, we’ve heard that January and February are the best time to ski in Switzerland, although February is particularly busy due to school breaks. So December and March might offer fewer crowds and better prices.

But admittedly, we aren’t skiers, and we haven’t yet been here for Winter in Switzerland. But we wanted to share our perspective with you based on our own experience as well as lots of research.

When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Our goal is to help you travel with confidence by reducing your planning time and stretching your budget, and that’s exactly what our free download does!

So check your inbox for the free guide , and we’ll see you in Switzerland!

Jana is an SEO copywriter and content editor plus travel YouTuber. She loves all things gelato, sunshine, and words. Her perfect day? Tossing on sunglasses to read a book and catch some rays, then dinner with her husband and friends. In her free time, Jana disciples teen girls and cooks from scratch (like homemade pasta). Jana lives in Switzerland with her husband, Brett.

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What is The Best Time to Travel Switzerland? A Month-by-Month Guide

Although Switzerland can (and should) be visited year round there is a time that stands out. In this article you will find out what it’s like in each month and when I believe is the best time to travel Switzerland!

Switzerland has two distinct high seasons for tourism . There is winter (December-February) and summer (June-September). They are separated by shoulder seasons where the weather is changing often and many alpine destinations use this downtime for maintenance or a break, so the offering for activities and sights may be limited.

Switzerland has a moderate climate and is not enormously hot, cold, humid or dry. During the summer holiday months temperature are somewhere around 20-30°C (daytime), in the deep winter in January and February temperatures range from 0-10°C, sometimes even below zero. These temperatures are at low altitudes. Because Switzerland is not always the same altitude, temperatures may vary. In general one can assume that the temperature may decrease 1°C per 100m altitude gained. This means while on a hot summer day in Zurich with 30°C, at the top of Jungfrau, you will be met with temperatures 0°C and snow.

Best Time to Travel Switzerland

So, if you want the best of both worlds , then summer is your choice. But here we also have the emperature/altitude situation mentioned before. While it can be already really warm in June, in the Alps it may still be fresh and not pleasant. The same goes for the end of summer, which generally is over in the Alps by the end of September. This leaves you a window of three months, out of which two fall in the high season for holidays.

This means September is the most «ideal» month to visit Switzerland, if you like to see all of what Switzerland has to offer and if you don’t want it to be crowded.

But as I said, Switzerland is an all-year destination, so here’s what you can expect each month!

January in Switzerland

This is the best winter month in terms of crowds, as it is between Christmas and the ski holidays. It is also the coldest month and if you decide to spend the time at low altitude in the cities, then you will have to endure a lot of covered sky and it rarely snows there. So this is the time to go up to the Alps and enjoy the winter wonderland!

February in Switzerland

This is winter at its finest because very often it’s sunny everywhere, which means that it’s not as freezing cold anymore. This is also the time a lot of tourists come for winter sports, so the ski resorts are full and prices high. But it is the nicest time to enjoy the snow in the Alps! Also here it can be very foggy in the cities.

March in Switzerland

In March, it’s the time where the spring starts knocking on the door. It’s not winter anymore, the snow starts to get slushy in the Alps and on some days you can skip the winter jacket. But this is a sandwich month of the shoulder season where neither the Alps or the cities are at their best side. The upside is that your trip will not cost as much during this time because of low demand!

April in Switzerland

In the cities at lower altitudes the trees and flowers start to come back to live and bloom. This is one of the nicest times for a city trip as also the locals tend to be happy after the sometimes very foggy winters. During April though the weather may change often. In the Alps, a lot of attractions and accommodations go on a break.

May in Switzerland

May is the month when it is getting pleasant at low altitudes and the nature is really colourful and pretty. In the Alps the majority of the snow has melted and spring also starts there, but many attractions are still closed. It is great to do a city trip during this time.

June in Switzerland

In June the Swiss summer starts. You can often wear summer clothes and it is pleasant everywhere. Also in the alpine locations summer is starting and you can go for hikes and start exploring the mountains as the majority of the snow has melted and the cable cars have opened up again. During this time not many visitors are here yet.

July in Switzerland

This is summer (when it’s not raining for two weeks straight, which sometimes happens) in Switzerland! Enjoy everything you like, you can access the entire country, go for a swim, hike, bike, feel free and enjoy the long days! During this time the holidays start so it can be more crowded than in June. There are some outdoor festivals in all of Switzerland for you to enjoy.

August in Switzerland

Summer has had its peak in July, so it slowly gets more moderate. It is not as hot anymore but you can still do everything you planned and very often the weather is more constant than in July. In the Alps it super nice at this time, although there this is really the end of summer already. August 1 is our national day, so if you’re a culture vulture then mark this day fat in your itinerary! Next up, the best time to travel Switzerland!

September in Switzerland

This may be your favourite month as the light just dips Switzerland in its best dress. It is so pretty everywhere and in higher altitudes the fall is starting already, meaning you get colour overload! On top of that the crowds have left and you get to take it all in for yourself and move more freely. September is also the start of the hiking season for the Swiss, so this could be your favourite activity now. This can certainly make it the best time to travel Switzerland!

October in Switzerland

Fall has arrived in Switzerland and the trees are in all different colours. This is a super time to do some hiking, whereas in the high Alps some mountains already have the first now. In the cities this time is about coming together on markets and celebrating food. Also it’s a great time to enjoy a fondue as the temperatures start getting colder.

November in Switzerland

Many mountain resorts are in their shoulder season and life prepares for winter. It is often foggy and not the outdoors are not as pleasant anymore and many alpine attractions undergo maintenance during November. Now life moves more inside. If you want me to tell you which month I would skip, then it would be this one. But then again, there are good deals around.

December in Switzerland

Although it is not snowy everywhere, the lights, the Christmas markets and the festivity make life great during this month. Ski resorts open up usually in the middle of the month and life is good. If you want to spend time in the Alps, this is the time where it’s most crowded and expensive as a lot of locals spend the Christmas holidays there. But you will be surprised how nice the cities are at this time with the locals being in a really good mood!

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The Best Time to Visit Switzerland for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Switzerland for ideal weather are

June 4th to September 9th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Switzerland Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Switzerland Travel Info

Weather in switzerland.

Average temperatures in Switzerland vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 21st percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Switzerland, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid July where highs are regularly around 72.8°F (22.7°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 53.5°F (11.9°C) at night.

Switzerland Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Switzerland temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Switzerland Perceived Temperature (F)

Switzerland perceived temperature (c), average switzerland temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Switzerland are March, February, and then April. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early to mid March. For example, on the week of March 12th there is 1 day of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early May with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of April 30th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Switzerland.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Switzerland (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Switzerland has some very humid months, with other comfortably humid months. The least humid month is April (59% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (74.3%).

Wind in Switzerland is usually calm . The windiest month is March, followed by May and February. March’s average wind speed of around 5.4 knots (6.2 MPH or 9.9 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early February where average top sustained speeds reach 12.1 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Switzerland.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to switzerland.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for Switzerland; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Nov 14, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Switzerland is May, followed by January and June. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Switzerland in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall switzerland travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 61.3°F (16.3°C) and 41.6°F (5.3°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 5 to 8 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the most precipitation with about 8 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Switzerland, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 64.5°F (18.1°C) and 38.3°F (3.5°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: approximately 6 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is far too cold this time of year in Switzerland to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 41.6°F (5.3°C) and 32.8°F (0.4°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 5 to 6 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Switzerland

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The best time to travel Switzerland (month by month)

by sara far away | May 22, 2022 | Europe , Switzerland , Travel Guides | 0 comments

Have you been thinking about visiting Switzerland, but are not sure when to go? Let me tell you the good news first: Switzerland is an all-year-round destination and there is no bad time for a trip.

The best time to travel Switzerland really depends on what you want to experience!

With an abundance of jaw-dropping landscapes and historic cities, Switzerland is an epic outdoor destination . Whether you’re looking for a fun ski trip or a unique city getaway, endless hiking trails, or a leisurely wine tasting at a local winery, there’s a best month to visit Switzerland for everything .

Having spent most of my life in Switzerland, I will tell you exactly what to expect each month, along with suggestions of the best places to visit, and epic things to do. In addition, I am going to include some hidden gems and lesser visited places, as well as unique Swiss traditions worth experiencing.

Table of Contents

The best time to travel to Switzerland

As I said earlier, Switzerland is a great destination to visit all year round. Switzerland has four distinctive seasons, each with its own special charm and attractions. There isn’t really one main peak season, but more of a shift between regions throughout the year.

Winter in Switzerland

December, January, and February are the coldest months. You can expect sub-zero temperatures, and often snow, especially if you’re staying in the mountains. Winter is the perfect time to visit Switzerland for snow activities and for Christmas markets (if you plan your trip for December).

Spring in Switzerland

March, April, and May are ideal months to visit Switzerland if you’re looking for fewer crowds and cheaper prices. The days are slowly getting longer again, the snow starts melting and the landscapes are in full bloom . While the beginning of spring is also still a good time for snow sports, more and more hiking trails become accessible as the season progresses.

Summer in Switzerland

June, July, and August are the hottest months in Switzerland. July to mid-August is also the main holiday season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. In my opinion, summer is still the best time to travel Switzerland, if you want to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes to the fullest.

Autumn in Switzerland

September, October, and November are quieter, but extremely stunning months in Switzerland. The leaves turn into stunning shades of golden yellow, orange, and red. Especially in early Autumn, the weather is usually quite stable, making for perfect hiking conditions . The wine harvest peaks in October, making it the best month to visit Switzerland if you want to explore one of the wine regions.

Switzerland in January

January is one of the best months to visit Switzerland for snow activities like skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. It’s a busy month, especially in the mountain regions, but it gets a bit quieter from around mid-January.

You can also find an overview of all ski areas in Switzerland here .

Even if you don’t intend on skiing, the best places to visit in January are the Alps. You can find charming mountain villages and large ski areas in the canton of Wallis and Grisons, or in the Bernese Oberland.

• popular destinations in Wallis: Zermatt, Verbier, Saas-Fee, Crans-Montana, Portes du Soleil
• popular destinations in the Grisons: Lenzerheide, Arosa, Davos, Flims-Laax, Engadin St. Moritz
• popular destination in the Bernese Oberland: Adelboden, Gstaad, Wengen, Jungfrau region

If you’re planning to go skiing, try to hit the slopes mid-week to escape the big crowds.

January is the coldest month of the year in Switzerland. Especially in the mountain regions, you can expect snow, sub-zero temperatures, and frozen lakes.

Warm clothes, scarves and gloves, and warm sturdy shoes are a must if you’re planning a trip to Switzerland at this time of the year.

Switzerland in February

In terms of temperatures and the weather, February is very similar to January. There is usually still a lot of snow in the mountain regions, making it another great month for snow activities . Many schools are off for a week or two in February, which is why it can get quite busy. Try to tailor your trip around it.

While there is still snow in the mountains, you can feel spring slowly approaching in Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost region. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, winter is a lot shorter here, and the magnolias, camellias, and azaleas start blooming as early as February.

Carnival in Switzerland

The best thing about visiting Switzerland in February is Carnival. A fun and colorful festival, Carnival is also an old, and for many people very important, Swiss tradition . Carnival is celebrated all over the country at different times, but mostly throughout February.

Some places have very specific Carnival customs, but they all have some things in common: fun costumes, Guggenmusik (typical carnival brass band music), and a lot of paper confetti.

The biggest Carnival in Switzerland takes place in Basel and is really part of the city’s identity. For 3 days, starting at 4 AM on day one, the city is turned upside down in the best way possible! If you’re in Switzerland during Basel Carnival, I 100% recommend planning a trip to Basel.

If you want to experience a really fun and exciting part of Swiss culture, February is definitely the best month to visit Switzerland!

Switzerland in March

March marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring in Switzerland. But don’t let this fool you – you might still need some warm clothes in March. The weather can be very unpredictable . You might be sitting outside in a t-shirt one day, and wear a coat and beanie tomorrow.

Especially in the Alps, winter lingers for a bit longer. March is actually another good month for ski holidays, at least in high altitudes like Zermatt or Samnaun-Ischgl. It’s not a very popular travel month in Switzerland, so you can expect lower prices and smaller crowds than in January or February.

Switzerland in April

There’s a saying in Switzerland “April, April does what he wants”, referring to the unpredictable weather in April. In April, you can have anything, from beautiful, almost summer-like days, to rain or even snowstorms. Layering is your best friend in April.

But it is also the best month to visit Switzerland if you want to see the landscape in full bloom. 

3 stunning places to visit in switzerland in april.

• Zürich , where you can see the cherry trees along the streets with beautiful pink or white blossoms. You can get live updates on the flowering status from Zürich Tourism here .
• the Bodensee region , where the fruit orchards and apple trees turn into a sea of blossoms from mid-April onwards.
• Morges at Lake Geneva, where the roughly 150.000 tulips in Independence park start blooming as early as April, and all the way to mid-May.

If you visit Switzerland in April, you can even still add a few days of skiing to your itinerary.

A lot of ski areas in Switzerland close down for summer around mid-April, but some even keep going until May. If you do plan on skiing in April, just make sure you hit the slopes early in the morning, before the snow gets too soggy. You can find an overview of different season-end dates here .

Switzerland in May

May is a beautiful middle thing between spring and summer. In May, the days start getting longer, the mornings and evenings start getting warmer, and you’ll get a first taste of what summer in Switzerland will be like.

All things considered, May is probably one of the best months to visit Switzerland.

May is a pretty quiet month in Switzerland , with some hotels in rural areas even closing for a few weeks. The big summer holidays mostly only start at the beginning of July, which means that in May, you’ll benefit from lower prices and pretty small crowds, especially mid-week.

If you have some popular tourist destinations like Luzern or Lauterbrunnen on your Switzerland bucket list, May is a great time to plan your visit, especially during weekdays.

Day temperatures in May often rise to 20°C or more. As the snow melts in the mountains, more and more hiking trails become accessible. And a lot of the mountain huts also start opening up for summer in late May or early June.

Switzerland in June

Besides September, June is the best month to visit Switzerland to experience summer without the large crowds . And just like May, June is another excellent month to plan your trip!

Temperatures in June are often in the 20°C range, and you will see a lot of people spending as much time outside as possible. Especially from late afternoon, people flock to the lakes and rivers, or sit on restaurant terraces for an after-work drink and/or swim.

If you decide to visit Switzerland in June, pack mostly for a summer holiday, but bring some warmer clothes and a rain coat too.

Unfortunately, June is also the wettest month of the year. But don’t worry, there is still a lot to do in Switzerland, even on rainy days, especially if you don’t mind getting a bit wet.

4 day trip ideas for rainy days

Tamina Gorge | Follow the secured path along the roaring river into the gorge, all the way to the 36.5-degree thermal spring. Combine it with a trip to the Tamina thermal spa to soak in the thermal water.

Beatus Caves  |  Explore the cave system on a 1 km track into the mountain, past stalagmites, and stalactites, through grottoes, and over deep gorges. Entry is CHF 19.- for adults.

Aare Gorge | It takes about 45 minutes to walk through to gorge, and the trail is a mix of tunnels and secured wooden walkways. The gorge is most impressive and mystical on rainy days. Entry is CHF 10.-.

St. Léonard Lac Souterrain | Visit Europe’s larges navigable underground lake. You can explore the crystal clear water of this 300-meter-long lake on a 30-minute boat tour. Tickets are CHF 12.- for adults.

Not all of these places are open all-year-round. Make sure to check the opening times if you plan on visiting outside the summer months!

Switzerland in July

Switzerland’s hottest month is also one of the busiest. If you plan on visiting Switzerland in July, be prepared for big crowds and high accommodation rates, especially in popular tourist destinations.

July is also one of the main holiday months for Swiss people, and many like to spend their holidays in the country. But if you don’t mind the crowds and high prices, or if you are happy to visit some less popular places, July is an amazing month to travel Switzerland.

Why not visit some less popular, but equally stunning alternatives instead of the tourist hot spots?

Certain places in Switzerland, like Seealpsee or Lauterbrunnen, have become very popular (amongst locals and tourists). But the good news is that you can find many other turquoise mountain lakes and charming alpine villages in many other parts of the country too:

• for amazing hiking opportunities and charming villages you could visit Val Müstair or Val d’Hérens
• some off-beat mountain lake alternatives are Lake Cauma, Lago di Cama, or Lake Fälen

Just like in June, it does also rain quite a bit in July. If you’re unlucky, you can get days with a lot of rain , or even a bit of snow in higher regions, and temperatures of 10 degrees or less. But again, there is plenty to do in Switzerland, no matter the weather.

Use Booking.com to find the best places to stay during your trip to Switzerland!

Switzerland in August

August is pretty much the same as July, with high temperatures, high accommodation prices, and big crowds, especially in the first half of the month. But it starts quieting down a bit towards the end of August.

Celebrating the Swiss National Day

On the first of August, we celebrate the Swiss National Day, to celebrate the founding of the Swiss Confederacy. The first of August is a public holiday, with celebrations all over the country .

Many places are decorated with Swiss or regional flags, and paper lanterns, and shops sell pastries with little Swiss paper flags. The main part of the festivities happens at night when a lot of people and towns organize fireworks and large bonfires.

Switzerland in September

Together with June, September is the best month to visit Switzerland if you want to experience the Swiss summer with fewer crowds . The days in September are still mostly warm, but fall starts hinting its arrival in the crisp mornings, cool nights, and first trees changing color.

The weather in September is a bit more stable, with fewer rainy days on average than in June, July, and August. It’s an amazing month to visit Switzerland for outdoor activities like hiking or mountain biking.

If you’re planning to visit some Swiss cities, September is a good month for you too. The temperatures are slightly lower, making city trips more pleasant. Many of them are built by a lake or river, where you can still take a refreshing dip in September.

Alpabzug – alpine cattle descent

Many farmers take their cattle to the alpine pastures at the beginning of summer. And the return of the cattle , usually in September or early October is a special occasion in many regions in Switzerland.

The farmers dress in clothes typical of the region, and the cows wear large bells and a colorful bouquet of flowers on their heads. Some regions combine alpine descents with traditional Swiss music, market stalls selling regional products, and other festivities:

• the cattle descent in Schüpfheim in Entlebuch, with over 200 beautifully decorated cattle, various market stands, yodeling clubs, and people in traditional garments
• the cattle descent in St-Cergue in the Jura Vaudois, where you can watch the herds of adorned animals pass to the sounds of Alphorn, and try some local treats at the nearby market
• the descent of 120 black Eringer cows, marching through the charming Valaisian village of Grimentz in the Anniviers valley

Switzerland in October

October is the best time to travel to Switzerland for fall foliage and wine hikes. Fall is in full swing , with forests and vineyards turning into beautiful shades of yellows, oranges, and reds.

The wine harvest peaks in October and it’s the best time to explore some wine regions.

Although October belongs to autumn, the weather is often still pleasantly mild during the day. Especially in lower regions, you can often still be out and about in a T-shirt. But there are also rainy and stormy autumn days in October and the first snow can fall in the higher regions.

Whenever I travel abroad, I always use Airalo to get an eSim with local data. It’s the easiest way to stay connected abroad!

The best Wine regions in Switzerland

As I said, October is the best month to visit Switzerland’s wine regions. In many of these wine regions, you can combine hikes or walks with wine tastings, or even get a glimpse of the ongoing wine production. Some wine regions to add to your itinerary are:

• Ottenberg Wine Region , where you can find the best wine hike I’ve discovered in Switzerland so far
• Bündner Herrschaft in the Rhine valley, known for its delicious Pinot Noir
• Lavaux Wine Region , set above the shores of Lake Geneva
• Lake Biel Wine Region , with a 15 km long wine trail zigzagging along the shores of Lake Biel
• Wallis , where 1/3 of the Swiss wine is produced and where Europe’s highest vineyard is located

Switzerland in November

November is probably the best time to travel Switzerland if you’re looking for small crowds and low prices. November is the last month of fall, but you can feel winter fast approaching in the low temperatures and snow in higher altitudes.

November is off-season for tourism in Switzerland. The hiking season is over for the most part, and the ski season hasn’t begun yet. Some hotels in the mountain regions even close down for a few weeks.

But don’t worry, there is still plenty to do in Switzerland in November.

November is a good time to explore some of Switzerland’s cities , visit museums and art galleries, soak in a thermal bath, and enjoy a traditional Fondue.

And November is also not only cold and grey. You can still get some cool, but sunny days, especially in the Alps. Luckily, the mountains are never really far away in Switzerland. Base yourself in a city, and venture out into the Alps for a day trip on sunny November days:

• Lucerne , where you can visit the nearby Mount Rigi or Pilatus on a sunny autumn day
• Bern , Switzerland’s capital, is located conveniently close to gems like Interlaken or Grindelwald
• Lausanne , where you can head into the mountains at Rocher-de-Naye or Les Diablerets

Switzerland in December

December is one of the coldest months in Switzerland. Unfortunately, it snows very rarely in the lower regions, and especially in the cities due to global warming. But in the mountain regions, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see snow-covered villages and forests .

December is the start of the ski season in Switzerland, and especially after Christmas, it gets very busy. If you’re planning to visit Switzerland for a ski trip during the holidays, make sure you book well in advance .

Visiting Christmas Markets in Switzerland

If you want to experience some european christmas markets, december is the month for you.

In most Swiss cities, the Christmas decorations, fairy lights, and Christmas markets start as early as late November. You can find awesome Christmas markets in all the big cities, but I want to highlight a few lesser-known places for you to consider:

• the Christmas villages in Baden , a famous spa town near Zürich
• the Christmas market in Biel , the Swiss capital of watchmaking
• the “Christkindli” market in Chur , Switzerland’s oldest town
• the Montreux Marché de Noel, deemed one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe

Like I said at the beginning of this post, the best time to travel Switzerland really depends on what you want to experience!

Each month has its own charm, and you’ll never run out of things to do. If you have any other questions about the best month to visit Switzerland, or would like more suggestions of awesome things to do or places to visit, let me know in the comments!

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Best Time to Visit Switzerland: By season & festivals

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Wondering when is the best time to visit Switzerland? Switzerland is gorgeous at all times of the year and depending on what you wish to explore, and where you want to go – one particular season might work out better for you, than the other.

In this detailed guide, we will go over the 4 distinct seasons (with a month-by-month overview) highlighting popular festivals, events, and destinations. Along the way, we will share our favorites, and travel tips based on our experience!

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When is the Best Time to Visit Switzerland 

The short answer is autumn, and maybe because we are biased and we love wandering the old town lanes in Switzerland with fewer summer crowds, better accommodation deals, and pleasant weather! 

But you might have skiing and other winter activities on your list, or may be a music festival that only takes place in the middle of summer? Well, let us help you!

