From sunshine to snow showers, here is everything you need to know about the weather in Zürich, Switzerland.
The weather in Zürich is much milder than many suppose.
Being in Switzerland, I originally believed that it would be frigid during the winters with whiteout snowstorms to boot.
However, snow is not super common and the temperatures mostly stay above freezing during the wintertime.
Going in the summer can bring warm and even hot temperatures along with frequent rain.
Make sure you pack accordingly for the time of year you plan on visiting Zürich.
What This Guide Covers
- Zürich Weather Overview
- Month by Month Weather in Zürich
- Best Time to Visit Zürich
- Worst Time to Visit Zürich
Zürich Weather Overview
Why are you going to Switzerland?
Do you want to see the snowcovered Alps and hit the world-renowned ski slopes?
Maybe you want to see the “Golden Autumn” and witness mother nature’s beauty as the leaves change from deep green to shades of orange, brown, red, and purple.
Or are you wanting to take a dip in the deep turquoise water of Lake Zürich and enjoy some of the best weather Zürich has to offer?
These factors can have a big impact on when you will go to Zürich and what you will experience while there.
Snow
During the winter months, Zürich may experience a light dusting of snow from time to time. It is not usually enough to stop travel though.
Zürich is a good hub to be in if your interests lie in winter sports because there are many slopes in the surrounding region to give you the Alpine skiing experience you’ve been seeking.
Christmas Markets are a unique way to experience a European holiday as well, and the light snowfall isn’t likely to affect the festivities.
Rain
The skies during the middle of summer can be difficult to predict in Zürich.
One moment there could be blue skies and white fluffy clouds; the next there could be menacing dark clouds rolling over the city.
June, July, and August are the wettest seasons in this region of Switzerland, so make sure you pack a raincoat or an umbrella to stay dry as you admire the picturesque city.
Month by Month Weather in Zürich
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the historical weather patterns in Zürich, Switzerland:
January
Coldest month; freezing nights, cold days
- Average High: 36° F (2.6 °C)
- Average Low: 28° F (-2.2 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 2.5 inches (65mm)
February
Very cold, freezing at night, cold days
- Average High Temperature: 40° F (4.7 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 29° F (-1.3 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 2.7 inches (68mm)
March
Cold, cold at night, slightly warmer during day
- Average High Temperature: 48° F (9 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 34° F (1.2 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 2.7 inches (68mm)
April
Cold, nights are still very cold, days are more bearable
- Average High Temperature: 55° F (13.3 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 39° F (4.2 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 3.5 inches (89mm)
May
Beginning to become pleasant, will still need jacket at night
- Average High Temperature: 64° F (17.8 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 46° F (8.31 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 4.1 inches (105mm)
June
Weather during day is comfortable, wet season
- Average High Temperature: 70° F (21.2 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 52° F (11.4 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 5.1 inches (129mm)
July
Warmest month, very pleasant during day, a little chilly at night, wet season
- Average High Temperature: 74° F (23.5 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 55° F (13.3 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 4.7 inches (119mm)
August
Warm weather, wettest month of the year
- Average High Temperature: 72° F (22.4 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 55° F (12.9 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 5.2 inches (132mm)
September
Weather begins to get cooler, not as wet
- Average High Temperature: 66° F (19.3 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 50° F (10.5 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 3.5 inches (90mm)
October
Weather begins to get chilly
- Average High Temperature: 56° F (13.8 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 43° F (6.6 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 2.7 inches (68mm)
November
Cold weather, bundle up
- Average High Temperature: 45° F (7.6 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 35° F (1.8 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 3.1 inches (80mm)
December
Cold season in Zurich
- Average High Temperature: 38° F (3.7 °C)
- Average Low Temperature: 30° F (-1.1 °C)
- Average Precipitation: 2.8 inches (72mm)
Source: Zuerich.com
Best Time to Visit Zürich
If we’re talking solely about the weather, the best time to visit Zürich is during the summer months.
These may be the wettest months, but when the rain clouds part the sunshine feels much better than the chilly winter temperatures.
June:
June is arguably the best month to go to Zürich. With less rainfall than in August and cooler temperatures than later in the summer season, June is a pleasant time to vacation here.
July and August:
July and August offer great weather, however, July is the hottest month of the year and August is the wettest.
These months are also the most popular among tourists as well, so expect sweltering, humid, congested conditions in the city of Zürich.
Worst Time to Visit Zürich
Unfortunately, even beautiful Switzerland has times of year that are less desirable. As far as the weather goes, the wintertime is the worst time to visit Zürich.
Temperatures in the winters hover around freezing temperatures. If you’re anything like me, that is not necessarily a comfortable temperature to be in all day and night while you’re sightseeing.
Don’t let this deter you from going there though! The snowcapped mountains and serene snowfalls can make up for the frigid weather.
Make sure to check out our complete guide to Zürich, Switzerland here as well as other majestic Swiss destinations like Lauterbrunnen, Lucerne, and Jungfraujoch!