• Best time to visit: September – mid-October, April – June
• Peak Season: July – August
• Off-Season : October – November, and some regions in the winter, February, March

Average temperatures + Weather in Switzerland

Switzerland experiences four distinct seasons, and it varies a lot by region, and altitudes. In the image below, you can see the warmer and colder months in the country. 

Typically, the seasons are as follows, and there are overlaps at the transition months in Switzerland.

• Winter: mid-December to mid-March
• Spring: mid-March to mid-June
• Summer: mid-June to mid-September
• Autumn/Fall : mid-September to mid-December

Note that in the detailed guide below, each season is grouped by months (as a whole without the overlaps).

Fact: The hottest and the wettest month in Switzerland is in July. 

Winter in Switzerland

• Months: December, January, February
• Highlight : It is a low season in many parts of the country including cities. It is great for visiting Christmas Markets, indulging in winter activities. The ski season is in full swing in January. Ski resorts are crowded during this time, particularly in late January and February. 
• Visit: Cities like Zurich, Geneva, Bern for Christmas celebrations (December), Ski towns St Moritz, Zermatt (mid December – February)  

The winter months in Switzerland are from December to February. It is considered as the low season, as compared to the busy summer months. During this time, you can expect snow in all high altitude resort towns, and a variety of winter activities including world-class skiing opportunities are open.

For ski resorts, this is a peak season, especially in late January and February. Cities are quieter after the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. 

Many scenic train routes like – the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express – although operational, have a limited timetable. In the winter, mandatory seat reservation costs are lower as compared to peak summer months. Many of the panoramic lifts and cable cars are closed during this season. 

• Zurich: 2 C/35.6 F  
• Geneva : 4 C/39.2 F 
• Lucerne : 4 C/39.2 F 
• St Moritz : – 2 C/28.4 F 
• Zermatt : 2 C/35.6 F
• Zurich: 4 C/39.2 F  
• Geneva : 5 C/41 F 
• St Moritz : -2 C/28.4 F
• Zermatt : 1 C/33.8 F
• Zurich: 6 C/42.8 F  
• Lucerne : 5 C/41 F 
• St Moritz : 0 C/32 F

December 

Popular cities like Zurich , Geneva, and Lucerne do get some snow in the winter, but it is not as COLD as Canada. Temperatures hover around 2 to 4°C/ 35.6 to 39.2°F, so winters are mild (as compared to Canadian standards).

These cities are decked up for Christmas celebrations – with markets, decorations, and stores! It is a lovely time to visit Switzerland for slow travel and to soak in the festive spirit. 

Note that around Christmas and New Year’s hotel rooms will be expensive, and with January the prices drop again.

Mountain towns/resorts are open during this time, and it has a stable flow of tourists. However, the actual ski season starts in late December or January (weather-dependent). 

January & February 

With January kicking in, the temperatures are colder. In the mountains, you can expect snowfall. Although cold, January is actually a good time to find amazing flight deals, shop for discounts on designer items (after Christmas) and go skiing!  

Same goes for the month of February. It is a popular time to visit for ski activities, and exploring mountain towns. 

In January and February, cities experience cold and wet climates, and so it may not be a good idea for sightseeing cruises or going on walking tours. 

Spring in Switzerland

• Months: March, April, May
• Highlight : Crossover month. Off-season. Good for city sightseeing in late spring in terms of weather, and better accommodation rates. Spring skiing is possible. By late April/May, outdoorsy activities open up.
• Visit : City and lakeside destinations – Lake Lugano, Lake Geneva (late March-May), ski resorts (March), Lucerne & Thun for outdoorsy activities (mid-April – May), Scenic train rides (low reservation costs, enjoy amazing views from the comfort of your seats)

With the beginning of the spring season, the weather gets better, and warmer. The cities come alive with patio dining, flowers, and tourist activities, particularly in late spring months. 

Switzerland’s resorts are open to spring skiing, and April is the last month to enjoy the mountain slopes.

• Zurich: 11 C/51.8 F  
• Geneva : 11 C/51.8 F 
• Lucerne : 11 C/51.8 F
• St Moritz : 3 C/37.4 F 
• Zurich: 15 C/59 F  
• Geneva : 15 C/59 F 
• Lucerne : 16 C/60.8 F 
• St Moritz : 7 C/44.6 F 
• Zermatt : 6 C/42.8 F
• Zurich: 19 C/66.2 F  
• Geneva : 19 C/66.2 F 
• Lucerne : 19 C/66.2 F
• St Moritz : 12 C/53.6 F 
• Zermatt : 11 C/51.8 F

March  

March is a crossover month in Switzerland, where days are slowly becoming longer, and temperatures are moving towards double digits. 

In cities like Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne the weather is warmer, but occasionally you will also encounter showers. With pleasant temperatures during the day, you can venture outside on walking tours, or spend time outdoors. 

Don’t leave your warm clothes at home yet, because it gets chilly in the evenings (and temperatures drop).

If you want to ski, there is still time to go skiing in March, in fact there are fewer crowds in the mountains during this time. 

April & May

In April and May, you can really enjoy the amazing weather, attractions and go sightseeing in various cities in Switzerland . The average maximum temperatures in the major cities hover around 19 degrees Celsius (66 F).

There are a lot of festive events taking place in the country, especially Easter celebrations. 

For outdoor lovers, in late spring hiking trails are open, and winter activities will be closed by mid April. In May, you can expect cable cars to be operational again. 

April, May and June are a great time to visit Switzerland. April and May are an off-season, in terms of low visitors to the country so you can expect amazing deals on flights and accommodation, and fewer crowds. 

Summer in Switzerland

• Months: June, July, August
• Highlight : Warmer weather, considered a peak season in July and August. Hotel prices skyrocket (sometimes over 50% increase), cable car rides are operational, hiking trails are open, most tourist attractions will be crowded. 
• Visit: All attractions (except winter activities) are open, and there are tons of things to do all across the country

Summer is a high tourist season in Switzerland. Starting from June, through August, the temperatures are warmer, days are longer, and a variety of outdoor activity opportunities open up for visitors. 

Although warm, summers also tend to be rainy. July is the warmest and the wettest month of the year!

• Zurich: 23 C/73.4 F  
• Geneva : 23 C/73.4 F 
• Lucerne : 23 C/73.4 F 
• St Moritz : 16 C/60.8 F 
• Zermatt : 19 C/66.2 F
• Zurich: 25 C/77 F  
• Geneva : 26 C/78.8 F 
• Lucerne : 25 C/77 F  
• St Moritz : 19 C/66.2 F 
• Zermatt : 21 C/69.8 F
• Zurich: 24 C/75.2 F  
• Lucerne : 24 C/75.2 F 
• St Moritz : 18 C/64.4 F 
• Zermatt : 20 C/68 F

In mid June you can experience nice weather, with fewer crowds. The average maximum temperature in cities like Zurich soars to about 23 degrees Celsius (73 Fahrenheit) in June, and further into the summer months the sun doesn’t set until late into the evening. So expect lots of daylight (for amazing outdoor shots). 

Hiking and biking trails open up in late May, so by June you can explore them all minus the summer crowds. This includes popular hiking trails around Lake Lucerne and Canton Valais. 

It is also a good time to join guided tours or cable car rides to mountain tops!

July & August 

July and August are the busiest months in Switzerland in terms of tourism. Schools are closed for the summer, and there are domestic and international travelers visiting Switzerland enjoying the lovely weather and outdoorsy activities. 

Summer is popular for a reason. Weather is one of the factors, then there are festivals (particularly the Montreux Jazz Festival held on the Lake Geneva shoreline), and availability of bucket list attractions and tours!

Switzerland celebrates Swiss National Day on 1 August. On this day, you can enjoy festivities and fireworks all across the country.  

July and August brings out the best side of the cities and the Swiss Alps. It is the optimum time to get your cameras out, and get clicking. To capture images of Switzerland without crowds of people in it, wake up early and get to the attractions before 9:00 am. 

You can also explore small towns, and lesser visited lakes and mountain spots, they are usually less crowded in these months. 

Summer is also great to enjoy picnics, swim at Lake Lucerne, paragliding at Interlaken, and boat cruises.

If you are planning to visit Switzerland in the summer, we recommend booking accommodation, flights, guided tours including day tours to Jungfraujoch, Mt. Titlis, and sightseeing cruises ahead of time. 

Accommodation, generally, is expensive in the summer, with hotel prices increasing to up 50% than normal. This increase also has a ripple effect on packaged tours, which also becomes slightly pricier in this season. 

A note about scenic/premium train routes for summer travel.

• Glacier Express seats can be booked about 3 months in advance. In the summer months, the reservation fee is relatively higher, as compared to winter months – about 49 CHF vs 29 CHF in low season. 
• Bernina Express also requires seat reservations, which is 16 CHF (vs 10 CHF in winter)

Autumn in Switzerland

• Months: September, October, November 
• Highlight : Early fall months are great for the city explorers, outdoorsy activities (no skiing), expect fewer crowds, better deals on hotels, and Switzerland tours
• Visit: Cities (September – October), Jungfrau, Mount Rigi other cable car rides (Sept to mid-October)

Autumn or fall months are gorgeous in Switzerland. It is a great time to explore cities minus the crowds and soak in pretty fall colors on trails, and mountain areas. You can also find the best wine in the country during this time. 

For the most part, the days are warm, but it starts to get shorter and chillier towards the end of the season. The positive part is that you get better seats on trains, and on cable cars! 

• Zurich: 20 C/68 F  
• Geneva : 21 C/69.8 F 
• Lucerne : 20 C/68 F
• St Moritz : 14 C/57.2 F 
• Zermatt : 16 C/60.8 F
• Geneva : 15 C/59 F
• Lucerne : 14 C/57.2 F 
• St Moritz : 10 C/50 F 
• Zermatt : 12 C/53.6 F 
• Zurich: 9 C/48.2 F  
• Geneva : 9 C/48.2 F
• Lucerne : 8 C/46.4 F 

September 

If you wish to explore cities, go on scenic train rides, and cover touristy attractions, then look no further than planning a trip to Switzerland in September. You can wander old towns, book tours with ease, find relatively cheaper accommodation – all with nice weather and without crowds.

There won’t be a lot of snow on the slopes though, and you can’t indulge in winter sports, for that you have to visit in the winter. 

However this is a good time to soak in the views of the Jungfrau, or to visit Interlaken, and lakes like Lake Geneva, Zurich, Lugano and Lucerne. These are usually very busy in the summer months. 

There are a lot of colorful festivals in September from wine fests, air shows to harvest festivals. We have detailed all the popular festivals by month below. 

One notable festival that we would like to highlight is the harvest fest in Bern, called the “Sichlete”. On this day, Bernese farmers bring their cows, sheep, horses, and other cattle to the square in front of the federal building in Bern. At the end of the festival, one cow is crowned Miss Sichlete 🙂 

Mid October & November 

October is a good time to capture fall foliage, plus you will find lots of opportunities to hike, and enjoy lake views. 

Mid October onwards, it gets trickier with the weather, as the temperatures cross over to winter season. Cable cars, funiculars and cogwheel trains may either be closed, or not operational for a week or two because of maintenance. The high altitude pass roads will start closing by October too. 

But the good news is that – all the indoor activities, museums, shops are open, and less crowded. In November, you can also score good flight tickets and accommodation deals. 

However, keep in mind, weatherwise November may not have the brightest of days in Switzerland, and outdoor activities will be limited – no skiing and no swimming, or boating. 

Although winter doesn’t set in October and November, we recommend bringing in a warm jacket and a scarf when visiting in late fall months. 

Festivals in Switzerland by Month

Additional tips: best time to go to switzerland.

To experience the popular tourist attractions June and September are the best months to visit Switzerland. During this time the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, and cable cars, funiculars, etc. are all open.

We recommend 7 days in Switzerland at the very least. In a week’s time, you can explore a variety of destinations. Spend a couple of days visiting 1-2 major cities, walk old towns, museums, and enjoy culinary delights (options: Zurich – Lucerne, Zurich – Bern, Geneva – Lausanne). Set aside 2-3 days for Interlaken (go on boat tours on Lake Thun or Brienz, paragliding, cogwheel trains, Jungfrau/Top of Europe). Add a day for scenic train – Glacier Express or Golden Pass, depending on your return trip.

July is the warmest month in Switzerland, with temperatures hovering around 28 °C/ 82° F, maximum.

Mid-December onwards is the official winter season in Switzerland. You can experience snow in January through February at high altitudes. Most cities experience very little snow or no extreme cold temperatures.

June, and August – September are perfect to explore Switzerland from India. During these months you can experience excellent weather, and all of the touristy attractions will be open. You can check off all the Swiss bucket list items, with relatively cheaper flight tickets, accommodation, and guided tours. 

Offseason is a good time to visit Switzerland for a honeymoon. With fewer crowds in June, and August – September, it makes sightseeing comfortable, and romantic. Winter months are also great to enjoy slow travel, soak in snowy mountain views and wander Christmas Markets hand in hand!

September and early October are the best months to visit Jungfrau. During this time, the summer madness has exited the tourist scene (for next year), and Switzerland slowly enters into a low season mode.

So that’s a wrap! We hope you found our tips useful in deciding when to visit Switzerland. Whichever month you plan on visiting, we are sure you will have an amazing time – there is so much to see and do in this marvelous country! 

Just research, plan and book in advance!

Read our Switzerland Guides & Travel Blog

• Switzerland itinerary: What to do in Switzerland in 2 days or 5 days
• Switzerland Packing List: Find what to pack for Switzerland (for all seasons)

Source: NOAA – All weather/ temperatures details

Pin: When is the best time to go to Switzerland travel guide

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Hi Mayuri, nice share. This post is a useful guide for me. I have a plan to visit Switzerland after everything becomes normal from the Covid 19 crap pandemic. The information shared here will certainly helpful for me to plan an amazing Switzerland tour.

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When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

• The Swiss Alps
• Month-by-month

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 autumn 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.

Month-by-month guide for travelling in Switzerland

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

Visiting Switzerland in 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.

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

Visiting Switzerland in 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.

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Best places to visit in switzerland.

Switzerland is known around the world for its chocolate, cheese, charming towns and scenic landscapes . Everywhere you turn, you're treated to a little bit of history and a little bit of nature's beauty, as well as plenty of mouthwatering cuisine in between. U.S. News considered factors like sights, culture, accessibility and variety of things to do, plus traveler and expert input, to calculate the best places to visit in Switzerland. Peruse the list below, and vote for your favorite spots.

Appenzell District

Jungfrau region.

Interlaken's unique location between two lakes – Lake Brienz and Lake Thun – makes it a breathtaking spot for a vacation. Here, you can spend hours hiking various trails, taking in the castle-studded shores of Lake Thun on a boat cruise or gazing at the surrounding mountains from the Harder Kulm observation deck (accessible via a funicular). To see more of the region's stunning scenery, go for a ride on the Schynige Platte Railway or sign up for a paragliding or skydiving excursion.

Travelers looking to ski or snowboard in the Swiss Alps should head to Zermatt. This small, car-free town in the middle of the Alps is famous for housing one of the world's most famous attractions — the Matterhorn (a peak so popular that it inspired a Disneyland ride) — and Switzerland's highest ski resort. Novice and expert skiers and snowboarders can spend the bulk of their vacation hitting the slopes, which showcase incredible mountain views. After shredding powder, visitors can ride the Gornergrat train, pick up a slab of homemade chocolate from a local shop or savor cheese fondue at a traditional Swiss restaurant.

Picturesque Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, framed by snowcapped mountains and medieval buildings. This beautiful city's old town is home to historic attractions, lively town squares, boutique shops and old churches. Top attractions include the Musegg Wall and its towers (the preserved fortifications date back to the 13th century) and Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge, the must-see Chapel Bridge, which was originally built in the 1330s. Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure can also ride a cable car to Mount Pilatus for stunning views of Lake Lucerne and plenty of activities at the top.

This lakefront city on the Swiss-Italian border offers visitors a unique travel experience. Because Lugano shares waters with neighboring Italy, the city features a mix of Swiss and Mediterranean influences in everything from its cuisine to its architecture. Plus, Lugano boasts unforgettable panoramas. Visit Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, both of which you can reach by funicular, for bird's-eye views of Lake Lugano and the city. Or, spend a few hours hiking the Olive Grove Trail or strolling the gardens of Ciani Park. If you'd rather lounge on a beach, head to Lido di Lugano.

Zurich is a cosmopolitan financial center, a foodie haven and a romantic European city that appeals to all types of travelers. A vacation here should include spending time admiring Lake Zurich, exploring the trendy bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, meandering through Lindenhof park and exploring the city's distinct neighborhoods. Join well-heeled shoppers (or just admire the window displays) on Bahnhofstrasse, a world-famous exclusive retail boulevard. While here, be sure to sample the famous dark chocolate Champagne truffles from specialty chocolatier Teuscher.

Visit the medieval town of Gruyères if you want to feel as if you've stepped back in time during your next trip. Its good looks (think: car-free cobblestone streets, fountain-filled squares and a 13th-century castle) create an old-world ambiance you're bound to love. Plus, the town is world-renowned for its Gruyère cheese, which you can sample and learn more about at a local cheese dairy or cellar. Sampling chocolate is also a must-do here, so be sure to check out a chocolate factory or attend a chocolate workshop while in town.

Like its neighbor Lugano, Locarno is located in the Ticino region near the Italian border. This quiet, small town is surrounded by stunning scenery (it sits on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the foothills of the Alps), and since it's the warmest destination in Switzerland, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Be sure to stroll through the picture-perfect main square, Piazza Grande, where the city hosts several summer festivals, and trek to Madonna del Sasso, considered sacred among Roman Catholics. Then, head to the Verzasca river valley to swim or bungee jump.

Appenzell captures the essence of Switzerland with rolling hills, a car-free village and well-preserved customs. Visitors can take in the scenic landscape of the Appenzell District (located in the northeastern part of the country) by taking a cable car to the oft-photographed Aescher guest house, picturesquely built into the rock face, or hiking the region's "experience trails" like the Gonten Barefoot Trail and Appenzeller Kapellenweg, which weaves past 11 chapels. Meanwhile, the tiny village of Appenzell boasts quaint, frescoed shops and Museum Appenzell, which highlights the region's traditional crafts, folk music and art.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a small town that boasts more charm and incredible scenery than Brienz. Located in the stunning Bernese Oberland region, Brienz sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Brienz, which features gorgeous turquoise water and is flanked by towering evergreen mountains. Some of the best ways to soak up the awe-inspiring setting include strolling picture-perfect Brunngasse (often proclaimed the most beautiful street in Europe), riding the Brienz Rothorn Bahn (which traverses a steam rack railway) and taking a boat tour to lake attractions like Giessbach Falls.

Set along the banks of crystal-clear Lake Geneva in western Switzerland, this city is known for its incredible views and as the headquarters of the Red Cross and the United Nations. Geneva is also home to some iconic sights, including the Jet d'Eau (one of the world's tallest water fountains) and an old town with cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. While exploring the latter, be sure to check out the Saint Pierre Cathedral, which features Roman, Gothic and neoclassical details.

The capital of Switzerland, Bern sometimes gets overlooked for flashier Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva. But Bern holds many charms, including an old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) featuring the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, Renaissance-style fountains and a Gothic cathedral with the highest spire in Switzerland. The city also boasts many museums – several dedicated to Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern when developing his theory of relativity. Head to Gurten mountain – which you can reach by funicular, by bike or on foot – for sweeping views of the city below.

As the largest ski area in central Switzerland, Engelberg is a winter playground, with a long, snowy season for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and sledding. But don't sleep on a summertime visit here; warmer months allow for a bevy of fun family activities like a toboggan run, 300-plus miles of hiking trails and water activities on Trübsee lake. Regardless of when you visit, you won't want to miss the TITLIS Rotair, a revolving cable car that takes riders up Mount Titlis, and the other cable lifts that stop at a glacier cave, a panoramic restaurant, and the TITLIS Cliff Walk.

Considered "the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism," St. Moritz welcomes travelers with world-class skiing, swanky hotels, renowned après-ski offerings and top-notch restaurants. In addition to offering downhill skiing trails so highly regarded that the town has hosted the Olympics twice, St. Moritz features excellent spots for cross-country skiing, sledding and winter hikes. Come summertime, the area invites outdoor lovers to golf, bike, hike or enjoy water sports and swimming in the surrounding lakes.

The Jungfrau Region is the perfect place for first-timers wanting to experience the otherworldly splendor that is the Swiss Alps. But be forewarned: The destination is sky high. Popular attractions like the Jungfraujoch (which features Europe's highest train station), the Grindelwald-First cable car and the First Cliff Walk Presented by Tissot sit at the top of towering peaks. The innovative Eiger Express gondola offers even faster transport to the top (just 15 minutes from Grindelwald). For those who'd rather stick closer to Earth's surface, prioritize a hike on a lower-level valley path and a visit to the Pfingstegg toboggan.

Tourists may not be as familiar with Montreux as they are with its Lake Geneva neighbors, which makes this Swiss town such an undiscovered gem. Quaint Montreux features a waterfront promenade dotted with flowers and trees, a medieval castle and a charming old town, not to mention a statue commemorating Freddie Mercury (Queen recorded multiple albums here from 1978 to 1995). Montreux is also surrounded by vineyards and hosts a popular open-air jazz festival every summer, while the holiday season brings the festive Montreux Noël market.

Located less than 5 miles from Montreux, Vevey is another Lake Geneva gem. This town's picturesque promenade along the lake is filled with flowers and features a sculpture of Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last 25 years of his life in Vevey. The Alimentarium, a nutrition-focused museum, also adorns the shoreline with its beautiful sandstone building, which once served as the headquarters to Nestlé (the company is still based in Vevey). After admiring the town, visitors can take a cog railway to the scenic Les Pléiades vantage point for its stunning views and the astronomy-centric Astropléiades trail.   

The second-largest city on Lake Geneva, Lausanne is characterized by its renowned Gothic cathedral and surrounding hilly terrain. The stunning lake views and colorful city center don't hurt, either. Travelers can take in Lausanne's lively atmosphere by checking out the city's cafes, admiring the old town's beautiful architecture and perusing the exhibits at the Olympic Museum. No visit would be complete without venturing outside the city to nearby Lavaux, where you can enjoy wine from vineyards that are so scenic and well-preserved (some date back to the 11th century), the area was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Best Time To Visit Switzerland (Best Season And Month)

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Home » Best Time To Visit Switzerland (Best Season And Month)

There’s no doubt that Switzerland is a beautiful country. The Alpine country is known for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and diverse culture.

Simply put, Switzerland is a place with unrivaled beauty, from its majestic mountains to the charming towns that draw in the crowds.

But when is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Without a doubt, this is a question you need to consider when planning a trip to this beautiful country.

When it comes to having a swoon-worthy Swiss experience, there’s no one-size fits all. It really depends on what you’re into: are you looking for an adventure in the snow or some sunshine sightseeing?

Whatever your preference is — from hiking through breathtaking landscapes to savoring local delicacies — Switzerland has something special just waiting for you!

What Is the Best Month to Visit Switzerland

Switzerland is exquisite at any time of the year, with beautiful Swiss cities calling out your name.

Whether it’s winter sports you seek or blooming spring flowers, let our guide help you figure out the month and season that’s best for your Swiss vacation.

Shoulder Seasons | Best Time of Year to Visit Switzerland

Don’t let crowds dampen your travel experience. For a more peaceful trip, consider visiting Switzerland during the shoulder seasons of April to May (spring) or September to November (fall).

You’re more likely to find fewer tourists, enjoy more moderate weather, and have a unique opportunity to explore the country’s charming towns and picturesque landscapes.

Switzerland in June is the start of the summer season so a wonderful time to enjoy the country in a warmer climate.

In spring, you’ll enjoy mostly mild weather and view stunning alpine flowers in full bloom. Plus, you’ll enjoy lower prices compared to the peak summer months.

Likewise, the fall months of September and October are also great times to visit. Switzerland in the fall gives you amazing views of the leaves changing color and beautifully mild weather.

Much like springtime, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are lower compared to the peak summer months. 

But what makes spring and fall the ultimate time to visit Switzerland is the fact that you’ll have the best of both summer and winter. What are we saying exactly? 

During these months, the mountain ranges are still coated in snow, so winter sports are still a thing. And if you head lower down in altitude, the hiking trails open up for epic day treks. 

Tip: Click here to book your tour in Switzerland to go on a cable car ride, cogwheel train, and lake cruise, which are perfect during springtime or the fall months.

Summer’s Best Times To Travel To Switzerland

Are you looking to hike through the majestic Alps or enjoy a scenic train ride through the countryside?

If so, you might want to plan your trip during the summer months of June to August when the weather in Switzerland in August is warmer, and the days are longer.

In fact, the sun sets at around 21:00 in July to August, which is perfect for taking an extended stroll around Switzerland’s safe streets .

Naturally, summer in Switzerland is the warmest and driest time of year, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating.

You’ll find that the weather is mild and sunny during this time, and the Swiss landscape is lush and green. It’s truly a sight to behold, particularly for nature lovers.

But there are some drawbacks to summers in Switzerland. June to August is also peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and less crowded experience, consider visiting Switzerland in the spring or fall.

Winter In Switzerland | Best Time To Travel In Switzerland

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas and winter sports, then look no further than Switzerland. From December to February, the temperatures are crisp, and the snow is plentiful.

Skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating — whatever floats your boat — they’re all available!

If you’re a winter baby and enjoy the snow, wintertime in Switzerland’s mountain ranges won’t disappoint!

From December to February, the average snowfall is around 3 – 6 feet per month in the Swiss Alps and 4 – 8 inches elsewhere.

Plus, you’ll experience 6 – 7 hours of sunlight per day in the Swiss Alps and an average of 7 – 10 hours elsewhere.

However, the winter months are also the coldest and darkest time of year in Switzerland, and the weather and the Switzerland temperature in December can be unpredictable.

Not interested in winter sports? It may be best for you to avoid visiting Switzerland during this time.

All in all, the cold weather in Switzerland is not something that should keep you away from the country in wintertime.

If you’re going mountain climbing in Switzerland’s winter months, keep in mind that you’ll encounter more snow and thinner air (i.e., less oxygen) at higher altitudes. 

Tip: To avoid altitude sickness while mountain climbing, try to climb no more than 1,000 feet per day once you’ve hit 10,000 feet elevation. And keep hydrated too. Feeling parched isn’t cute. Especially at high altitudes.

FAQs About The Best Time To Go To Switzerland

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

• What Is the Best Month to Go to Switzerland?

Switzerland’s best times to visit are the spring and fall months (i.e. shoulder months), falling between April and October.

• What Is the Cheapest Month to Visit Switzerland?

The shoulder season months of April to May and September to November.

• What Months Does Switzerland Have Snow?

Switzerland has snow in January and February.

When Is The Best Time To Travel To Switzerland

Based on all that’s covered, the best months to visit Switzerland are the fall and spring months, which run from September to October and April to May, respectively.

You can enjoy Switzerland’s otherworldly beauty and explore the sights without spending a ton. These months undoubtedly offer you the best combination of warm weather, scenic beauty, and smaller crowds.

So, whether you choose to relax in hot springs or hike stunning trails, you no longer need to ask, “When is the best time to visit Switzerland?”

Have an idea of when you’ll visit Switzerland? Great. Read this complete Switzerland travel guide next to help you plan your perfect Alpine adventure!

Start Planning Your Trip to Switzerland:

• Check out our recommendations for a 7-day itinerary for Switzerland .
• Or if you are short in time you might prefer to start your planning with our 4-day Switzerland Itinerary .
• Check out our recommendations for the best travel insurance for Switzerland here.

Andrzej Ejmont

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Switzerland

Written by Becca Blond and Joni Sweet Updated Mar 20, 2024

Switzerland's natural beauty is as addictive as its mouthwatering chocolates – one taste and you'll be left craving more. Whether you are on the hiking trails outside Zermatt, laying eyes on the iconic Matterhorn for the first time, or marveling at the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains schussing down a ski trail beginning atop the Jungfraujoch, Switzerland seduces quickly.

This landlocked central European country is home to two mountain ranges, the Alps in the south and the Jura in the northwest. But Switzerland's natural attractions don't stop with peaks and glaciers. You'll also find glimmering turquoise lakes, emerald valleys where tingling bell-wearing cows and sheep graze, charming chalets, and flower box-filled villages that look ripped from the pages of a fairytale storybook.

Amid all this natural beauty are also some fantastic urban diversions and places to visit. With four official languages (French, German, Italian, and Romansch), Switzerland has a multicultural sophistication to its cities, which all offer something different when it comes to history and culture.

French speaking Geneva is home to four major offices of the United Nations and has a large international population. German speaking Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and financial center, known for its shopping, museums, and nightlife. The capital city of Bern boasts a medieval old town with a famous moving puppet clock tower and a stunning riverfront locale.

Switzerland is a four-season destination with countless things to do for outdoor adventurists. In winter you can partake in snow sports at world-class resorts, while summers are perfect for hiking, biking, climbing, and paragliding.

Getting around Switzerland is easy. Although you can rent a car and drive, we recommend utilizing its excellent train system that goes almost everywhere in the country. Trains are fast, mostly on time, and allow you to just sit back and soak up the stunning scenery.

Explore in more depth by checking out our list of top attractions and places to visit in Switzerland

1. The Matterhorn

3. jungfraujoch: the top of europe, 4. interlaken, 6. lake geneva, 7. chateau de chillon, montreux, 8. st. moritz, 10. lake lugano and ticino, 12. the rhine falls, 13. swiss national park, 14. the albula/bernina railway line, 15. oberhofen castle, 16. swiss grand canyon, 17. gruyères, best time of the year to visit switzerland.

You'll never forget the first time you see Switzerland's most symbolic mountain, the Matterhorn. Maybe you arrive in the charming village of Zermatt, at its base , on a clear blue day and the 4,478-meter high , tooth-shaped mountain looms clearly in front of you. Or maybe it is spitting rain when you first set foot in the car-free town, and it isn't until the next morning that you witness the emblematic peak emerging from a sea of dissipating clouds. Whichever way you first see this legendary mountain, it will remain seared into your memory for years to come. It's that impressive.

One of the highest mountains in the Alps, the Matterhorn sits on the border with Italy. It has four steep faces rising to its craggy tip. Climbers have been intrigued by this mountain from the first successful summit in 1865 by British climber Edward Whymper and his team. The trip still ended tragically when four of the climbers fell to their deaths during the descent.

Today, thousands of experienced climbers come here in a summit bid each summer. There are several routes to the top of this mountain, which is not accessible by cable car. The easiest route is the Hörnligrat, which begins in Zermatt.

Things to Do at the Matterhorn

If you don't have the skills to summit the Matterhorn, there are still plenty of ways to experience the mountain. One top excursion is to ride the Gornegrat Bahn cog railway to the summit of the 1,620-meter Gornergrat mountain for stunning Matterhorn views. Europe's highest open-air cog railway, and the first fully electric train of its kind, departs from Zermatt station multiple times per day.

The ride itself is also bound to leave you speechless. Taking 33 minutes and climbing 1,469 meters it crosses dramatic bridges, passes turquoise-hued mountain lakes, and at times clings to the side of the mountain with views down into rocky ravines.

Once you reach the mountaintop, you'll find an observation deck with views in all directions including a view of Switzerland's highest mountain and the second biggest glacier in the Alps. Keep an eye out for wild ibex near the viewing platform in summer.

Europe's highest-altitude hotel, the Kulmhotel Gornegrat is also here. Besides lodging, it has a restaurant and shops open to the public. There is excellent hiking in summer, while Switzerland's highest sledding hill provides winter fun.

At the foot of the Matterhorn, lies the charming village of Zermatt, a top international resort that is one of the most popular ski destinations in Switzerland , and a hiking, biking, and climbing paradise in summer.

Laid out along just a few main streets with a surreal-looking blue river running through it, motorized vehicles except for official electric taxis are banned to preserve the air quality and the town's peaceful ambiance.

Zermatt can also only be reached via helicopter (very pricy) or the Matterhorn Gotthard railway via the towns of Visp or Brig. If you drive to the region, you'll need to park your car down the valley in the town of Tasch, and then continue by train. As such, staying in Zermatt truly feels like you hiked into a remote mountain paradise.

In the winter, skiers can play on more than 300 kilometers of slopes accessed via a funicular and the Blauherd and Rothorn gondolas. In the summer, these slopes turn into hiking and mountain biking trails.

The Five Lakes Trail is one of the most popular hikes, beginning at the top of the Blauherd gondola and eventually taking you back to town via a series of five lakes, three of which you can see the reflection of the Matterhorn in on a clear, windless day. If you want to paraglide, this is also available.

Back in town, you'll find dozens of shops, restaurants (order Raclette, a cheese and potato dish that is a regional specialty), and hotels. If you are interested in history, pay a visit to the Matterhorn Museum , which tells the story of the mountain village turned international holiday resort. It also provides facts and photos from the Matterhorn's first ascent.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Zermatt & Easy Day Trips

Since 1912, tourists have been making their way to the fairytale-like village of Grindelwald for an excursion to the Top of Europe (also known as Jungfraujoch). As its name suggests, it's the highest train station in Europe.

It offers panoramic views of the UNESCO-recognized Jungfrau region that will make your jaw drop. The Sphinx Observatory, an astronomical observatory that looks like a Bond villain lair perched 3,454 meters above sea level, is the best place to see the magnificent Aletsch Glacier and the 4,000-meter peaks that flank it. With snow 365 days per year, it's also a prime spot to get a break from Europe's heat in the summertime.

This famous attraction has come a long way in the last 100 years, giving tourists lots of things to do at the top. Step into the 360-degree cinematic experience room for a closer look at the glacier and the Swiss Alps (perfect for ensuring you still get a wonderful view on a foggy day). Walk through a 250-meter-long corridor with artifacts and exhibits on the history of the miners who built the railway to Jungfraujoch—the antique mining equipment hanging on the walls will give you a deeper respect for these early pioneers.

Peek inside a giant snow globe that depicts the region with charming moving figures, like yodelers and gondolas. Then, glide through the Ice Palace. Frozen from floor to ceiling, it features smooth, icy hallways filled with ice sculptures of animals, including several penguins around an igloo.

Jungfraujoach's highly sustainable cable car, the Eiger Express , shortened the journey between Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes when it opened in late 2020. That makes it possible to summit the Top of Europe on a day trip from Interlaken or even Zurich, but if you have time, it's worth sticking around Grindelwald to hike for a few days .

The trails here are among the most beautiful in the world and most trailheads are easily accessible through the town's network of cable cars and gondolas. The aptly named Panorama Trail takes you along paths lined by wildflowers with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, while the Grindelwald First cable car station puts you on the path to the world-famous Bachalpsee lake.

You can also break up your days of hiking with adventure activities. Grindelwald First is home to a zip line that soars at 80 kilometers per hour and a mountain cart attraction that lets you race down winding gravel paths, plus a trail you can tackle on a "trottibike"—a unique cross between a scooter and a bike that's surprisingly fast.

Nestled on a strip of land between two glassy lakes, Interlaken looks like a postcard brought to life. The enchanting resort town has been a popular vacation destination for centuries, giving tourists a home base to explore the Bernese Oberland. Visit in the spring or summer to take in the striking sight of the town's lush gardens blooming with the snow-dusted Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch towering in the background.

Interlaken's proximity to Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, along with soaring alpine mountains, has helped it become the "Adventure Capital of Europe" —and it offers thrills for any taste.

Want to hike? Take a 10-minute ride on the Interlaken Harderbahn, a funicular railway that's more than 100 years old, to the Harder Kulm (Interlaken's closest mountain). A brick path lined with quirky Swiss statues takes you to the trailhead for the Harder Kulm Circular Path , a relatively easy, forested path that opens up to panoramic views of Interlaken.

From mountainside slopes, you can also take the sky on a paragliding adventure in the summer, or slip on a pair of skis and zip down fresh powder in one of five winter sports areas around Interlaken. It's also a lovely place to get out on the water. Rent kayaks, row boats, and pedal boats for a serene experience on the lakes. Or challenge yourself to wakeboarding, windsurfing, or water skiing.

The beautiful part about Interlaken, though, is that it's as much a place for excitement as it is for a laid-back retreat. Once you've gotten your share of adrenaline, wind down with a stroll on the Höheweg , Interlaken's main boulevard, or find a moment of peace at the Garden of Friendship, the country's first Japanese garden.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Interlaken & Easy Day Trips

Imagine a sparkling blue lake surrounded by mountains, a car-free medieval old town, covered bridges, waterfront promenades, frescoed historic buildings, and sun-splashed plazas with bubbling fountains. No wonder Lucerne (in German, Luzern) is a top spot for tourists.

Famed for its music concerts, this quintessential Swiss town lures renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to its annual International Music Festival . The Culture and Convention Center is home to one of the world's leading concert halls.

One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge , built in the 14th century. In a small park, lies the famous Lion Monument , a poignant sculpture of a dying lion, which honors the heroic death of Swiss Guards during the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution. History buffs will enjoy the Swiss Transport Museum with extensive exhibits on all forms of transport, including air and space travel, railroad locomotives, and a Planetarium.

For beautiful views of Lucerne, the Alps, and the lake, ride the funicular to the Dietschiberg on the north side of Lake Lucerne; cruise up Mt. Pilatus on the cableway; or head to the Rigi , a famous lookout point.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lucerne

Lake Geneva, Europe's largest Alpine lake , straddles the Swiss/French border, and laps at the shores of some of Switzerland's most popular cities. The city of Geneva (in French Genève; in German Genf) sits between pretty snowcapped peaks at the point where the Rhône spills into Lake Geneva.

This French-speaking "capital of peace" is the European seat of the United Nations and exudes a pleasing blend of French joie de vivre and Swiss structure. Promenades, parks, and gardens surround the lake, and the old town is a lovely spot to stroll among the historic buildings. The Jet d'Eau , a fountain in Lake Geneva shooting water 150 meters into the air, is a famous landmark. Cultural attractions include the Opera House and the Grand Théâtre , which stages international acts.

Also on the lake, about 62 kilometers from Geneva, Lausanne boasts lovely views over the surrounding region and the lake, with the Alps rising in the distance. Take a stroll through the medieval old town with its cute cafés and boutiques and stunning Gothic cathedral. At the foot of the Alps, on Lake Geneva, Montreux hosts the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in June/July.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Geneva

On the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux , the Chateau de Chillon (Chillon Castle) has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Lord Byron, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Victor Hugo are among the luminaries who have written about this architectural treasure.

Once the stronghold of the Counts and Dukes of Savoy from the 12th century, the complex encompasses about 25 buildings clustered around three courtyards. Highlights include the Great Halls, with magnificent views of Lake Geneva; the Gothic underground rooms; the Chapel , adorned with 14th-century paintings; and the Camera Domini , a bedroom occupied by the Duke of Savoy decorated with medieval murals.

St. Moritz is a city of firsts. The world's first electric light clicked on here in December 1878. In 1889 it hosted the Alps' first golf tournament and in 1935 began operating one of Switzerland's first ski lifts. Additionally, the town is considered the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism after a hotelier convinced British summer guests to winter here in 1864. It went on to host the Winter Olympics twice (1928 and 1948).

In the Upper Engadin region in southeast Switzerland, in a valley surrounded by the Alps, today it is one of the world's most ritzy ski resorts , favored by billionaires and celebrities. It has 350 kilometers of ski and snowboard runs with some of Switzerland's steepest terrain.

Winter sports run the gamut, from skiing, snowboarding, skating, and bobsledding to tobogganing. One of the oldest natural ice runs for toboggans on the planet is found here, the famous 1.2-kilometer-long Cresta Run . There is also a snowboard fun park and 150 kilometers of winter walking and cross-country ski trails.

In summer, St. Moritz attracts hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and rock climbers. If you prefer to golf, you can play four courses with fantastic mountain views. You can also enjoy the iron-rich natural mineral hot springs here year-round. They were discovered about 3,000 years ago.

Adding to all this spectacular mountain scenery, St. Moritz is a cultural crossroads. Romansch, German, Italian, French, and English are all spoken in the surrounding areas, not to mention the different languages of the many well-heeled international visitors and expats.

The town is divided into two parts: St. Moritz Dorf sits on a sunny terrace overlooking the Lake of St. Moritz. The other part of town, lakeside St. Moritz Bad on the valley floor, is a health resort with less expensive lodging.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in St. Moritz & Easy Day Trips

In a stunning location, perched on a peninsula of the River Aare, the Swiss capital of Bern exudes old-world charm, and the city's medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling along the cobbled streets, visitors can explore the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, with panoramic views from its tower; 16th-century fountains; the Zytglogge medieval clock tower with moving puppets; and six kilometers of shopping arcades, called " Lauben " by the locals. The Rose Garden (Rosengarten) offers beautiful views of the old town center.

Bern has many tourist attractions waiting to be discovered, including excellent museums. Art lovers will appreciate the impressive galleries, including the Zentrum Paul Klee, the world's largest collection of works by this famous artist, and the Bern Museum of Art (Kunstmuseum).

Don't miss the markets, held in the Bundesplatz (parliament square) with views of the elegant Renaissance-style parliament building (Bundeshaus). Families will also enjoy a visit to the Bear Park.

Lake Lugano lies on the Swiss/Italian border in Ticino, Switzerland's only official Italian-speaking canton, and offers a tantalizing taste of the Mediterranean. Citrus, figs, palms, and pomegranates flourish in the mild climate here–even as snowcapped peaks beckon in the distance.

In the towns around Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore to the west, the feel of Italy is unmistakable in the architecture, the piazzas, and the passion for fine food, which spills over the Italian borders from the south, east, and west.

Visitors can explore the area by touring the lake on one of the white steamers or renting a boat. For a panoramic overview, Monte San Salvatore offers one of the most spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside, lake, and snow-capped peaks.

Lugano , a financial center and the largest and most significant town in Ticino, is a popular summer resort. Northwest of Lugano, in sun-drenched Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Swiss lakeside living takes on a subtropical touch with warm days, blossoming gardens, and palm-studded estates. In Bellinzona , capital of the canton, three magnificent castles are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lugano, Locarno, and the Ticino Region

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, a major transportation hub, and a top starting point for travelers. The city lies at the northwestern end of Lake Zurich astride the river Limmat. Beyond its buttoned-up façade, this affluent banking capital boasts a rich line-up of cultural treasures.

A great place to begin a walking tour is the cobbled streets of the Old Town with its quaint shops, cafés, and galleries. Mile-long Bahnhofstrasse , one of Europe's finest shopping strands, beckons with designer stores selling fashion, watches, and jewelry.

Venturing away from the boutiques, visitors will find more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries, as well as many other tourist attractions . A top pick is the Kunsthaus Zürich , the museum of fine arts, with an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Another favorite is the Rietberg Museum , which focuses on non-European art with many works from China, India, and Africa.

A short stroll from Zürich's main station, the Swiss National Museum , in a Gothic chateau, spotlights Swiss cultural history. Families will love the Zurich Zoo with an elephant park, penguin parade, and Madagascar pavilion. From the city, take a train ride to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and countryside.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Zürich

Spanning 150 meters, the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) at Schaffhausen are the largest falls in Europe. The best time to visit is during June and July when the mountain snow melts, and the falls swell in volume to spill over a 21-meter-high ledge of Jurassic limestone.

Boat trips up the Rhine provide excellent views of the falls, as do the viewing platforms on both sides of the river.

Founded in 1914, Swiss National Park in the Engadine Valley is the oldest reserve in the Alps. The park sits right on the border with Italy and encompasses more than 170 square kilometers of flower-dotted hollows, fast-flowing rivers, and limestone crags. The scenery is especially dramatic in winter when the forested mountains are covered in a blanket of snow, and the views from the cross-country ski trails are stunning.

Nature lovers can explore the region on the large network of trails, though veering off these paths is forbidden in an effort to preserve the natural ecosystems. More than 5,000 species of wildlife call the park home, including marmot, red deer, chamois, ibex, fox, and more than 100 species of birds.

One of the very few railway lines in the world designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing, the Albula/Bernina line on the Rheatian Railways offers a majestic ride not to be missed. The route extends throughout the Albula and Bernina landscapes, covering 122 kilometers and winding through almost 200 bridges, the Graubünden mountains, and a number of tunnels and viaducts along the way.

A ride on this train means panoramic seats that overlook unspoiled mountain landscapes, including the Piz Bernina, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps at just over 4,000 meters tall. The train operates all year long, and the views are just as magical in summer as they are in winter.

Right on the shore of Lake Thun and surrounded by a 2.5-hectare park, this 13th-century castle is one of the most breathtaking in Switzerland. Because Oberhofen Castle changed hands many times through the centuries, and new owners kept adding rooms to it, the result is a magical mix of many styles: Bernese Baroque-style buildings, Romantic-style facades, and Prussian-inspired exotic new areas (including a library and a smoking room).

The castle also houses a living museum showcasing the times and lives of feudal societies that called the castle (and its surroundings) home from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

The Ruinaulta (also known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon") is a deep gorge surrounded by expansive meadows and forested cliffs. Located in Eastern Switzerland, it was created over 10,000 years ago–when the Ice Age Rhine Glacier retreated, it led to a chain of events that resulted in a massive rockslide in the Rhine Valley. As the Rhine River seeped through the rock walls, the gorge was filled with water.

Today, the Swiss Grand Canyon is not only one of the most beautiful areas in Switzerland, but also a preferred destination for hikers, bird-watchers, and nature lovers. It's possible to raft the rapids here between May and October, or rent a canoe or kayak for a gentler route with stunning views of the steep cliffs all around.

Even if you don't know anything about this small medieval town, you've probably heard about the hard yellow cheese that made its name famous. Today, that's one of the town's main attractions. Visitors can tour a cheese factory, sample the local specialties, and wave to the cows that call the surrounding green hills home. If cheese isn't enough, the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory also operates in town.

Gruyères might be tiny – it covers an area of just 28.4 square kilometers and is home to around 2,000 permanent residents – but it makes up for it with plenty of things to do, including the 13 th -century Castle of Gruyères and its two small arts and regional museums, as well as Saint-Germain Castle, which was bought by Swiss surrealist painter and sculptor H. R. Giger, and it now houses a museum dedicated to his work. The Tibet Museum, housed in an old church in town, is also worth a visit.

Stunning landscapes surround Gruyères, including the Gorges de la Jogne (favorite with hikers) and the nearby Mont Moléson, popular with climbers in the warmer months and home to ski and snowshoe trails during winter.

The best time to visit Switzerland depends partly on why you're going there. If you're going for the skiing, then of course winter is the best time to visit. For mountain hiking, summer is best, as it's warm even high up in the mountains, and you won't encounter much rain to disrupt your outdoor plans.

If your visit to Switzerland will include a bit of everything, then the months between April and June are your best choice . You'll still find some snow if you arrive early in this period, and warm days if you arrive later on.

Temperatures vary between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius, and you'll get a bit of rain, but you'll also see long days with plenty of sunshine, perfect for hiking and sightseeing . May is the most unpredictable month weather-wise – you might see rain and cold evenings or sunshine with temperatures in the low 20s.

Since the summer crowds don't arrive until July, and the winter crowds are long gone, you'll get more privacy and a chance to grab better deals on flights and accommodations .

More on Switzerland

Best Time To Visit Switzerland (Weather & Seasons)

Figuring out the best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to see and do while you are here.

Switzerland experiences a huge range of weather during the different seasons of the year, ranging from scorching hot in the height of summer to freezing cold in winter. I have experienced it all during my 20+ years of living here.

So, the weather will undoubtedly make a massive difference to your stay and the things you can do while you’re there. Hiking and mountain excursions are great from May to October but impossible in winter. Skiing is awesome in January, but the weather is in the cities does not allow for el fresco dining!

Join me as I run through everything you need to know to decide when the best time to visit Switzerland is for you.

Table of Contents

Spring (April to June) – Shoulder Season

Spring is a delightful time to visit Switzerland as the temperatures are moderate and the flowers are in bloom.

Known as shoulder season, this is also when Switzerland is not yet overrun with tourists and popular places are a little more peaceful.

Between April and June, the countryside is lush, snow on the peaks, and you will see all the wildflowers in bloom. I love heading to places like Maderanertal, where the variety of Alpine flowers is mind-blowing, as is the road to get there.

During spring, hiking trails at lower elevations might be open, the mountains will be free of skiers, and hotels and flights are more affordable too.

If you are brave, it might just be warm enough to swim in some lakes and enjoy watersports. I don’t do it personally, but some of my friends swim for nine months of the year. So anything is possible!

Temperature

Temperatures range on average from 59°F in April to 68°F in May and up to 70°F in June. It is not cold by any means, but if you prefer warmer weather, June will be your favorite month to visit Switzerland in spring.

April and May can be a bit wet in my experience. Although global warming changes all the seasons, so, this is not something I can 100% predict anymore.

June will have sunny skies and less rainfall, making it the best month to visit before summer starts

Reasons to Visit

• More affordable flights and accommodation
• Fewer tourists around
• Wildflowers in bloom
• Hiking trails open up
• Ideal weather
• Snow-capped peaks
• Lush countryside
• Ideal for a countryside train experience

Travel Tips

• Pack warm and cold clothes
• Pack so you can stay dry if needed
• Always have sunscreen and a hat with you
• Go to the mountains as it is the most affordable time
• It is the perfect time for scenic train rides

Summer (July to August) – High Season

Summer in Switzerland is the busiest time of year to travel.

This time of the year coincides with the school holidays in July and August, making it a popular time to visit. Popular tourist destinations are crawling with people, and you will also experience the warmest and sunniest weather.

Of course, having sun every day is not guaranteed in an Alpine country like Switzerland. However, it is sunnier fare more often than not. The lakes warm up for swimming and watersports, making high-altitude hiking trails accessible.

Most of the fun music festivals take place in summer, too. Famous ones like the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Zurich Street Parade and Swiss National Day do too.

It is a fun time to be in Switzerland as everywhere is alive. Particularly this year, I found the cities and towns in Switzerland to be thriving. Every restaurant and terrace was full of sun lovers having lunch or a coffee.

So, it is a lot busier, and prices can be as high as 50% more for flights and accommodation.

Mountain resorts also become particularly busy during this time—especially places like Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Zermatt.

Average temperatures range from 75 °F in July to 73 °F in August, the weather does just stay consistently hot over the high season months of July and August.

You will generally be blessed with sunny days and blue skies through July and August in the lower altitude areas of Switzerland, such as around Lake Geneva. Higher altitudes may experience more cloud cover and the odd rain shower.

• Guaranteed warm weather
• Access to high-altitude hiking trails
• Ideal for water sports and mountain sports
• Switzerland is alive with people
• A lot of fun festivals to go to
• Great for lakeside chilling
• Book flights & accommodation well in advance as they are very busy during this time of year
• Pack for hot weather plus a few items for warmth and to keep you dry
• Do not forget swimwear, sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses

Autumn (September to October) – Shoulder Season

Fall is a magical time of year to visit Switzerland. And it is another shoulder season, meaning prices are cheaper too.

During September, the weather is still warm , there are fewer crowds , the prices of flights and accommodation are lower , and it is much more peaceful.

It is still warm enough to swim in the lakes and access high mountain trails, and you also get to see the beautiful autumn colors coming out around the mountains. The alpine scenery is at its best and it is a lovely time to go on an alpine train ride like the Glacier Express.

October is an extraordinary time of year in the South as the Larch trees turn yellow, making for unique scenery and stunning photos. I was in Zermatt during this period last year and it was jaw-droppingly beautiful.

This is also the time of year when the grapes are being harvested and you can experience Switzerland’s many wine festivals

Average temperatures are about 68 °F in September and drop dramatically to 57 °F in October. This makes September a better time to visit for warmer activities, but it is in October that you see the autumn colors come to life.

Generally, the weather in high and lower altitudes is warm and dry during September, but it is starting to turn a bit colder at higher altitudes by the end of the month.

October in low altitudes is lovely, but high altitudes will start to get snow, passes and trails may be blocked, and cable cars will close for maintenance for a few weeks

• Good weather
• Autumn colors
• Spaces on experiences like the Glacier Express
• Great hiking access
• It is still warm for water sports & adventure sports
• Pack for warm/cold/wet/dry weather
• Get up into the mountains to see the Autumn colors
• Book last minute and you might get a deal

Winter (November to March) – High & Low Season

Winter season is high-season in Switzerland for the ski resorts and low-season for the rest of Switzerland.

The snowfall begins at higher altitude resorts in November and hits all resorts by about mid-December and runs through to late March. Christmas is the busiest time for winter sports enthusiasts, as people come to ski and have a white Christmas and see the Christmas markets.

February is also known as “Sport holiday” to the locals, as all the school children have a week or two off. As such, prices are also higher in the mountains during most of February.

Prices in Winter in the ski areas skyrocket, while in lower altitudes, you will find low season rates. It is a great time to experience Switzerland for a bargain as you can visit cities like Geneva and Zurich, pop into Christmas markets for some festive cheer, and hop up into the mountains for a hike in the snow.

If you want to go skiing, I recommend either January or March because by then there is enough snow, but you skip the two busiest months of the winter.

The average temperature during this time in Switzerland varies from 36 °F to 45 °F, close to freezing. It is, of course, a lot colder at higher altitudes.

Snow, rain, wind, sunshine, and cold are everything you might experience in winter.

• Awesome for winter sports
• The snow-covered Alps are stunning.
• Christmas markets
• More affordable flights & accommodation (not in ski areas)
• Winter hikes are beautiful
• Waterproof boots are a must
• Warmth is all about layering
• Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must
• Christmas markets are worth a visit
• Zermatt and the Valais region are stunning

Best Month to Visit Switzerland

The best month to visit Switzerland, in my personal opinion, is in September. It is quieter and more affordable, the weather is excellent, and all the high-altitude hiking trails are still open. It is also warm enough to enjoy all the water sports around the lower-altitude lakes.

June also offers the same benefits as September, but you might get to see some autumn colors in September, which is why September is best in my eyes.

On top of that, in June, not all of the hikes are open yet, as it takes some months for all the snow to melt!

Cheapest Month to Visit Switzerland

There is not one single cheapest month for visiting Switzerland, there are 3. November, March, and April are the most affordable times to visit Switzerland.

This is when the weather isn’t so great at high or low altitudes, making the demand low and the prices too.

Best Time to Visit the Alps

If you are looking to do snow sports, then you have to go during the ski season. The best snow is usually between December and the end of March, but if you want quiet slopes, choose the second week of March or the first 2 weeks of January.

If you want to hike around the Alps in June and September, either side of the peak season is your best bet. You will miss the summer crowds but still have good weather and access to high-altitude trails.

Best Time to Visit for Honeymoon

The best time to visit for a honeymoon depends entirely on what you would like to do on your honeymoon, there are many reasons to visit Switzerland after all.

If you want snow and skiing, the first week of March is your best bet. For fabulous weather and outdoor activities, May, June, and September are great, plus the romantic Autumn colors of October are also lovely.

Best Time to Visit for Hiking

May and June, as well as September and early October, are the best times to be visiting Switzerland for hiking. The higher altitude trails will begin to open. May & June has beautiful wildflowers, while September & October has stunning autumn colors and more higher trails are open.

If you want to do high-altitude hiking outside the high season, late June and early September will give you the best access.

How Many Days in Switzerland Is Enough?

How many days is enough to spend in Switzerland? The answer to this comes down to what you would like to do again. For a dash of city life and some mountains, 5 days is ideal – 2 in the cities and 3 in the mountains.

So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Switzerland?

The best time to visit Switzerland is a very personal choice as it depends on what you would like to experience.

The best time to ski is the first week of March in my eyes, as the snow is still good and the slopes are quieter.

For a warmer experience with outdoor activities, June and September are hard to beat. The weather is excellent, prices are lower, there are fewer crowds, and the countryside is still looking stunning.

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Best time to visit Switzerland + when to avoid [2023]

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it is easy to see why with its soaring mountains, quaint villages and cities, and all the stunning lakes and rivers. So, when is the best time to visit Switzerland, and when should you avoid it?

Whether you want to visit the Alps or city-hop through the country, there is something for everyone in Switzerland. There are different times that are the best to visit Switzerland depending on what you want to do. From winter sports to hiking trails in summer, and all the beautiful spring and autumn activities in between, there’s no bad time to visit this country.

✅ Check my complete guide to the worst mistakes to avoid in Switzerland

Although Switzerland is expensive to visit, it is easy to get to and even easier to get around, with central hubs and airports located in Basel, Geneva, and Zurich. Public transport is your best friend, making it easy to pick and choose where to go and what to do depending on when you visit Switzerland.

Overall best time to visit Switzerland

If you want a good all-rounder for good weather, fewer crowds, and still having the opportunity to hike or ski at higher elevations, then the months of March or September are the best time to visit the country.

✅ Learn about how to visit Thun Castle

But the best time to visit Switzerland is November to February, if you want to do winter sports (not including the run-up to Christmas and New Year’s which can get busy), or March through to October, if you want to hike through the Alps.

Why visit Switzerland?

Switzerland isn’t just about the snow, it’s also a great year-round destination, where you can enjoy activities from hiking and paragliding or sailing on a boat in a lake to skiing and tobogganing or hopping aboard the Glacier Express train in the cooler weather.

🚙 Read my guide to planning a perfect Switzerland itinerary .

It also isn’t just for those who are adrenalin fuelled or after adventure but is also a wonderful country to get to know the locals and visit beautiful historic cities, towns and villages with all their weird and wonderful traditions and festivals. If that isn’t enough to convince you to visit Switzerland, how about all the incredible gastronomy, from one of the 138 Michelin-starred restaurants to homemade fondue, chocolates, and cheeses?

Best time to visit Switzerland by months

Switzerland in january.

January is one of the coldest months in Switzerland and the peak of the winter, so perfect for snow sports in the mountains. It also brings light and ice festivals across the country, such as in Geneva, Lucerne, Murten , or Gstaad . If you are lucky, you can even glimpse the Festival de Ballons a well-known hot-air balloon festival in the alps, which is a sight to be seen.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in January is 2°C or 35.6°F
• Pros – Fewer tourists in the cities, with more people going to the mountains.
• Cons – The coldest month to visit Switzerland, so you might limited in terms of what you can do outside.

Switzerland in February

February is still a little cold, and the festivities long behind the darker days can be less inviting. However, there are still annual festivals and celebrations, if you head to some of the larger cities and towns across Switzerland. Basel is one such city with the famous Fasnacht carnival taking place at the end of February to scare off the winter and invite in the spring.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in February is 6°C or 42.8°F
• Pros – Fewer tourists in the cities because of the colder weather, but the ski season is still in full swing.
• Cons – Can be cold overnight, down to -2°C or 25.4°F in the cities and even colder in the Alps.

Switzerland in March

With the temperatures beginning to rise and the snow starting to recede, low-level ski resorts start to shut down, and towns and cities start preparing for the spring. You can get the best of both worlds in March with snow still at most resorts in the mountains, so snow sports are still available, but the cities and towns are starting to get warmer weather.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in March is 11°C or 51.8°F
• Pros – Best of both the winter snow and the warm spring weather. You can ski in the mountains and visit the lower-level towns without needing snow gear.
• Cons – Outside the main tourist seasons, some attractions could be closed.

Switzerland in April

Easter markets pop up across the country, and the snow is now only found in the higher elevations making April a month for a trip to Switzerland. Cities are beginning to wake up from the winter with festivals galore, including a tulip festival in Morges and various Jazz festivals across the country.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in April is 15°C or 59°F
• Pros – Fewer tourists means cheaper accommodations
• Cons – Some attractions and businesses may close for Easter.

Switzerland in May

May is the peak of the albeit short but beautiful spring in Switzerland. Blossom coats the trees; wildflowers fill alpine pastures, and the hiking trails and railways that have been shut over the winter reopen, such as the cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus. It is a great time to do higher-elevation hikes before the summer crowds arrive.

👉 May is a perfect time to visit Ticino , the Italian canton of Switzerland, which boasts a warm Mediterranean climate.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in May is 20°C or 68°F
• Pros – Attractions and locations closed over the winter begin to reopen this month.
• Cons – Although the weather is getting warmer, there is also a greater chance of rain.

Switzerland in June

June is one of the rainiest months in Switzerland, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. The temperatures are rising, and when it isn’t raining, the weather is perfect for a hike in the mountains or to sit out along one of the local rivers or lakes in one of the larger cities. It is also the perfect month to visit while it is warm before it gets more crowded in the later summer months.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in June is 21°C or 69.8°F
• Pros – Fewer crowds than in the later summer
• Cons – One of the rainiest months to visit Switzerland

Switzerland in July

Temperatures are often at or near their peak for Switzerland in July, while it averages around 24°C or 75.2°F, you will often have a hot spell hitting the mid to late 30°C or 86°F in the main cities Basel, Zurich , and Bern. The float down the local river through the city or take a dip in one of the nearby lakes to cool off.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in July is 24°C or 75.2°F
• Pros – One of the warmest months to visit Switzerland.
• Cons – July is one of the hottest months to visit Switzerland. Yes, it is an advantage and disadvantage at the same time, as it can make being out the in the middle of the day unbearable in Switzerland if they are having a hot spell, which is not what you want if you plan on hiking.

Switzerland in August

With temperatures, high August is still a great time to visit Switzerland for a camping trip or hiking. It can get a little busy at the beginning of the month with various school and public holidays, but with the wonderful weather, you get throughout the month that doesn’t keep anyone away. It’s also the month that music and dance festivals occur in many locations like Locarno, Lucerne, Zurich, and Basel.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in August is 23°C or 73.4°F
• Pros – The weather is warm, and any rainfall that does occur is short, plus lots of music festivals happening across the country.
• Cons – August is the peak of the school summer holidays in Europe so accommodation prices may be higher, and more touristy locations will be much busier than other times in the year. August 1 is also Swiss National Day, which is celebrated across the country, so expect the first week of August to be somewhat busy.

Switzerland in September

September is the season to visit Switzerland if you want to experience Switzerland when most tourists have gone home and you like your wine, as fruit and grape harvests happen during this time ( Lavaux Terrace Vineyards are beautiful in September).

The temperature begins to drop, but it is still warm enough for spending time outside or experience the last of the summer warmth sitting in a café along a lake. Alpine villages celebrate the cows coming home off the mountains with festivals filled with yodeling, music, and flower crown-wearing cows.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in September is 20°C or 68°F
• Pros – Most tourists will have left by mid-September leaving top attractions much quieter and uncrowded.
• Cons – If you visit in the first half of the month, it may still be a little busy, but there aren’t many disadvantages to visiting Switzerland in September.

Switzerland in October

As the temperatures start to dip and the leaves begin to turn, Switzerland in October is the perfect time for a lake cruise to take in the surrounding views or a train ride through the Alps. The higher mountain passes by road start to shut in October as the winter weather begins to set in at the higher elevations, so traveling by car can become a little trickier in these locations, but the bright yellow larches make up for that.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in October is 14°C or 57.2°F
• Pros – Much quieter than the previous months and the best time for seeing the fall colors in the mountains.
• Cons – Some attractions are starting to shut down for the winter months.

Switzerland in November

November in Switzerland means the arrival of the snow, with mountain locations often getting the first snowfall at the beginning of the month kicking off the winter ski season. As the peak ski season doesn’t arrive until December, you can also find some great accommodations and experience mountain attractions while it is relatively quiet still. If you want to hop on board the famous Glacier Express train, November is the only month it doesn’t run.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in November is 7°C or 44.6°F
• Pros – If the snow falls earlier, some of the ski slopes open up in November, and you can still do some hiking
• Cons – If you are coming to Switzerland to hike, this is not the month for you. As of the first week in November, most of the mountains close their hiking trails to make way for the inevitable snowfall.

Switzerland in December

December is time for the famous Christmas markets that fill the towns and cities across Switzerland. It is also the perfect time to head to the mountains with a good amount of snowfall having happened in November. If you are lucky, you may even have some snow in the cities further from the alps, which is perfect to explore the Christmas markets with a mug of Gluhwein in.

• The average temperature across Switzerland in December is 4°C or 39.2°F
• Pros – It is Christmas market month across the country.
• Cons – Because of the Christmas markets, city destinations tend to be busier than usual, and accommodation prices also go up. The mountains tend to be busy around the run-up and following Christmas too.

When is the high season in Switzerland?

Switzerland has two high seasons, one over the summer and one over the winter. Mid-June through to mid-September is the peak of the Swiss summer and many people flock to the mountains for hiking, the school summer holidays, and the bigger cities for a city break.

✔️ Read my complete guide to Bern , one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer.

Mid-December through to early February is the winter high season, with snow sports dominating the mountains, (especially around Valais and St Moritz) and Christmas markets filling the towns and cities.

When is summer in Switzerland?

Summer in Switzerland is from June to September, and if visiting during these months, be prepared to expect more crowds and some warm weather in some of the larger cities. It will often hit 40°C or 104°F for multiple days in a row in August. That weather will allow you to either get in the lakes for a dip or float down a river through one of the cities.

When is the low season in Switzerland?

Low season in Switzerland is generally from mid to late October through to mid-December and then again from mid to late March through to mid-April. It’s the best time to visit Switzerland if you don’t want to deal with the crowds, but it can also be unpredictable weather. If you visit Switzerland in the low season, you can enjoy perfect weather for a spring or autumn hike.

When is the worst time to visit Switzerland?

The worst time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to get out of your trip. For example, if you want to visit Switzerland to ski or take part in snow sports, then don’t come in the summer. If you want to hike mountain trails, don’t visit in the peak of winter. Overall, the time of the year with the more unsettled weather and when some locations and attractions start to close down on the run-up to the winter, (mountain huts and campsites), in October.

When is the least busy time to visit Switzerland?

The least busy time to visit Switzerland is either in one of the shoulder seasons, so from mid-April to mid-June, or in the low season. However, depending on local festivals and events that may be happening throughout the year, certain areas will still be busy during these months. Mid-September through to mid-October can be crowded in the Bernese Oberland and Lauterbrunnen due to the annual festive processions for the cows descending from their alpine pastures for the winter.

Tips for visiting Switzerland

Buy a swiss travel pass.

Depending on your length of stay in Switzerland, one way to reduce the cost of your trip is to buy a Swiss Travel Pass, (not to be confused with a SwissPass which is a pass for Swiss residents only).

The pass gives you unlimited travel by train, bus, or boat, plus other public transport in select locations, on 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days, with prices starting at CHF 232.00 for 3 days in 2nd class and up to CHF 429.00 for 15 days in 2nd class. You can easily buy this online via Switzerland Travel Centre, where you can see the full extent of Switzerland that the Swiss Travel Pass covers, and get free entrance for many museums.

Budget your trip

Another way to save money on your trip to Switzerland is to purchase a day pass or multiple saver day passes, from Swiss Railways, (SBB CFF FFS). They will allow you to travel on most public transport throughout Switzerland for an entire day at a highly reduced rate, sometimes as little as CHF 29.00.

It’s a great option if you would rather not spend more on the Swiss Travel Pass, or only want to travel on certain days, as the earlier, you book the pass the cheaper the ticket. You can also book these reduced-price tickets for children under 16, bicycles, (should you want to get out on two wheels), and dogs.

Get a city pass

Getting city passes is also a fantastic option to budget your trip when visiting Switzerland. Quite a few cities around the country will give tourists a free day pass to explore the city or at least have the option for you to buy one, giving you cheaper prices for a tram, bus, and boat travel.

Basel gives each visitor a free BaselCard for the entire length of their stay in the city with any stay at a hotel, hostel, B&B, or apartment. It provides free use of all public transport, half-price entry into certain museums and attractions, and a discounted rate on e-bike rental.

Cook your meals

The most expensive thing you will find when visiting Switzerland is that eating out at restaurants three times a day can get expensive quickly, even more so if you are visiting during a high season. So, take full advantage of local supermarkets and grocery stores such as Migros, Lidl, Co-op, or Denner to make your food if you have the facilities too.

Why not even pack yourself a lunch to have in the mountains?

If you want more flexibility when traveling around Switzerland, consider renting a car. While you will pay more for a car than for a train, you will be able to visit many hidden spots, hike cool trails and enjoy Alpine villages that many travelers don’t get to see.

✅ I always rent my car with DiscoverCars , one of the best car rental platforms that allows you to find vehicles at competitive rates and has no hidden fees, unlike some other car rental websites.

Best time to visit Switzerland: FAQs

What is the cheapest month to visit switzerland.

The cheapest time to visit Switzerland is generally between mid-January to the beginning of April, as it is the spring shoulder season with fewer tourists visiting the country. It can be a great time of year to visit Switzerland though.

What is the rainiest month in Switzerland?

Surprisingly although June is technically one of the summer months in Switzerland, it is also the rainiest month in Switzerland, and it can get quite humid depending on where in the country you are.

What are the warmest months to visit Switzerland

The best time to visit Switzerland for some of its warmest months is between July and early September. Unfortunately, because of this, these months are also some of the busiest and priciest across Switzerland. These months are some of the best for hiking in the alps.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland for hiking?

Spring or autumn are ideal times to visit Switzerland for hiking, with warmer days, short rain showers, and clear views. Summer is another great time for hiking in Switzerland, but it is also slightly rainier and can get busy at the more well-known destinations due to the various holidays.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland for skiing?

November through to March is great for skiing, but if you want to skip expensive hotel prices, avoid Christmas and New Year. The snow begins to fall at the highest elevations in mid-November right through to mid-March, with most of the country getting a good blanket of snow in December and January.

Is it better to visit Switzerland in April or May?

April and May are great times to visit Switzerland as they are in the spring shoulder season, but the weather can be a little more unpredictable than in the rest of the year. It’s more obvious in May when there is more rainfall on average than in April, but the days are beginning to warm up nicely. 

The best time to visit Switzerland: final words

So, when is the best time to visit Switzerland? It depends on what you want to do on your trip be it hiking, (best in March through to October), snow sports, (November to February), or taking in the autumnal or spring views. I suggest that either early spring or autumn, so March or September are good all-rounders for the best time to visit Switzerland.

The weather is warm enough, so you don’t need as many layers as over the peak of the winter, either the spring flowers are blooming, or the larch and beech trees are turning bright yellows and orange with the arrival of autumn, and there may be snow at higher elevations. So, it is the perfect time to visit a city or hike in the mountains.

This article was contributed by Gemma from The Traveling Tedaldi

The Best Time to Visit Switzerland: Ranking Months & Seasons

Wondering what month or season is really the best time to visit Switzerland?

Switzerland is a gorgeous country that has very definite seasons year after year. Each traveler may have different goals in mind when it comes to planning the ultimate Swiss getaway, so it can be difficult to choose the best time to go for accomplishing your unique desires. 

To sum it up, many travelers are going to want to visit Switzerland for ski season, which means that January and February are going to be the ideal months to visit for the best snow conditions. There are many different Winter activities and sports going on this season, with endless ski resorts to choose from and cities to visit. However, some vacationers prefer the warm Summer adventures that Switzerland has in abundance, which also makes July and August key months for traveling. 

We’ll cover each season of the year and the best times to visit by month, along with all the various adventures and activities you can accomplish while you’re there. 

Everyone will be visiting Switzerland for different reasons, so we’ve given you lots of options to choose from based on your vacation style.

Also, we have in-depth guides to each individual month. We link to them throughout this article and we highly recommend checking them out to really familiarize yourself with what to expect when traveling during each month in Switzerland.

The Best Times to Visit Switzerland: Quick Summary

Best Time for Fall Colors in Switzerland: October and early November

Best Time for Skiing & Snow Sports in Switzerland: January, February and March, though some glacial resorts are open year-round

Best Time for Families to Visit Switzerland: May, June, July, August and December

Best Time to Hike in Switzerland: April through September

Best Time for Markets in Switzerland: November and December

Best Time for Lower Crowds in Switzerland: Spring and Fall months

Best Time for Lower Prices in Colorado: April and October, followed by May, September, and November

We’ll explain each of these times of year in greater depth later in this post, as each topic deserves a more detailed description of why it’s best to select specific months for certain purposes.

Switzerland Seasons At a Glance

Peak Ski Season: Switzerland is the master of all things ski, with the Swiss Alps being the central focal point of the sport. The Swiss also perfected the art of apres ski and the lifestyle surrounding alpine skiing, which makes a ski trip to Switzerland one of the most magical and worthwhile vacations. 

The official start of ski season can happen as early as late October at some resorts, but most will be officially open for high capacity skiing by late November through late March. This is the time of year when the snow is at it’s most ideal and regular snow storms take place all over the country. The high altitude regions will receive the best and most consistent snow.

Despite the ski season drawing visitors from November to March, there are several resorts that have snow all year round. The ski resorts set around glaciers like Saas-Fee and the iconic Zermatt Matterhorn are open 365 days a year, making skiing possible for even Summer visitors. 

Peak Vacation Season: Winter will usually have some of the largest crowds rushing to take advantage of the great alpine snow for ski season, but Summer crowds can be even larger than those in Winter. Families are more able to travel this time of year while kids are out of school, so  July and August will be very busy.

The weather is at it’s hottest in July, but Switzerland weather is almost never unbearable. Light breezes, occasional rain showers and high altitude alpine towns make Summer very comfortable in Switzerland.

The warm weather opens up many different opportunities for hiking, backpacking, biking, climbing, paragliding and other such outdoor fun. Train tours, walking tours, boat cruises and National Park visits are all popular pastimes for residents and visitors in the Summer.

Slow Seasons: Spring and Fall tend to be the slower in Switzerland since they are shoulder seasons of the bustling Winter and Summer crowds. April and May experience snowmelt and light rainshowers, while September, October and November gear up for the holiday and ski season. 

There’s no reason not to visit during slow seasons, as Switzerland has no shortage of great activities any time of the year. But planning for tours, transportation and excursions may be more difficult at these times. Hotels and restaurants tend to close during their slowest periods and the weather can occasionally prevent certain outdoor activities. 

The Best Season to Visit Switzerland

Switzerland is best known for it’s beautiful ski resorts, chocolate box houses and scenic train rides, and Winter is the perfect time for experiencing all of these. We highly suggest a trip in the Winter months, especially in December when you can pair a festive holiday trip with great skiing and fewer crowds. However, most visitors will opt for ski trips in January and February when snow conditions are at their best. 

January and February are considered peak ski season, so crowds and pricing will be very high. There are many great resorts to choose from and other activities like snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or even HeliSkiing this time of year.

If skiing isn’t your number one priority but you’d still like to experience the Swiss Alps, December or April will have fewer people but great conditions in select ski resorts. The glaciers in high altitude resorts will contribute to cool weather and great skiing all year long, so even if you miss peak ski season in Switzerland, you can visit one of these resorts for a day of skiing on the glaciers.

Switzerland Month-by-Month

We’ve given a quick summary on the times to visit Switzerland but you need to know all the possibilities for a trip to Switzerland. Looking into each month of the year can help you focus on the cities, tours and sights you might want to add to your list. Each month can have a unique feeling to it, so we’ve covered the weather, activities and events you won’t want to miss.

Switzerland in January

January is the official start of the Winter season, with endless amounts of snow covering nearly all of Switzerland. On average, you can expect January to be cold and snowy with occasional icy winds in most places. Low altitude cities like Zurich will be around 34˚F (1˚C) during the day, while high altitude places such as Zermatt, will have averages of 28˚F (-2˚C). 

This is a great time to visit Switzerland for the great ski conditions, magical atmosphere and beautiful Winter landscape. Throughout the month, you’ll notice the crowds will increase for peak ski season. January rates and affordability tend to be on the higher side, as hotels and transport prepare for an influx of visitors this month. 

Best Activities in January: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Tobogganing, Ice Skating, Cross-country Skiing, Apres Ski, Sightseeing, Walking Tours, Glacier & Ice Cavern Tours, Gondola Rides, Scenic Trains, Fondue Tasting

Events in January: Harder-Potschete Parade, Snow Polo World Cup, Silvesterchlausen, World Snow Festival, International Balloon Festival

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in January.

Switzerland in February

February is the middle of Winter in Switzerland, with pretty even temperatures and occasional snow storms rolling in. It’s helpful to study the altitude of the cities you’re visiting, since this will often dictate the forecasted temperature and weather. Low altitude cities like Zurich will be around 37.5˚F (3˚C) during the day, while high altitude places such as Zermatt, will have averages of 28˚F (-2˚C). 

February is definitely peak ski season for Switzerland and a very busy month overall. With the influx of visitors, the prices for lodging, rentals and lift tickets will rise, too. However, if you are looking for some of the best skiing and weather around, February is the perfect month for visiting Switzerland.

Best Activities in February: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Tobogganing, Ice Skating, Cross-country Skiing, Apres Ski, Sightseeing, Walking Tours, Glacier & Ice Cavern Tours, Gondola Rides, Scenic Trains, Fondue Tasting

Events in February: Fasnacht, Horn Sled Races, White Turf, Chalandamarz

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in February.

Switzerland in March

March is a whimsical month where the first Spring weather begins to show. At the beginning of the month the weather will feel most like Winter and will feel closer to Springtime towards the end. The ski resorts like Zermatt, which is at the highest altitude in the country, will have average temperatures of 31.5˚F (0˚C). Lower areas and big cities like Bern and Zurich will have average temperatures closer to 44˚F (6.6˚C) during the day. 

March can still be pretty busy as skiers still flock to the slopes for those last blue bird days. Throughout the month, you’ll notice that crowd levels start to decrease leading into the Spring. If the higher travel rates aren’t an issue, March is actually a very pleasant time to visit Switzerland as the weather is gorgeous and there are lots of activities and events going on all over the country.

Best Activities in March: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Tobogganing, Ice Skating, Cross-country Skiing, Apres Ski, Sightseeing, Walking Tours, Glacier & Ice Cavern Tours, Gondola Rides, Scenic Trains, Fondue Tasting

Events in March: Republic Day, Engadin Ski Marathon, St. Joseph’s Day, International Jazz Festival

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in March.

Switzerland in April

April weather in Switzerland tends to be much more unpredictable than other months. Altitude is the single biggest factor to consider when you’re planning around Switzerland’s April weather. The low altitude Zurich ranges from 40˚F (4˚C) to about 57˚F (15˚C) this month, while Zermatt can range from about 28˚F (-2˚C) to about 45˚F (7˚C). Rainfall is also a factor in April. 

April is one of the best times to visit Switzerland if you want to find good deals and low crowds. You’ll be able to find some cheaper rates for hotels throughout the month of April, but Switzerland will still be higher in comparison to other European countries even in slow season. When you visit in April you can be one of the first to experience warm weather activities before Summer visitors come to town.

Best Activities in April: Boat Cruises, Castle Tours, Walking Tours, Sightseeing, Scenic Trains, Cogwheel Trains, See Waterfalls, Hiking, Chocolate Tasting, Skiing

Events in April: Sechseläuten, International Jazz Festival, International Classics Music Festival, Lucerne Spring Festival, Appenzell Landsgemeinde

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in April

Switzerland in May

May brings much warmer weather to Switzerland. Zurich, for example, has average temperatures of 64˚F (18˚C) and the highest altitude town of Zermatt averages 37˚F (3˚C) during the day. Rainfall can vary throughout the month of May, with the majority of the month having clear skies and dry ground – except where snow melt is occurring. 

May is a great time to jump on Spring and Summer activities before the influx of visitors swarm the country starting in June. Pricing is low to moderate as far as travel expenses goes and most hotels will be open again this month in preparation for the Summer guests. Hiking trails are back open at this point, along with waterfall tours and climbing excursions.

Best Activities in May: Boat Cruises, Castle Tours, Walking Tours, Sightseeing, Scenic Trains, Cogwheel Trains, See Waterfalls, Hiking, Swimming, Ropes Courses, Chocolate Tasting, Skiing (in select areas)

Events in May: Alpine Cattle Ascent, Ascension, Tulip Festival, International Jazz Festival, Appenzell a Capella Festival

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in May

Switzerland in June

June is the epitome of Summer and brings some of the best warm weather in the country. Days are also longer, giving you extra free time to enjoy the great outdoors. Most lower altitude regions will have the warmest weather, like Geneva and Zurich, which will be around 70°F (21°C) or warmer throughout the day. Higher altitude regions like Zermatt will have average temperatures around 45°F (7°C) throughout the day. The snow may remain on the mountain peaks, but it won’t continue to fall throughout the month of June. 

June is also right at the cusp of peak Summer season in Switzerland. Vacationers flock to the country as school lets out and families enjoy Summer break. This will inevitably mean that pricing on travel and hotel reservations begin to rise, making your Swiss vacation a bit more expensive than it was in May. On the bright side, all the hotels, restaurants, tours and excursions are open and available this month. 

Best Activities in June: Boat Cruises, Castle Tours, Walking Tours, Sightseeing, Cogwheel Trains, See Waterfalls, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, River Rafting, Paragliding, Swimming, Ropes Courses, Skiing (in select areas)

Events in June: Tellspiele, Fete de la Musique, St. Gallen Festpiele

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in June

Switzerland in July

July is like most places this time of year, experiencing warmer temperatures in the Southern parts of the country and cooler to cold weather in the Northern parts. July is one of the best times to visit Switzerland due to such perfect outdoor weather. If you plan to hike and spend lots of time outdoors, which is the top activity this month, prepare in advance for warm, dry trails with occasional rain showers.

Lower cities like Zurich will hover around 70˚F (21˚C) each day. Meanwhile, high alpine towns like Zermatt average about 63˚F (17˚C) during the day. Prepare for a lot of bustling activity no matter where you travel. July will also bring higher pricing for hotels, rentals, airfare and tours, which can make a significant difference in budget if you’re traveling with multiple people.

But remember, July is peak season for good reason – conditions are perfect for warm weather activities and outdoor fun! 

Best Activities in July: Boat Cruises, Castle Tours, Walking Tours, Sightseeing, Cogwheel Trains, See Waterfalls, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, River Rafting, Paragliding, Swimming, Ropes Courses, Via Ferrata Climbing, Skiing (in select areas)

Events in July: Montreaux Jazz Festival, Rigi Schwinget, Gurten Festival, International Alphorn Festival, National Costume Festival, Interlaken Gauklerfest

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in July

Switzerland in August

August is another great weather month for Switzerland, maintaining that warm mountain air and sunshine. Lower altitude towns will average temperatures at 68˚F (20˚C) during the day, while high altitude towns will average 53˚F (12˚C) in August. August is part of the Summertime rush, but the weather is immaculate, granting access to high altitude hiking trails and warm outdoor activities. Because of this, pricing is due to be almost as high as ski season rates. 

While it may be busy and a bit pricey, you can guarantee that all accommodations and guided tours are open this season, but availability may be tricky if you don’t book ahead. Lots of fun family-friendly activities take place in cities all over Switzerland and more adventurous excursions like paragliding and cliff walking are a blast in the warm weather.

Best Activities in August: Boat Cruises, Castle Tours, Walking Tours, Sightseeing, Cogwheel Trains, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Paragliding, Swimming, Ropes Courses, Via Ferrata Climbing, Skiing (in select areas)

Events in August: Swiss National Holiday, Buskers Bern, Lucerne Festival, Zermatt Folklore Festival

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in August

Switzerland in September

In the month of September, the weather is still fairly warm but the mountain peaks are beginning to cool down. Some actually consider September to be the best weather month for visiting Switzerland. Outdoor fun is in abundance this month as locals and visitors alike get in their last days of hiking in comfortable weather. If you plan to visit a low altitude regions, expect temperatures to be around 60˚F (15.5˚C) during the day. But in high altitude places, the average temperature is 51.5˚F (11˚C). 

September is the beginning of the Fall shoulder season for Switzerland. This leaves a gap of about two to three months where travel becomes a bit easier for those who prefer not to fight the crowds of Summer. The good news for frugal travelers is that rates on travel and lodging will go down this month, making a Switzerland trip on a budget more doable. 

Best Activities in September: Boat Cruises, Castle Tours, Walking Tours, Sightseeing, Cogwheel Trains, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Paragliding, Ropes Courses, Via Ferrata Climbing, Grape Harvesting, Skiing (in select areas)

Events in September: Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Alpine Cattle Descent, Grape Harvest Festival

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in September

Switzerland in October

October is a gorgeous season for vacationing in Switzerland as most of the country will be colored with changing leaves and browning vegetation. Temperatures will be comfortably cool this month but can vary drastically depending on the region you’ll be visiting. Generally, you can expect October to be mild and breezy with low altitude temperatures around 52˚F (11˚C) and high altitude temperatures at 45˚F (7.2˚C). 

Airfare and lodging will be at a low this month, which makes a trip to Switzerland on a budget easier to plan. With this in mind, October is best for the traveler who wants to experience the outdoor activities and beauty of Fall while saving a little money. Switzerland is beautiful most of the year, but the true magic comes when you get to experience the changing seasons on a lower budget.

Best Activities in October: Boat Cruises, Castle Tours, Walking Tours, Glacier Tours, Sightseeing, Hiking, Via Ferrata Climbing, Gondola Rides, Wine Tasting, Skiing (in select areas)

Events in October: Foire du Valais, Festa d’Autunno

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in October

Switzerland in November

November is the last month in Autumn and the weather takes a noticeable turn toward Winter. The glorious colors of Fall will still be abundant, but fading as the Winter snows set in. Temperatures can range from mild to very cold depending on the altitude and time of day. Lower altitude regions like Ticino can average 45 ° F (7.3 ° C) or more while high alpine areas like Zermatt will average 35 ° F (1.6 ° C) or lower.

November is still considered part of the slower shoulder season for Switzerland, so traveling will be fairly easy and crowd levels will be low. The affordability in a month like November is quite budget-friendly compared to other months of the year. However, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries to visit, so the term “budget-friendly” can still look more expensive than the average meaning. 

Best Activities in November: Boat Cruises, Walking Tours, Sightseeing, Hiking, Gondola Rides, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Tobogganing, Ice Skating, Apres Ski, Glacier & Ice Cavern Tours, Gondola Rides, Scenic Trains, Wine Tasting, Fondue Tasting

Events in November: All Saints Day, Geneva International Film Festival, Zibelemarit, Christmas Markets

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in November

Switzerland in December

December in Switzerland is a true Winter wonderland. On average, you can expect December to be cold with occasional snowfall in most locations. The ski resorts will see the coldest weather this month at a mild 30˚F (-1˚C), while Southern or low altitude areas of the country will be around 38˚F (3.3˚C) during the day. 

December is one of the months where Switzerland starts to see a new rise in visitors due to the holiday season. Tourists will come to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s here, with a big uptick happening toward the end of the month. The top attractions will revolve around the festive Christmas markets, celebratory events and impressively decorated streets and buildings. 

Hotels may be moderate this month, along with lift tickets and touring prices. However, plane tickets, train transport and car rentals may be a bit high especially toward the end of December. 

Best Activities in December: Christmas Markets, Walking Tours, Sightseeing, Gondola Rides, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Tobogganing, Ice Skating, Cross-country Skiing, Apres Ski, Glacier & Ice Cavern Tours, Gondola Rides, Scenic Trains, Fondue Tasting

Events in December: St. Nikolaus Day, Fete de l’Escalade, Christmas, New Year’s Eve

Click here to read our standalone guide to Switzerland in December

Final Recommendations

We are most partial to the winter months in the Swiss Alps – so much so that we took our December honeymoon in Zermatt! We would highly recommend taking a Christmas vacation to Switzerland if you get the chance, especially if you’re an intermediate to advanced skier who loves a great cocktail, delicious fondue, charming resorts and historic towns. 

For those who prefer to avoid the cold and participate in adventurous outdoor activities, we love the idea of planning a budget-friendly vacation in April, May, September or October. Not only can you save big these months, but you can also still enjoy hiking, climbing, sightseeing, walking tours, scenic train rides and those boat cruises that Switzerland is famous for. 

Ultimately, you as the visitor will determine what month is best based on the activities you’d like to accomplish in Switzerland. The is such a variety of different opportunities available all throughout the year, you’ll want to establish which ones are best suited for you and your group. Whether you choose the splendor of a holiday ski trip filled with dazzling lights and well-groomed slopes, experience the Medieval architecture of cities like Basel or Stein am Rhein, or hike your way through Harder Kulm or Swiss National Park, your trip is bound to be the adventure of a lifetime.

Switzerland in February: Everything You Need to Know

Switzerland in March: Everything You Need to Know

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The Best Time to Visit Switzerland: A Complete Guide

When visiting Switzerland, one thing is sure: you’re going to have lots of fun. Of course, fun takes different meanings depending on the months you decide to travel to the country. There are diverse activities to keep you busy all year long, and no matter how long you’ll be staying, you’re not getting bored. You can ski during the winter , enjoy the towns and villages spread across the country during spring, hike the longest of trails during summer, and become a professional photographer during fall as you take in the beautiful mountainous views . Depending on which one of these you’re more into, it’s a given that you’ll need to know exactly when to book your flight, so you don’t pack the wrong gear and clothes. 

The Climate of Switzerland

Switzerland has a moderate continental climate all over the territory, except for the mountains, where the where the temperatures are usually low or freezing. The differences between the four seasons are clear and evident. The summers are hot, and the winters are relatively cold and snowy. Most of Switzerland’s main cities are located on a plateau, which, in geological terms, is an elevated flat terrain. The temperatures there are almost freezing during winters and up to 25°C degrees during typical summers and up to 30°C degrees in very hot summers. In the mountains, the temperatures become colder as you climb up higher and higher. It’s usually sunnier in the hills due to the clouds being lower in the summer.

The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Depending on what you’re doing, there are different times to visit Switzerland . If you’re just there to enjoy the views surrounding the cities, towns, and villages, then anytime is a good time. However, for more specific things like hiking or skiing, there’s a certain period during which you’ll need to visit.

Best months to visit Switzerland for hiking 

Hiking in Switzerland has become a bucket list item for many people around the world, and can you even question them? Look at the place! It’s absolutely gorgeous, and some of the prettiest places in the country can only be found on foot. The best months to hike in Switzerland are from mid-June to late September, mainly because the weather is warmer during those times, and you won’t get stuck in the snow. Whether you like your hikes a bit on the colder or warmer side, there’s a month for all your specific requirements. In June, you’ll definitely find snow the higher you go, as it’ll take at least a bit more for the snow to dry out. In July and August, you’ll find less snow, and you can enjoy the wildflowers growing everywhere around the valleys. In September, the weather is still nice and a lot less rainy, and there are not so many crowds of people due to summer being over.

Best months to visit Switzerland for skiing

In November, especially by the end of the month, most ski resorts will be opening up, and the snow will start to settle even in the lower parts of the mountains. December is the month for skiing as most people begin their winter vacations and go up in the mountains with their friends and families. In January and February, avalanches can be quite dangerous; however, ski resorts will make sure of your safety, and of course,  the snow will be absolutely excellent.

Visiting Switzerland in Summer vs. Winter

During summer, Switzerland has plenty of activities in store for you. You can hike, ride boats, paraglide, bike and have entire journeys on trains with some of the best views possible on Earth. There are lakes everywhere, from the valleys up to the highest parts of the country. The weather is pleasant and hot. ‘What are the warmest months in Switzerland?’, you ask? July and August are usually the hottest throughout the year, and that’s when a lot of tourists come over. 

During the winter, the main activity is… you guessed it, skiing. Or anything to do with snow, such as snowboarding and winter hiking. The weather is cold and freezing, sometimes even raining and the tourists are usually from nearby countries, making some of the resorts and peaks a little bit crowded.

High season in Switzerland

As for winter, the high season is during January and February because snow reaches even the lowest of valleys, although not in huge amounts. Many tourists come into the country to spend their winter vacations after New Year’s, so expect to find a lot of families skiing and most probably falling all over the place.

Low season in Switzerland

There are two especially low seasons in Switzerland where not so many tourists can be found: April and October/November. These are considered low seasons due to most of the resorts and tourist attractions like hiking and skiing being closed off due to weather conditions; it’s not warm enough for hiking, and there’s not enough snow for skiing.

The Worst Time to Visit Switzerland

As mentioned already, each person or group of people goes to Switzerland with something already in mind as to what they want to do once they get there. You can have fun almost during any month of the year; however, there are considerations that need to be taken.

If you don’t like crowds of people in your skiing peaks, then it’s better to stay away during the major winter holidays, Christmas and New Year. This is the peak tourist season in Switzerland due to the high number of locals and tourists that come over to ski in the Alps. Also, if you like warm weather and iced teas, winter in Switzerland is definitely not for you; less sunshine during the day means you’re going to wander around under dark skies and cold weather most of the time.

If you’re into activities such as hiking and skiing, another lousy time to come to Switzerland is April/May because of the resorts being closed, the weather being unfavorable, and the low season fully beginning.

You might be wondering, ‘What’s the rainiest season in Switzerland?’ That’s a period lasting from May to August, so if you really don’t like rain, make sure to plan your trip before or after those months. 

Switzerland Travel Tips 

• Switzerland is not in the EU, so its currency is Swiss Francs . Convert the currency here .
• Get a Universal Power Adapter so you can plug in any adapter you need, no matter the power outlet (power outlets in Switzerland can be with two or three prongs).
• EU citizens and those from Schengen-approved countries can travel to Switzerland for 90 days Visa-free.
• The languages mainly spoken in Switzerland are German, Italian, and French.
• Traveling in Switzerland is easiest by train, as the country has an impressive network of railroads that can take you anywhere.

If you’re visiting in the summer , you’re going to need:

• Light clothes
• Shirts, lots of shirts
• A jacket and an umbrella, just in case
• Hiking gear
• Large backpack
• Warm clothes for when you reach high elevations

If you’re visiting in the winter , you’re going to need:

• Warm clothes
• Hats and beanies
• Skiing gear

Whether you decide to kick it back and chill in a cabin all vacation long, or if you choose to tire yourself out climbing mountains and skiing down them, Switzerland is the place for everything . No matter what, you’ll be spellbound from the sights , the fresh smell of grass, and the crunch of snow. The seasons may change how Switzerland looks, but they won’t change how it feels; a challenge worth putting yourself through. So, go climb that mountain, enjoy that calming lake, and eat that chocolate. The best time to visit Switzerland is now. 

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The 11 most incredible places to visit in Switzerland: be inspired

Nov 24, 2023 • 8 min read

Switzerland, it really is this stunningly beautiful © scaliger / Getty Images

Nowhere is perfect, but let’s face it,  Switzerland gets pretty darned close. 

The Alps ripple across 60% of the country, and the landscapes and towns look like they have been dreamed up by a particularly imaginative child. We’re talking glacier-capped peaks, crash-bang waterfalls, turreted castles of the fairy-tale kind and lakes in the most surreal shade of turquoise blue. Red trains curl up mountains to improbable heights and clanging cowbells ring out across hilly meadows that you can skip down with Heidi-like glee.

Even the culture-filled cities have magnificent backdrops of vineyards, lakes or rivers, and the mountains are never more than a whisper away. As natural beauty goes, Switzerland is off the charts. That makes it a joy to travel around , whether by train, bus or car. Here are the 11 best places to visit in Switzerland.

1. Jungfrau

Best for outdoor activities

The idyllic Jungfrau region is the icing on the Alpine cake of Switzerland’s  Bernese Oberland . Sky-high peaks, glaciers and thundering falls elicit gasps of wonder wherever you go. Grazing the 4,000m (13,123ft) mark are Switzerland’s "big three:" Eiger (Ogre), Mönch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Virgin), enshrined in mountaineering legend.

Take a once-in-a-lifetime ride up to the everlasting snow at Europe’s highest train station, 3,454m (11,332ft)  Jungfraujoch . Hike, ski, sled and zip-line among mountains of myth in  Grindelwald , enjoy waterfalls galore in  Lauterbrunnen  and tackle every kind of extreme sport imaginable in  Interlaken (skydiving, ice climbing, glacial bungee jumping – you name it). The Jungfrau region is the great outdoors on a blockbuster scale.

Planning tip:  Rush this region and you’ll regret it. Allow a week or more to dive in deep if you have the time. It's worth it. 

Best for stepping back in time

Bern often pops up in those I-can’t-believe-it’s-the-capital trivia questions, but frankly, Switzerland’s first city deserves more love. The cobbled, flag-bedecked medieval  Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage treat, with 6km (3.7 miles) of covered arcades, cellar shops and bars, fantastical folk figures topping 16th-century fountains and the eye-grabbing  Zytglogge . Framed by wooded hills and split in two by the turquoise Aare River, this red-roofed city looks good from pretty much every angle. It’s pure storybook stuff for kids, too, with its giant who snacks on children (the  Kindlifresserbrunnen ) and  resident bears .

Sights-wise, you’ll be drawn to big-hitters like the  Einstein-Haus  (where the genius and Nobel laureate developed his theory of relativity), the  Kunsthaus  (with its outstanding fine arts collection) and Renzo Piano’s wavy Zentrum Paul Klee (Bern’s answer to the Guggenheim).

In summer, the action’s on the water with swimming, tubing, rafting and paddleboarding along the Aare River.

3. Geneva and Lake Geneva

Best for a cosmopolitan city experience

In Switzerland’s western crook, crescent-shaped Lake Geneva  (Lac Léman to Francophones) is a joy to behold with its mountain backdrop, spirit-lifting views, vineyards and shoreline necklaced with handsome cities and castle-crowned towns.

Marked by its rainbow-kissed  Jet d’Eau fountain and Mont Blanc peeping up on the horizon, Geneva wraps around the lake’s southern shore. The worldly city makes an excellent launchpad for exploring with big-hitting museums and galleries to absorb, botanical gardens to stroll, lidos to swim at, Old Town cafes to hang out in and bright-yellow mouettes  ferrying locals across the water – surely one of the world’s most scenic commutes.

Planning tip: It’s a quick boat or train hop to  Lausanne , which can culturally give Geneva a run for its money, especially with its  Plateforme 10 arts district , the lovely terraced vineyards of the  Lavaux  wine region (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and flower-draped  Montreux , host to one of the world’s most famous jazz festivals, with the picture-perfect  Château de Chillon right on its doorstep.

Best for hiking, skiing and rock-climbing

No peak has more pulling power than the 4,478m (14,692ft) Matterhorn, a terrific, gnarled fang of rock that flings up above the seductive, timber chalet-filled Alpine resort of Zermatt . It's Switzerland’s mountain icon, so beloved by the nation that it inspired the pyramid shape of Toblerone chocolate.

Zermatt is more than a one-mountain wonder. Climbers have been rocking up here since the mid-19th-century, and it’s still a magnet for challenging summit ascents today. Otherwise, come to hike, ski and gaze over a sea of glaciers and 4,000m (13,123ft) peaks at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise . 

5. Swiss National Park 

Best for wildlife (and wildflowers) spotting

Switzerland has just one national park? Yes, we know it’s a shock, but trust us it’s a good one. Snuggled away in a remote corner of the country’s southeast on the border with Italy, the 172-sq-km (66-sq-mile)  Swiss National Park is the Alps in overdrive: a nature-gone-wild spectacle of high moors, forests, wildflower-freckled pastures, waterfalls, jewel-colored lakes and mountains as high as the sky, where ibex, chamois, marmots, deer and golden eagles roam and fly free.

Planning tip: Start off on the right foot with the inside scoop on walking trails and ranger-led guided hikes at the visitor center in Zernez.

6. Bellinzona

Best for piazza dining

With medieval castles rising high and the Alps rearing beyond, good-looking Bellinzona in Ticino is a taste of the best of Italy's best food and culture in Switzerland. You’ll find a generous splash of Italian flair in its historic center, woven with flower-draped alleys, Renaissance churches and cafe-rimmed piazzas that brim with life, laughter, clinking glasses and the out-of-tune toll of countless campaniles. 

Planning tip:  Top of any wish list is seeing the castles, among them hilltop Castelgrande , which can be drawn out into a full day’s activity (bring water and comfortable shoes). 

7. Jura Mountains and Lac de Neuchâtel 

Best for road tripping

In the dark forested hills along the French-Swiss border, the Jura Mountains are a natural wonder. This peaceful region has a beauty all its own: meadows of green, ancient forests, rocky outcrops overlooking a trio of lakes against an Alpine backdrop and slow-paced villages and valleys little changed in centuries. 

Begin with a road trip . Kick off at the Jura Vaudois Nature Park for hikes with dress-circle views of Lake Geneva and Gruyère cheese tastings at rustic Alpine huts. Swing north to Lac de Joux, the watchmaking village of Le Sentier, and Vallorbe, honeycombed with Switzerland’s biggest (and most impressive) limestone caves.

Tag on a trip to Lac de Neuchâtel and you can bathe in the thermal waters of Yverdon-les-Bains, tiptoe off the map in the lushly rolling Val-de-Travers (birthplace of absinthe) and the crescent-moon canyon of Creux du Van . Cultured Neuchâtel is a fitting climax with its fantasy of a lavishly turreted château.

8. Lake Lucerne

Best for sunset promenades

Reclining on the shores of its glittering namesake  lake ,  Lucerne  is a walkable, medieval dream of a city that has a magic you can’t quite put your finger on. It will grab you when you are strolling along the promenade as the sun sets in a blaze of gold and pinks or as you cruise across its waters to mountains of myth: 2,132m (6,995ft) Mt Pilatus, where Wagner raved about the Alpine panorama and Queen Victoria trotted on horseback, and 1,797m (5,896ft) Rigi, with a light so sublime Turner painted it in three different moods.

The little city punches far above its weight culturally with its iconic medieval Kapellbrücke  bridge leaping across the Reuss River and the Jean Nouvel–designed  KKL arts center and  Sammlung Rosengart  harboring a prized private collection of Picassos. Ambling past the belle époque hotels lining its shores, the same views that captivated Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner in the 19th century will hold you in their thrall.

Planning tip: With more time on your hands, you can really get out on the lake. Cruise across fjord-like, mountain-rimmed Lake Uri for a taste of Switzerland’s geographical and spiritual heartland. Boats ply the glassy turquoise waters to  Rütli , birthplace of the Swiss nation.

9. Appenzell and northeastern Switzerland

Best for a bucolic Swiss experience

Northeastern Switzerland might not have the in-your-face drama of higher realms of the Alps, but it nevertheless delights in its own serene, deeply rural way with dairy country unraveling to meet the mountains and half-timbered, gaily muralled towns all fit for a postcard. This pocket-sized region is perfect for a family vacation with a hit of culture and gentle adventure.

Begin in St Gallen, with a spin round its World Heritage  Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), a literary marvel and a feast of rococo art and architecture. Move on to folksy, ridiculously pretty Appenzell, popping into the  Schaukäserei to sample regional cheeses.

Muscling further south into the Alps, head on up to Säntis at 2,501m (8,205ft) for views embracing six countries and then go to  Werdenberg , a tiny speck of a medieval hamlet home to Switzerland’s oldest timber chalets.

Planning Tip: Close by is  Vaduz ,  Liechtenstein ’s princely, castle-topped capital on the banks of the Rhine.

Best under-the-radar city experience

Popularity-wise, poor old  Basel barely gets a look. But that’s a mistake. Straddling the Rhine, this city has everything going for it: world-class art in some of the country’s best galleries, a hot food scene, avant-garde buildings bearing the hallmark of Pritzker Prize–winning architects and an upbeat cafe culture.

Allow several days for a satisfying romp of the center, where must-sees include the  Kunstmuseum and its fine arts collection, the Renzo Piano-designed  Fondation Beyeler and the Frank Gehry-designed  Vitra Design Museum .

Planning tip: Basel endears itself most to those who look beyond the trophy sights, with sundown drinks by the river or a wild swim in the Rhine. Rent a Wickelfisch (a fish-shaped waterproof bag) at the tourist office, strip to your swimming suit and go with the flow, floating downstream past the city’s landmarks.

Best place to live

Regularly landing at the top in quality-of-living surveys, urban dynamo Zürich never seems to miss a beat: from cool waterside bars on the banks of the Limmat River to its alley-woven Old Town, where the twin-spired Romanesque Grossmünster shines with Augusto Giacometti’s rainbow of stained glass. Le Corbusier’s boldly colored architectural creations and the edgily post-industrial Züri-West neighborhood notch Zürich's culture cred up even further.

Planning tip: In mid-August, Zürich throws one of Switzerland’s wildest parties: the techno-pumping Street Parade. 

This article was first published September 2021 and updated November 2023

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• Switzerland Tours
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Best Time To Visit Switzerland

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Switzerland has been one of the most popular tourist destinations for many reasons. The snow-capped peaks, the stunning vistas, endless snow sports, or just relaxing by a roaring fire with a cup of world famous Swiss hot chocolate or cheese fondue in hand. Whatever your reason for visiting Switzerland , you just have to make sure that you’re visiting during the right time.

Determining the best time to visit Switzerland will help you plan your entire holiday, and also let you finalize on what activities you’ll be able to do. So, read on to find out when to visit Switzerland, for your ideal holiday!

Quick Facts

• Best time to visit : April – June, September – October
• High Season : July – August
• Low Season : October – March
• Best Ski Season : December – March
• All Seasons : April – June (spring), July – August (summer), September – October (fall), November – March (winter)
• The best time to visit Switzerland is during the shoulder seasons, between April and June, and September to October, when the weather is at best, and there aren’t too many tourists.
• The high season is July to August, when the weather in Switzerland is the warmest it is in the entire year, but you will have to face a lot of tourists, and over 50% increase in prices.
• Winter (between December and March) is low season in most parts of the country, as there will be intense snowstorms. However, this is the best season for those who want to go on ski trips.

Switzerland is a country that at once defies all stereotypes, and lives up to all of them. It’s truly the land of picture–perfect mountains, postcard like villages, amazing cheese, chocolate, and utter peace. However, there is more to discover of this country than most people would expect – from the strict punctuality of the Swiss, to their utter hospitality. You will definitely find something amazing at every corner, there is no doubt that this is one of the most picturesque destinations you’re ever going to visit in your life.

Depending on what you want to do, you will be able to discover different parts of Switzerland, no matter which part of the year your travel in. However, there are certain seasons when the weather in Switzerland makes the destination impossible to resist. You just have to identify the best time to go to Switzerland, based on what you like to do best!

Seasonal Overview

1. april to june – spring / good season.

April – June is a good season to visit Switzerland for a number of reasons. The snowfall would have just reduced to bearable levels, so you will still be able to see Switzerland for the winter wonderland that it is. Moreover, the crowds from the ski slopes would have also left, and the summer crowd would not have trickled in yet, and you will be able to find most accommodation and travel tickets for cheaper. The weather in Switzerland might be slightly wet during this season, but the accommodation will be cheaper, the wildflowers will be blooming all across the valleys, and a ride on the cable cars will offer stunning views.

• Avg. Temperature : 60 – 74° F / 16 – 23° C (in Zurich)
• Rainfall : 137 – 173 mm
• Season : Spring
• Highlights : There are some places you must definitely visit during these months, especially hiking. All trails up to 2000 m will be clear of snow, providing you a clear path to trek up, with stunning snow–capped peaks to view. This is also a great time to catch those quaint scenic train rides, as well. Make sure you visit Lake Lugano, on the Italian–Swiss border (make sure you carry your passport). Lake Maggorie, and Ronco Sopra Ascona are also stunning places to visit. Make sure you stop by Ascona, for its famous art festival, Artisti di Strada in May, or by Geneva for Fete de la Musique in June.

In-depth month-wise guides: Switzerland in April Switzerland in May Switzerland in June

2. July to August – Summer / High Season

This is when most tourists descend on Switzerland, and if you visit the country during this period, you will know exactly why. The weather is perfect and warm, with wildflowers growing all across the valley. The snow thaws during this season, even in the higher passes, so you will be able to hike those trails as well!  Summer is one of the busiest seasons in Switzerland, only second to the ski season on the slopes. The prices can go up to 50% higher in the resorts in the mountains, and travel will also be quite expensive. However, all the mountain resorts will be open now, so you will get a great choice of places to stay in.

• Avg. Temperature :  80° F / 27° C (in Zurich)
• Rainfall : 73 – 151 mm
• Season : Summer
• Highlights : This is a good time to go to Switzerland if you want to enjoy wonderful treks. Towards the middle of the season, even the higher trails will open up for hikes. You will also get your own share of adventure sports to choose from – including biking, paragliding, and more. Lake Geneva is a must–see destination. Summer also has a number of festivals – from Fete de Geneve (July–August), or Bol d’Or Mirabaud, the continent’s biggest yacht race, held in Geneva. You can also head to Montreux, with its world-renowned jazz festival.

In-depth month-wise guides: Switzerland in July Switzerland in August Switzerland in Summer

3. September to October – Fall / Good Season

These months are absolutely stunning. Fall is always a great time to visit – the weather is pretty warm, but mildly chilly. The days start getting shorter about this time, and the vibrant fall colours begin taking over the slopes. There won’t be as much snow on the higher peaks, and the crowds from summer would have started to leave around this time, making fall a cheaper time to visit. Moreover, you will get better seats on transport, and on the cable cars, now that you don’t have to fight for your spot!

• Avg. Temperature : 57 – 75° F / 14 – 24° C (in Zurich)
• Rainfall : 38 – 53 mm
• Season : Fall
• Highlights : You’ll find the best wine during this season, as this is when the grape harvests happen. The higher passes and pass roads will start closing by October, so visit those spots before they are closed. This is the best time to visit Interlaken, where you can see the stunning Jungfrau. A number of people head to Lake Brienz and Lake Thun for paragliding, or even swimming. Thun has a number of other adventures on offer during this season as well – including flying a 1930s biplane!

In-depth month-wise guides: Switzerland in September Switzerland in October

4. November– March – Winter / Low Season

This season is rather contradictory. It’s both the high season and the low season. Many resorts close around this time, but the ski slopes will be wide open, with a number of tourists. Especially around Christmas, a lot of tourists head to Switzerland to experience the snow–capped mountains, and the wonderful ski opportunities (not to mention the Christmas markets). The prices will go down in other parts of the country, except for the slopes – which is where most of the crowds will also be concentrated.

• Avg. Temperature : 41 – 50° F / 5 – 10° C (in Zurich)
• Rainfall : 25 – 196 mm
• Season : Winter
• Highlights : Head to the Valais Region, which is stunning during this season. Head to the Zermatt or Saas–Fee, where 500 odd kilometers of skiing and snowboarding awaits you. Whether you want a view of Monte Rosa, or Matterhorn, you will definitely have a great time. Take a trip on the Gornergrat Railway, or the Klein Matterhorn Cable Car, to discover views that are straight out of a magazine.

In-depth month-wise guides: Switzerland in November Switzerland in December Switzerland in January Switzerland in February Switzerland in March Switzerland in Winter

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• How Long To Stay In Switzerland
• Switzerland Travel Advice
• What To Do In Switzerland
• When To Visit Switzerland
• Where To Go In Switzerland

• S Sonya Davis Jan 16 2020 REPLY Thanks for the seasonal info!!
• P Prawit Akrawarawong Jan 09 2020 REPLY Excellent info and well written. Thank you.
• A Agnieszka Nowak Nov 03 2017 REPLY What a detailed and well-structured guide on the best time to visit Switzerland. Thank you for sharing it, Erik! I like how you structured it season by season.

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6 Insiders Tell You What They Love to Do in Switzerland

Watch industry executives and creators recommend Brutalist architecture, wrestling festivals and, of course, where to get the best fondue.

By Anders Modig Davin

Reporting from Basel, Switzerland

Where are the best places to go in Switzerland?

The New York Times recently posed that question to six executives and creators in the Swiss watch industry — and got a raft of insider tips that included Brutalist architecture, wrestling festivals, vineyards, Wes Anderson-esque trains and, of course, where to get the best fondue.

The interviews have been edited and condensed.

Maximilian Büsser

Owner and creative director of MB&F Watches, 57

Rent a car and drive around for four or five days in summer. I love Therme Vals in Graubünden by Peter Zumthor. It is these incredible baths all made of locally quarried Vals quartzite slabs, which feel like black granite. This is really off the beaten track; a valley in the middle of nowhere amongst mountains and forests. Zumthor is this insanely creative Swiss architect, and for me, who loves things that are different and have strong character, Therme Vals is just one of the most amazing places.

I was lucky when I was there with my wife 11 years ago, as there was an Alphorn concert inside the baths. Lying in these chambers filled with naturally hot water, with the horns resounding everywhere — I still get goose bumps when I think about it!

As you have a car, I would also say to bring your hiking boots and go hiking in the incredibly green hills around Appenzell — this landscape in northeast Switzerland reminds me of Iceland. Stop in Solothurn where the little river in the middle of the Old Town turns into a kind of carnival in summer, with people passing by on all sorts of weird floating contraptions; stay in the beautiful Chenot Palace in Weggis, where the mountains meet Lake Lucerne; head for La Tour de Gourze, a little house where you can have a fondue with breathtaking views over Lac Léman [Lake Geneva]; drive along the legendary hairpins of the Furka Pass into Andermatt.

And don’t miss Zurich, where you should, if you like Brutalism, stay at the B2 Hotel , a conversion of an old brewery.

Audrey Raffy

Vice president at Bovet, 31

I do love hiking, and one of my favorites is to walk through the UNESCO Heritage-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces between Lausanne and Montreux. I love the mix of the leafy vineyards and the lake below and the gray rock of the Alps across the lake.

Depending on the season you have completely different sceneries: pink flowers in the spring, super green foliage in summer and fiery orange, red and yellow in the autumn. I normally take the train to Cully, and then walk all the way to Montreux, which takes around three hours.

Along the way you can find places where you can brunch — and of course, you can sample great wines! The Chasselas grape is typical for the region and one of my favorites in Switzerland. It has got a beautiful, fresh, light kind of mineral taste. It is perfect for an apéro, which is a French word for the fantastic moment before dinner when you have a drink and something to snack on together with friends and family.

The Belle Epoque train is part of the Golden Pass route in Switzerland between Montreux and Zweisimmen. Some travelers liken it to the Orient Express.

Jasmine Vidal

Communications consultant on jewelry, watches and wellness, 49

I absolutely love getting people who come to visit here in Switzerland onto the GoldenPass Belle Epoque train from Montreux up to Gstaad. The three-hour train going up the mountain from the lake is just magical. Velvety turquoise seats, dark wood paneling, golden brass details and purple floors — it is like a mini Orient Express that feels like a Wes Anderson movie! When you go up, you want to sit on the right side for the best views.

When you arrive in Gstaad, you are up for a truly Swiss experience. Sure, it is a superluxury resort with Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Graff shops, but it is still authentic. And it is not a show-off place.

When I go with my family, we normally pick up the best dairy produce from a little refrigerator at an egg farm with a trust cash box on the edge of town, before we head to the Sportzentrum Gstaad. This is a beautiful high-ceilinged timber construction with heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

And don’t miss Cadonau Papeterie on the promenade, the little shop where all the celebrities go to buy stationery. This is just around the corner from Mango on Viktoriastrasse, a tiny little Indian joint screening Bollywood videos filmed in Gstaad with stars like Shah Rukh Khan. Bollywood has come here for years to make films, and you can also make a Bollywood tour in the valley to visit the locations.

Laurence Bodenmann

Heritage director at Zenith, 41

The best places to visit in Switzerland are the museums. There is an incredible, super-dense network of 1,081 museums scattered all over Switzerland, a country of 8.7 million people.

To pick a few I would say the M.I.H., the international horology museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds, where you can travel through the development of the art of watchmaking. As a visitor, I would also contact workshops to see the art in action — for instance, François Junod , who took the art of moving figures known as automatons into the 21st century, and to discover how watches are made today you can contact the tourist office to organize a visit to the Zenith manufacturer in Le Locle.

This is the thing: The history of Switzerland is completely alive today, and not only when it comes to mechanical innovations. I have rediscovered Switzerland by going to local pop-rock music festivals and traditional wrestling competitions in the villages. When you eat a sausage or a fondue in such a context you really feel like you can start to grasp people’s perspectives.

If you want to stay in style after such local experiences, I recommend the five-star Hôtel Palafitte , which is built on stilts on Lake Neuchâtel. It’s so cool and unique, and it is also a historical experience: The Latians, who lived here between 4,400 B.C. and 750 B.C. also had their houses on stilts, and these were called palafitte.

Pierre Biver

General director of Biver, 24

Geneva is a perfect place for a city break! It is not too big and not too small, so you can do a lot in just a couple of days, and just about everything is in walking distance.

On the luxurious side you have all the watchmaking boutiques along the Rue du Rhône, and great classical hotels overlooking the lake and the fountain, the Jet d’Eau — like the Four Seasons des Bergues , which opened in 1834, or the Woodward hotel , which also houses the restaurant L’Atelier Robuchon by the legendary chef Joël Robuchon.

Great restaurants in all different ranges are scattered all over the city and two of my favorites are the Auberge d’Onex which has amazing Italian food in the former clubhouse of Geneva’s first golf course, and the tiny and casual Nagomi , which serves the best sushi and tempura, in the Pâquis area.

Such high-end aspects of Geneva are famous, but not everybody knows that the city has a great urban feel with a lot of hipsters. In summer, the parks are full of Genevan people having a picnic or a drink after work, and there are often open-air concerts. And the non-mainstream, more secret cafe scene is great. Mame cafe in Plainpalais and in St.-Gervais serve very fine filter and espresso coffee, and its baristas have been named Switzerland’s best five times.

Rolf Studer

Co-chief executive at Oris, 52

For me, the best place to go in Switzerland is the alpine region of my ancestors: Entlebuch, and the village of Flühli, where my grandfather built a house which is my second home.

This far-out place is a UNESCO biosphere region with deep forests and high mountains — great for skiing, hiking and mountain biking. It’s wild there! It looks a bit like Canada, but you are in fact not so far away from civilization; it is only a 45-minute drive from Lucerne. The people of this region are predominantly farmers who are very earthy and not polished, but in the best way: authentic, open, down to earth and no blah blah.

The best food in Entlebuch you get in the restaurant of Wiesner Mysterion , where Stefan Wiesner, known as the Sorcerer of Entlebuch , performs, as they put it in Guide Michelin, “culinary wizardry” on stones and big rings of fire. He also has cooking schools, by the way.

The Hotel Kurhaus in Flühli has been where travelers rest since 1899, a classic hotel that has been continuously upgraded and today combines luxury with soothing natural surroundings. Eight kilometers from the hotel is the Genossenschaft Flühli Wasser, in the forest at the foot of the Schwändelifluh mountain. Here you can rejuvenate with cold baths and textural experiences in accordance with the Kneipp principles of water, plants, movement, nourishment and balance.

But again, the best luxury to me of this region is to meet people who are still grounded. It grounds me, puts things in perspective and makes me smile.

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10 reasons to visit Switzerland this summer

by Jess Williamson | 12 Apr 2024

While Switzerland might initially conjure up images of snow-capped mountains and winter sports, the summer months show a whole new side to this beautiful country. A perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, find out why summer is one of the best times to visit Switzerland, taking you from outdoor activities and scenic hiking trails to picturesque lakes and historical villages.  

Switzerland has something for everyone, and there’s so much more than just exceptional chocolate to get stuck into, though that is a definite highlight. Come and explore our 10 reasons to visit Switzerland in the summer, and get ready to plan a trip.   

1. Take a dip in Lake Geneva

The largest body of water in Switzerland spanning 45 miles (72 km), Lake Geneva is framed by picturesque towns and the scenic surroundings of the Swiss Alps. An iconic natural landmark, in the summer months it offers a serene setting for a leisurely cruise and rejuvenating swim. If you’re the active type, there are water sports to get stuck into, or charming lakeside towns to be explored with vibrant markets and delicious restaurants.  

2. Stroll the streets of Zürich

The largest city in Switzerland, Zürich in the summer offers a unique blend of cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. Immerse yourself in the city’s history by exploring Bern with its Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, adorned with medieval architecture and brimming with lively cafes and shops. Stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich, or make the most of the good weather and with the city’s open-air concerts and festivals. If that all sounds like too much, then simply pick one of Zürich’s many parks and green spaces, and relax.  

Explore Bern with a historian on our Country Roads of Switzerland Tour .

Switzerland has around 3,241 miles (5,215km) of railway, making it the densest rail network in Europe

8. Make the most of cascading waterfalls  

Summer in Switzerland reveals a new side to its natural wonders with magnificent waterfalls. Marvel at the iconic Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall near Schaffhausen, explore the Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen surrounded by lush greenery and alpine views, or discover the fairytale Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz, a hidden gem on a forested mountainside.

9. Step into a hiker’s paradise

Switzerland’s summer transforms its already striking landscapes into some of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails, with its thousands of trails catering to a range of skill levels. Avid hikers can take on the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc, a multi-day trek offering views of the Alps across Switzerland, France, and Italy, or there’s the option to walk across the lush valleys of the Bernese Oberland on the Jungfrau Panorama Trail, taking you through summertime alpine meadows.  

Switzerland has 38,525 miles (62,000km) of walking trails

10. Dine al fresco

Switzerland has one of the highest densities of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, and the summertime offers the chance to taste local in-season produce while eating al fresco. Absorbing influences from French, German, and Italian food, Swiss food goes far beyond the classics like cheese and chocolate, though don’t miss the opportunity to try a fondue. Each region has its own specialities and traditions, so make sure you get stuck into the staples wherever you choose to go.

Explore our Switzerland guided tours now, and see another side to this magnificent country.

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The 10 best ski resorts in Switzerland

M odern skiing in Europe evolved largely in Switzerland in the late 19th century thanks to pioneering British visitors in classic resorts such as Davos , St Moritz , Wengen , Grindelwald and Mürren.  

France , Austria and Italy attract the vast majority of British visitors each year, but while its Alpine neighbours have their own particular strengths, in many respects Switzerland is hard to beat. It has an unfair share of the most dramatic mountain scenery, and ditto the most captivating traffic-free old mountain villages, some of the best mountain restaurants, and impressive ski runs . Most destinations can be reached directly by train from Geneva, Zermatt and other hub airports as rail travel becomes increasingly popular among skiers.

Sadly, with the Swiss Franc’s strength against the pound, prices for British visitors have become almost prohibitive in the big-name resorts. Even in the cheaper, lesser-known Swiss villages, day-to-day costs on the ground are higher than in the average resort in Austria, France or Italy.

However, by shopping around carefully for budget-conscious accommodation and avoiding buying lunch on the mountain, it’s still possible to enjoy a superb ski holiday here. Here’s our pick of 10 resorts that are definitely worth the trip.

Best for experts

Other Swiss resorts may match Verbier for luxurious chalets and hotels and vibrant après, but none quite have its cool cachet – and that’s largely because few can rival its challenging high-altitude terrain. Anyone who can handle Verbier’s itinerary routes, never mind its couloirs, can consider themselves pretty darn good.

The itineraries (which, though loosely marked, are not formally avalanche controlled or checked by the ski patrol) are where many experts spend their time, treating them like pistes. Epic highlights are the 900m-vertical route from Col des Gentianes to Tortin, and the 1,000m vertical Vallon d’Arby down to La Tzoumaz on the edge of the ski area.

The 67 lifts access 412km of runs, including some of the best lift-served off piste in the Alps. From Mont Gelé (3,025m) there are steeper itineraries and serious off-piste routes, while the top of Mont Fort (3,330m) offers a black mogul run on the front and adventurous off-piste routes off the back that end down in Siviez. An alternative front-face descent is by zip-wire – reaching speeds of 130kph.

The resort is a gentle sprawl of chalets, hotels and apartments, few of which are ski-in/ski-out – but the free ski bus system is generally efficient. Resort life revolves around the après hub of the Place Centrale, the main lift base at Médran 500m away, and the buzzing street between the two.

Where to stay

La Tintaz costs from £358, with SNO , based on six sharing the three-bedroom self-catering apartment. The accommodation is 400 metres from the village centre, has its own garden, terrace, and parking spaces for up to two cars. It’s also 50 metres from the ski bus stop.  Find more of the best hotels and chalets in Verbier here .

Alternatives 

Andermatt’s main mountain, Gemsstock, is an expert’s dream, with some seriously steep pistes and challenging off-piste routes. The resort is now in partnership with Vail and lifts are included in the multi-resort Epic Pass.

All of the main sectors in Zermatt have long, testing marked itinerary runs, there are also epic off-piste routes from several points. Zermatt also has one of Europe’s biggest heliskiing operations.

Best for intermediates

In St Moritz, ski trains and buses give fairly efficient access to a wide variety of intermediate slopes in six widely spread sectors. The two largest are Corviglia, accessed from town, and Corvatsch, a 25-minute free ski bus ride away. All sectors go up to around 3,000m, and afford fabulous panoramic views. The wide, open slopes above the treeline make for particularly attractive piste cruising.

St Moritz is famous for being the world capital of winter glitz, attracting a clientele with stratospheric income. However, with its 350km of sunny, reliably snowy pistes, there’s more to it than bling. The resort village is divided into two main parts. St Moritz Dorf is the largest and where most of the five-star hotels, swanky clubs and restaurants are located. Quieter St Moritz Bad has the cross-country track around St Moritz lake as its focal point.

Overall, the resort offers a huge range of quality leisure facilities, notably ice-skating, tobogganing, bobsleigh, and the famous Cresta Run for skeleton – which is, infamously, still only open to men. Most unusual is golf (using red balls), cricket, horse-racing, show jumping, and polo – all on the frozen lake.

Hostel by Randolins is next to the three-star Hotel Randolins with its restaurant, spa, and shuttle service. They’re within walking distance from the Chasellas chairlift and close to the Suvretta Hotel. In good snow conditions, you can ski down a secret path back to the hostel. From CHF 580 per room for five nights, B&B, not including travel, booked direct . Find more of the best hotels and chalets in St Moritz here .

Alternatives

Davos has an extensive network of linked intermediate pistes on offer in its six separate sectors of slopes, shared with its smaller neighbour Klosters. The main ski area, Parsenn, links the two resorts. Laax and neighbouring Flims share 224km of almost entirely intermediate slopes.

Best for beginners

The gorgeous traffic-free village of Saas-Fee looks a bit like a small Zermatt with its age-blackened wooden chalets, and it is surrounded by magnificent glaciers and mountain peaks, including the Dom – the highest mountain located entirely within Switzerland. The ideal time to visit is later in the season, when the village gets a decent amount of sun.

The ski area is relatively small, with 100km of pistes, and best suited to beginners and intermediates. The nursery slopes are long, gentle, quiet and only a short walk from the main street – plus the glacier area and most of the top half of the mountain are ideal for beginners with glorious easy blue runs up at altitude. Even runs that are marked red here are generally very gentle, and would be classified blue in many resorts.

Saas-Fee has a friendly atmosphere and is good for families as there is plenty of après-ski entertainment to keep everyone occupied, including the state-of-the-art Aqua Allalin pool and spa complex. The Feeblitz Rodelbobbahn (a bobsleigh/rollercoaster hybrid) makes an excellent afternoon’s entertainment – especially when the weather closes in.

The Allalin Apartments are located a 12-minute walk from the village centre. The three-star apartments are managed by the hotel of the same name and you can opt to eat in the hotel’s restaurant. Accommodation ranges from studios to two-bedroom flats. From £513, self-catering and based on foud sharing, with Inghams . Find more of the best accommodation in Saas-Fee here .

Villars is a reassuringly slow-paced resort where novices can make first turns in a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere. The gentle nursery slope is at village level. Laax has plenty of long, easy blue runs from high on the mountain back to the village for beginners looking to move on from the nursery slopes.

Best for charm

The largest and most attractive of the four resorts in the beautiful Val d’Anniviers, Grimentz shares a ski area with linked Zinal. Nearby St Luc and Chandolin are also included on the lift pass. Grimentz has the most  restaurants, bars and accommodation. It is reached by a dramatic winding road that zigzags up from Sierre in the Rhone Valley, fringed with sheer drop-offs. The reward for this scary initiation is the feeling of discovering a secret Alpine hideaway. The village has a charming centre with ancient wooden chalets as well as some 1970s additions that are less appealing – think uncommercialised Zermatt on a much smaller scale.

Even though these days Grimentz is not so secret, its offbeat location means that it has not been overexploited by the demands of tourism and it is all the better for it. The ski areas total 210km of pistes served by 46 lifts. Grimentz-Zinal is on one side of the valley while St Luc-Chandolin is on the other. It’s best to have a car to get between the two ski areas as the bus service isn’t great.

Together, the ski areas offer the quantity and variety of pistes needed for a full week’s entertainment. While there is a substantial amount of easy and intermediate terrain in the area, the steeps and off piste are big attractions. The World Cup black run at Grimentz, is a proper challenge, but it pales into insignificance when compared with the black Piste du Chamois on the Zinal side. The winching of a piste-bashing machine here is an impressive testament to Swiss engineering expertise. The off-piste opportunities to be discovered with a mountain guide are stupendous. For the less gung-ho, St Luc is home to more benign runs against a quite beautiful Alpine backdrop.

Les Vieux Chalets No 7 is a two-storey top-floor apartment with four bedrooms sleeping eight in Grimentz. It’s 200m from the main Bendolla gondola to the slopes.From £1,299 total for eight guests self-catering, travel not included, with Mountain Heaven .

Mürren is pretty, with narrow lanes lined by small chalets at an altitude high enough to more or less guarantee snow on the rooftops. It’s also car-free. Saas-Fee is traffic-free aside from its electric carts and taxis, and the buildings are mainly in traditional Alpine style – look up, and tumbling glaciers loom above.

Best for partying

Après that starts on the mountain in mid-afternoon is a well-known feature of Austrian resorts, and is being propagated in big-name French resorts through the Folie Douce franchise – but it’s arguably been going on in Zermatt as long as anywhere in the cute huts that dot the lower part of the Matterhorn sector of slopes.

These days, it isn’t just amiable sing-songs fuelled by schnapps concoctions. Bars such as the Hennu Stall at the bottom of the Matterhorn sector and Cervo at the bottom of Sunnegga have live bands generating an atmosphere to rival anything in St Anton.

Later on, Zermatt suits all tastes, from the panelled Elsie’s Bar for a glass of wine (and maybe oysters or snails), to the popular Papperla Pub, to having your eardrums assaulted in one of the various venues in the Hotel Post.

Zermatt has lots of other attractions too – 322km of varied, extensive slopes including those of Cervinia in Italy which is linked across the Klein Matterhorn.  There are  testing off-piste itinerary runs; heliskiing on tap; quality mountain restaurants; a characterful, car-free village; and, naturally, fabulous views of the Matterhorn from around almost every corner.

Argos is a self-contained apartment on the ground floor of Chalet Ulysse and is a five-minute walk from the Matterhorn Express gondola station, with the possibility of skiing back to within 200m of the door for much of the winter. It has two double bedrooms, a large bathroom, and a south-facing living room.  From CHF 3,900 total for a self-catered apartment for four people with Matterhorn Chalets , not including travel. Find the best hotels and chalets in Zermatt here .

Verbier presents the full range of après options, starting with lively bars on the mountain and progressing through to happy-hour live bands and seriously expensive night clubs. Laax has succeeded in attracting lots of young people, mainly snowboarders, who fill the bars early and late, particularly at the Laax lift base.

Best for families

Essentially car-free (with the exception of taxis), Wengen might have been specially designed for families. At its heart there’s a snow-covered field that serves as a combined playground and gentle nursery slope. For children progressing beyond this stage, one of the two ways up the mountain is by cog railway that also gives access to the village from Lauterbrunnen down in the valley. The other main lift is the speedier Männlichen cable car.

The village sits on a sunny shelf and is made up of a mix of small chalets and bigger, more institutional-looking hotels. Wengen shares a ski area with Grindelwald, and most of the slopes are above its neighbour – lovely long red and blue runs under the towering north face of the Eiger. The Jungfrau region lift pass covers the slopes of neighbouring Mürren as well as Wengen and Grindelwald – 210km of pistes in total served by 58 lifts as well as the mountain railways that form the backbone of the uphill transport system. Lift passes are free for the under sixes, and reduced up to age 19. Over 62 year olds also benefit from reduced prices.

There are plenty of family-friendly activities on offer, including 50km of toboggan runs. The most popular of these is the 4.5km run from Wengernalp down to the train station in town, but there are also long runs from the top of the mountain going in the opposite direction towards Grindelwald. In the middle of the village there’s indoor curling and outdoor skating.

Hotel Caprice is a boutique hotel that is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is comfortable and relaxed with excellent cuisine. Weather-permitting, you can ski back to the hotel. From £1,299, half board, with Iglu Ski . Find more of the best hotels in Wengen here .

Arosa is a child-friendly wintersports village with an unintimidating ski area, traditionally enjoyed by all family members – be they toddlers, skaters, cross-country enthusiasts, walkers, and alpine skiers. If you stay in participating hotels and apartments you can benefit from free ski school lessons for the under 17s.

Best for powder

Andermatt sits in a prime high altitude position for attracting snow cover. On one of its two separate ski areas, steep and shady Gemsstock, most of the slopes are between 2,000m and 3,000m.

There’s often high-quality conditions in Andermatt when cover in the Valais region – Switzerland’s main concentration of major resorts – is mediocre. Although it does have several intermediate pistes, Gemsstock is really an expert’s mountain. The main face of 900m vertical consists almost entirely of black runs and off-piste routes to mid-mountain, and the one run to the valley is also a black, although an easy one.

However, Andermatt’s other sector, Nätschen-Gütsch-Sedrun, has a whole expanse of intermediate slopes, bringing the total pistes on offer in Andermatt to 120km. A network of modern lifts and pistes links Nätschen-Gütsch with Sedrun, 15km away to the east, the link being part of an ongoing £1.2 billion redevelopment of the resort, backed by Swiss-educated billionaire Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris. Once only linked by train, there is now a series of red and blue pistes and lifts including six-seater chairs and a fast 10-person gondola from Oberalppass to Schneehüenerstock. Vail Resorts has now acquired a controlling share in the resort’s development and the transaction includes a £130 million investment in the skiing infrastructure and guest experience, as well as the wider Andermatt Swiss Alps real estate business. Andermatt-Sedrun ski area now offers unlimited access to Epic Pass holders, the first resort in Europe to do so.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Reusson in Andermatt is a modern hotel set in the most recently-built enclave with shops and restaurants, a short walk from the railway station. A shuttle bus will take you to and from the lifts. From £1,885 per room per week, B&B, not including travel, booked direct .

With its village at 1,500m and slopes up to 3,330m, Verbier’s altitude ensures there’s a strong chance of good snow throughout the season. Engelberg is a favourite of Zürich weekenders. Not far north of Andermatt, it has a similarly well-deserved reputation for snow – although the village is quite low, most of the slopes are high (up to 3,030m).

Best for terrain parks

The ski area shared by the villages of Laax, Flims and Falera targets a youthful market, and the area’s key appeal lies in its five terrain parks, high up on Crap Sogn Gion (the local dialect generates some awkward names – Crap translates as “peak”).

In total the parks have almost 90 features such as rails, boxes and kickers as well as two halfpipes (the larger one is the world’s biggest, a massive 200m long, 22m wide and 6.90m high). The resort also has an indoor freestyle facility at the Freestyle Academy, with a skate bowl, ramps, jumps, trampoline, foam pit and airbag.

The 224km ski area served by 28 lifts also has lots to offer freeriders, with a good range of ungroomed but marked and patrolled freeride runs, as well as vast off-piste areas. However the sunny orientation of the slopes means snow conditions can be highly variable, especially late in the season.

There’s a wide choice of places to stay, from the quiet backwaters of Falera and Laax Dorf to the roadside hotels of Flims Dorf, the wooded seclusion of Flims Waldhaus or at the Laax lift base.

rocksresort is a four-star self-catering apartment building conveniently located at the foot of the slopes. It has an in-house bar and restaurant. From £1,298, self-catering including transfers, with Heidi .

Davos is a great area for freeriders when the snow is good, with long runs from the top of the mountains down to the valley, but its appeal to freestylers is equally compelling – the Jakobshorn sector has an extensive terrain park and a superpipe. Saas Fee has plenty of wide, well-groomed pistes and an impressively big and varied terrain park up on the glacier.

Best for value

The key to getting value for money, particularly in Switzerland, is to steer clear of the high-profile, fashionable resorts. In this respect, it’s hard to beat Leysin. It’s known as a resort for schoolchildren and also snowboarders, mainly for the reason that prices here are lower than in the big, well-known resorts.

Drinks in particular are reasonably priced by Swiss standards. Originally, Leysin was the setting for tuberculosis sanitoriums, thanks to its sunny climate and proximity to Geneva, about a 90-minute drive away. These days it’s a traditional ski resort with chalets scattered across a sunny meadow, although a few larger buildings of institutional architectural style bear witness to its health-tourist history. A cable car and a quad chair provide main mountain access from the edge of the village.  

The slopes best suit beginners to intermediates, with 100km of pistes going up to 2,200m and a terrain park with areas to suit all levels plus a halfpipe that’s good enough to host the Junior World Snowboard Championships in halfpipe each January. There is also a 7km cross-country track meandering through the forest. The lift pass includes nearby Villars and Les Diablerets.

Residence Castel Club Leysin Parc is 10 minutes’ walk from the resort centre, and offers studios and apartments with mountain views. Studios have a separate eating area with cable satellite TV and a sofa, plus a kitchenette with microwave. From CH 420 per room per week, in a self-catered studio for two, not including travel, booked direct .

Engelberg has a relatively low international profile, and three-star hotels outnumber four-stars eight to one. Local prices are about as low as Swiss resort prices go. Andermatt has undergone a lot of change of late with upmarket new developments, but the original old village still offers modest hotels and prices (for Switzerland).

Crans-Montana

Best for weekends.

Grabbing a quick weekend at short notice when snow conditions are good is a very appealing prospect. Crans-Montana is a great place for a bit of short-break indulgence, with a wide choice of seriously good hotels and restaurants, and it is easily reached from Geneva. Trains run from the airport to the valley town of Sierre, from where a funicular zips up to Montana, a total transfer time of about two hours and 40 minutes.

Last-minute weekends are a particularly good idea because while it has a scenic, extensive and varied ski area, virtually all its slopes face south or south west. This means that although around a third of its 140km of slopes are covered by snowmaking, it is exceptionally vulnerable to the sun after midwinter. Booking a week-long holiday here can mean risking poor snow conditions.

It’s a big place – a merging of the two towns of Crans and Montana with centres a mile apart – in a prettily wooded setting. The panoramic views are fabulous, particularly from the mountain restaurant terraces, but it does lack resort-village atmosphere. For ski tourers, there are 15 uphill ski touring routes ranging from easy to difficult

Hotel Art de Vivre is an intimate four-star hotel with just 24 rooms. It has a swimming pool and spa, as well as wonderful views. From £1,485, with Ski Solutions . Find more of the best hotels and chalets in Crans-Montana here .

Villars is just over two hours from Geneva airport by train. The slopes, though rather limited for a week-long holiday for those beyond beginner level, have plenty to offer for a weekend. Champéry is about two and a half hours from Geneva airport by train. Champéry is the main resort on the Swiss side of the cross-border Portes du Soleil circuit, which also takes in Avoriaz and Châtel in France.

Unless stated otherwise, package prices are per person, based on two sharing a double or twin room, half-board, for seven nights, including flights and transfers.

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3 of the Best Tours of Switzerland and Austria

The Alps are one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations – and they are conveniently pretty much right in the middle of Europe. 

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

If snow capped peaks, mountain air and excellent cheese are what you look for in a tour, look no further than Austria and Switzerland. The Alps are one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges and are found right in the heart of Europe. Switzerland and bordering Austria are two the the countries most associated with this elevated part of the continent, with unique traditions and customs, tiny secluded villages and dramatic backdrops. Pick an organised tour of this region and sit back and enjoy everything the mountains have to offer. 

13 Day Tour to Zurich, Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck and Zermatt

This is an epic trip, taking in four countries (Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein) and 14 cities over 13 days. It’s no surprise that this is one of Trafalgar’s most popular trips, with a varied itinerary that takes in everything from the little Liechtenstein capital to learning about  life as a Carinthian nun when you join them for dinner in a former castle. As well as the big cities you’ll visit wild places and enjoy panoramic views, heading through the enchanting landscapes of the Engadine Valley and seeing chic winter sports resorts such as St. Moritz. There are also optional extras such as taking a train across the spectacular Bernina Pass, one of Switzerland’s iconic rail routes. From €3,464.

Book at Trafalgar.com

Majestic Switzerland

This is a round trip starting and ending in Zurich, a surprisingly fun and hip city despite its connotations of being all business. Over ten days this tour takes in cultural, religious and historic sites, travelling through Geneva, Zermatt, Vaduz and other fascinating destinations in Switzerland and Austria. The idea is that all the hard work is done for you so you can just enjoy the scenery and the experience, with accommodation in hotels, transport and meals included. Porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are also included so you don’t have to constantly fumble with currency either. It’s a spectacular journey of a lifetime – but certainly not cheap. From €8,095.

Book at Bookmundi.com

Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria

When you see the country roads that this tour takes you definitely won’t be asking them to take you home – you’ll be having too much fun. Over 12 days the itinerary is packed full of incredible experiences, from the famed beer taverns of Munich to the Disney-inspiring turrets of Neuschwanstein Castle among the Alps. In Switzerland you’ll see the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne and eat in a mountaintop diner. There’s also the chance to take the Glacier Express, an iconic train journey taking in vistas of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and gorgeous meadows. From €4,378.

Book at Insightvacations.com

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The Best Time to Travel? The Off Season

By Gianluca Longo

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In 2021, I spent a blissful year traveling solo across Italy. Not just because I didn’t have a companion, but because, with international travel still largely blocked due to COVID, my country felt empty. Can you imagine Venice without the crowds? I don’t have to. I lived it. So exhilarating was my time training through the boot that when travel opened back up, and the hot spots became flooded with travelers, I said to myself: never again. From now on, I would rearrange my travels to avoid the crowds—and the headaches that come with them. I will be an off-season traveler, for life.

The waters at Borgo Santandrea on the Amalfi are warm enough for swimming in April

Aperitivo at Borgo Santandrea

The benefits of off-season travel can feel endless. Yes, of course there are fewer crowds to interrupt your flow, and steal your tables at the restaurants you want to eat at. I went to the Amalfi in April—April!—and found it heavenly. The weather was glorious—not too hot, but warm enough to swim. The staff at the then-new Borgo Santandrea were friendlier and upgrades more likely due to the time of year. And my room was spectacular. I still remember the scent of lemon flowers and fresh herbs in the terraced gardens. The views over the sky-merging sea were pure, with no yacht or boat to interrupt them. I even enjoyed a walk through the Amalfi’s narrow streets, devoid of the hundreds of clueless tourists, especially from cruise ships which populate the sea in High Summer.

Local engagement is always higher outside peak season, and for me, that is why we travel. Last year, I chose June for Patmos in Greece, which is never as crowded as it is in July or August. The island was greener and the heat more bearable. The crowds? Still tolerable. I arrived with a last-minute booked cabin on the BlueStar from Athens , all much more relaxing. I met with some of the home owners of the Chora, there to ‘open’ the houses, after long cold months, piling cushions and mattresses outside on the terraces to let them breathe in the sun. I swam every morning, and had lovely conversations with restaurant owners and locals. I loved the place so much I went back in August. Guess what? I regretted it.

Traveling in lesser expected times of year also help you to see a place in an entirely different way. Is it weird that I didn’t realize that St Moritz is not just a winter destination? With a major heat wave hitting central Europe and the UK I made my way to the Engadin Valley at the beginning of August. I checked in at the old-fashioned Suvretta House , at a reasonable price, where I was welcomed by name. Long walks through the valley, skinny dips in the clear waters of the alpine lakes, visits to interesting museums and art galleries kept me very busy. And I wore cashmere in the evenings, for the outdoor cinema. For the rest of August I was in London . And it wasn't that bad. I found it fairly easy to book my favorite restaurants , I went to see ballets at the Royal Opera House and a couple of plays at the theater. And reconnected with some good friends. A trick about cities and seasons? They are amazing in the summer, when the people who live there or normally visit, flock to the outdoors.

Eden Rock on St. Barts is open well into shoulder season.

But of course, that means that the sea is best outside of summer, too. I went to one of my lifelong loves, Capri , in September, because, yes, July and August are just too popular, too expensive, too hot. And I fell in love with it again. I stayed at La Palma, the new hotel, chic in every single detail, and I did all the things I love: early morning hikes, swimming by the Faraglioni, with no fear of being decapitated by the hundred of speed boats of High Summer, sunset spritzes at Bar Tiberio in the piazzetta, without having to queue (or beg) for a table. One October, I did St Barts . I stayed at the wonderful Eden Rock (upgraded again) and loved it. The island was not full, a paradise. One day I found myself swimming alone at Colombier Beach, with the whitest sand and the most intense turquoise sea.

As I write this in tail end of winter, I am sitting in my hotel room in Venice , the newly opened Violino d’Oro . Out of the window, the cold and misty lagoon meets my gaze. It’s marvelous. Venice in winter is magical: the fresh air, the cozy small restaurants with dimmed lights, the noise of the boats crossing. With not so many tourists, you really own the city. The joy of the off season.

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'Expensive in every way': What travelers should expect this summer

Summer travel in 2024 will be "expensive in every way," said Katharine Nohr. And she should know.

She's planning a two-week adventure to Europe in June, which starts with a marathon flight from Honolulu to Zurich, where she'll speak at a conference. Then, she's hopscotching across Europe – to Vienna, then on to the Olympics. Nohr made plans to be in Nantes, France, to watch a soccer game, in Lille for basketball, and in Paris for gymnastics, boxing, and swimming.

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All told, it'll set her back five figures despite her best efforts, which include flying economy class and staying in the lowest-priced hotels. 

"The trip is pricey, even with my efforts to economize," said Nohr, an attorney from Honolulu. "But it's a once-in-my-life adventure." 

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Summer travelers are pursuing exciting, expensive vacations

Nohr is part of a wave of travelers who are making big plans for this summer. The itineraries are exciting – and expensive. 

Pretty much every barometer of travel intent is up for the summer travel season. Inflation and unemployment are low, and consumer sentiment and curiosity are high, fueling an unprecedented interest in travel during the summer of 2024. 

"Bookings are rising," said Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. "Unfortunately, hotel, tour, and air prices are not falling. So, if you plan on hitting the road this summer, make sure you are willing to splash some cash."

Travel companies say they're overwhelmed with summer reservations.

"The travel economy is booming," said Joe Ialacci, owner of Yacht Hampton Boating Club , a company that rents yachts in Sag Harbor, New York. He's seeing a 40% increase in rentals this summer compared to last year as Americans shift some of their vacation dollars to domestic destinations.

Prices aren't the only thing trending higher. People's expectations for their summer vacation are also higher than at any time since the pandemic, said Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing , a multinational travel agency headquartered in London. 

"They're embracing the unknown," she said.

And one of the great unknowns is travel prices. How much higher will they be?

What will prices be like this summer?

It depends on where you're going. There's good news if you're traveling within the U.S.: flights and hotels are a little less expensive than last summer . But they're rising elsewhere. Here's the breakdown:

• Airfares are mixed. Domestic roundtrip airfares for summer will peak at $315 per ticket, according to the travel platform Hopper . Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. They've fallen 10% from last year to $882. But flights to South America are up 2% and flights to Canada have risen 7%. You'll pay an average of $708 to fly south of the border and $419 to head north.
• U.S. hotel rates are down. Domestically, they're about the same as last year at an average of $206 per night.
• Car rental prices are rising. Average domestic car rental rates are only up 3% this summer to $42 per day on a four-day rental, according to Hopper. 

But you can avoid the high prices with a little strategic planning, experts say.

What to avoid this summer

American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group . Immediately after the pandemic, they embarked on "revenge" vacations to far-flung locations. Now they're returning to more conventional vacations.

"We continue to see U.S. travelers heading back to the more traditional locations across Europe this year, like London, Rome, Athens and Munich," he said.

There are places that will be exceptionally busy – and exceptionally pricey – this summer.

• Paris during the Olympics. The Olympic Games are taking place in Paris this summer. Rooms are more than double the normal rates . which is typical of the Olympics. Paris is already crowded with tourists during the summer, so you can probably imagine what it will be like with the Olympics. Zut, alors!
• Taylor Swift is touring Europe this summer. Prices will be higher and the crowds will be denser. "If you aren't planning to attend one of her concerts, I recommend planning around those European cities when she's there," said Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach . (Want to know if your schedules overlap? Here's Taylor Swift's concert schedule .)
• Other big summer events. Even if you steer clear of Taylor and the Olympics, you're still not out of the woods. There's the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany in June. There's the Tour de France in July, which begins in Florence and finishes in Nice. France is also hosting the Paralympic Games in August and September, which will take place in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux.

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Pay less to fly: New strategies for finding cheap airfares now

When is the best time to book a 2024 summer vacation?

Since this is going to be a busy one, the sooner you book, the better. Hopper recommends buying your airfare two to three months before your departure for domestic flights, and for international – well, it's probably too late to get that rock-bottom fare. If you're reading this in April, you can still find something for late August or early September, according to its airfare experts.

As always, you can save money by booking a flight for midweek instead of on the weekend – and, of course, by keeping far, far away from the big travel holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

Also, if you're going overseas, remember their holiday calendar is different. For example, half of Europe shuts down during August for summer vacation. It's worth a look-up, otherwise, you could face some real disappointments.

Strategies for traveling better during the summer

One tactic that consistently works is splitting your getaway into two sections. Take that required summer vacation with your family somewhere less expensive during the high season. Then, wait until shoulder season for the big trip. 

That's what Ross Copas, a retired electrician from Tweed, Canada, is doing during the summer of 2024. It's a road trip across the northern U.S. by motorcycle – New York to Washington State, and then back east through Canada. 

Then he's heading to Amsterdam in September for a 23-day European river cruise. He said the late summer getaway will be costly, but he doubts fares will fall anytime soon. "So price be damned," he added.

Actually, that's pretty smart. I took the same cruise he's planning on Viking River Cruises many years ago, and it was worth every penny.

With hotel rates rising in some places this summer, this is the right time to consider alternatives. Monica Fish, a writer from Glen Rock, N.J., is headed to Ireland to catch one of Taylor Swift's performances. She said hotel rooms in Dublin are overpriced if they're even available. But Fish found an affordable vacation rental. 

"We just had to book it farther in advance than we normally would," she said. 

Go ahead, follow the crowds this summer

I think it's fine to follow the crowds this summer. I'll be doing it. I'm planning to rent an apartment for a month in Switzerland with Blueground, a long-term apartment rental company. Then I'm crashing on a friend's sofa in Spain, then heading to Sweden to see other friends and visiting my brother in Finland. Yes, travel writers know people everywhere . 

But don't follow the crowds off a cliff. There are places even I won't go. I might take the four-hour train trip from Zurich to Paris in June to check out my favorite patisseries, but I wouldn't go anywhere near the City of Lights during the summer games in July unless I made a reservation a long time ago.

And Taylor Swift? Puh-leeze. I'm more of a jazz guy.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

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These are the best places to visit in April for an unforgettable experience

Get out and explore these amazing destinations this month.

In April, the air tastes sweeter and the sun shines brighter. After winter’s low temps and frozen wind, spring brings friendly surroundings ripe for exploring. For some, that could mean a coastal getaway with warm ocean waters and drinks on the beach. For others, spring skiing in soft snow and wearing only a T-shirt could be the ticket. Both are a hearty welcome to warmer days.

Why April is a great month to travel

Our favorite destinations to visit in april, time to start planning an april getaway.

If you’re excited to get away but aren’t sure where to go, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled some of the best places to visit in April, from the high alpine to lush coastal retreats . Ready to take off? Let’s go exploring.

April invites you to seek new adventures. Spring signals a new beginning, a transition from a sometimes bleak winter into longer days and positive moods. What better time to book that ticket, reserve that room, and enjoy new places?

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April also hits the mark with a blend of winter and summer weather. Big mountains have ample snowpack for warm weather shredding. Coastal areas have the sweet tinge of a change in seasons, making them even more appealing. Especially if you live in a cold climate, it feels like it’s time to open the door and hit the road.

From the thrill of spring skiing to the lush surroundings of ocean getaways, here are our preferred locales for April. Each lets you soak up spring’s energy while enjoying world-class sights and experiences.

Once you visit Lake Tahoe, you never forget it. The crystal clear waters have a magical, timeless beauty, and the mountains offer steeps and snow among the world’s best. During springtime, those elements combine to make every day a party on the slopes.

Specifically, we like Palisades Tahoe for its world-class terrain and ample California sunlight. Unofficially dubbed the “Spring Skiing Capital of the World,” the resort received eight feet of snow during an early March storm. Safe to say, there’s still plenty to go around. So wax your snowboard, make your reservations, and get ready for some all-time riding.

Kauai, Hawaii

“The Garden Island” sports picturesque waterfalls, an endless coastline, and mile after mile of hiking trails. Kauai has something to explore around every corner, and since April’s a shoulder season, you could get a bargain on a flight. 

You can visit Hanalei Bay to brush up on your surfing skills and watch some of the best surfers in the world. Or, take a helicopter tour over mountains and canyons with majestic waterfalls that look out of a movie. To finish the day, partake in fresh sushi from the Pacific.

Zermatt, Switzerland

With classic European charm and stunning vistas, Zermatt is an idyllic alpine setting. The car-free village — situated between towering mountains and dotted with small shops and cafés — lets you stroll and enjoy after long days on the mountain. In the distance, the Matterhorn cuts into the sky, its sharp profile symbolizing true mountain adventure.

The skiing’s pretty good, too. With the highest lifts in Europe and wide open pistes, Zermatt lets you stretch your legs and experience the joy of snow sports. With mild April weather, you can shed layers and focus on enjoying your turns instead of surviving sub-zero temps. You might even score a spring powder day. To get there, just hop on the Glacier Express train , take in the stunning panoramas, and get ready for a pure alpine experience.

Lake Como, Italy

With the Alps in the distance and villas lining its banks, Lake Como looks like a centuries-old oil painting. Shaped like an upside-down “Y,” the aquamarine lake offers a mix of history, culture, and calm in an otherwise hectic world. When you want to escape and reset, this body of water and its surroundings are the perfect setting.

Take a spin in a wooden speedboat or cross the lake in a ferry. Explore the eclectic shores and shops of Bellagio, or take a reflective walk through the quiet fishing village of Pescallo. One thing’s for sure—you’ll have a trip to remember.

Joshua Tree National Park

When you want to experience pure nature and surreal landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park takes you to another world. Notable for its unique Joshua trees, the park is also home to big horn sheep, rabbits, and coyotes. But in April, the real attraction is blooming wildflowers like the Desert Globemallow, Brittlebush, and Indian Paintbrush. 

The park is also an open playground for rock climbers , with over 8,000 climbing routes among the monzogranite formations. If you’re new to climbing, taking a guided tour can get your feet wet and introduce you to a lifetime of exploring. Then, after a day under the sun, take in the park’s clear night sky, unencumbered by artificial light.

April travel offers diverse options. You can pick from winter destinations or summer escapes, with each providing a sweet introduction to spring. Want to squeeze a little more out of the ski season? Just head to Tahoe for a party on the piste. Can’t wait for summer? Fly to Kauai and savor the warm water and deep forests. So book that flight, pack your bags, and take it all in.

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• Destinations

A vacation or a trip away is about relaxing, or rather taking a break from the bustle and monotony of daily life. There are some amazing luxury hotel chains to visit, sure. Still, the best trips unburden you by including the preparation of your meals and drinks, offering an abundance of activities with minimal planning, and more. The less you have to do, the better. If you've never been on an all-inclusive trip before, that's precisely the point. Everything is included and prepared for you, and there's really no need to pay for much else -- often, your food and drinks are covered. You can tip, buy some souvenirs, and maybe try out a few snacks or meals outside of what's available, but again, you don't have to fret about it if you don't want to. Surprisingly, there are a lot of all-inclusive resorts and destinations if you know where to look. Pack your bags, don't forget your suntan lotion, and let's explore. Alila Ventana Big Sur Big Sur, California

Included: Food, non-alcoholic drinks, amenities Alcohol Extra: Yes

Setting sail on a luxury cruise is a dreamy escape that promises comfort, indulgence, and adventure. If you are thinking about heading out to sea, choosing the right cruise line can make all of the difference. From extravagant amenities and world-class cuisine to personalized service and gorgeous destinations, the best luxury cruise lines redefine the notion of a vacation at sea. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, these are the finest offerings of the high seas.  The benefits of taking a luxury cruise

The difference between a luxury cruise and a regular cruise extends beyond varying price points. A regular cruise often comes with all of the standard amenities and service levels, while a luxury cruise takes the experience a step further by offering an unparalleled level of opulence and refinement. Luxury cruises often include gourmet dining experiences, unique amenities, and VIP privileges, including priority embarkation and access to exclusive events.

If you're planning on a road trip this year, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to go. Popular tourist attractions can be full of crowds and tourist traps that can make your trip a little more lackluster than you would have hoped. Fortunately, Bounce has just released a study on the top hidden gem vacation spots to go to this year, all based on Google search metrics. Let's dive into the top locations from the study, covering everything from the best times to visit and how to make the most of these spectacular spots.

Sedona, AZ One of the best places to travel this year is Sedona, Arizona. Sedona boasts luxurious resorts, spas, and a vibrant arts scene. Outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, and spiritual retreats. This location received 4.6 million global Google searches in 2023.