Keeping track of the weather in Zurich is essential when traveling to help you plan your activities effectively.
Zurich is a financial hub with plenty of attractions, beautifully set among mountains and crossed by two rivers.
The weather in Zurich is variable:
- In July and August, average temperatures range between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius.
- In January and February, temperatures can vary from 2 to 7 degrees.
- During spring and autumn, temperatures typically fluctuate between 8 and 15 degrees.
The city is well-prepared for all kinds of weather, so you’ll have no trouble getting around. Residents carry on with their daily routines, whether it’s raining, snowing, or storming. While this adaptability may surprise visitors, Zurich’s people are used to making the most of the weather.
As tourists, poor weather may interfere with some plans, but it also provides a chance to explore indoor activities like visiting a museum or enjoying one of the local breweries or restaurants.
Zurich’s weather by season
Spring temperatures in Zurich: Spring brings mild, pleasant temperatures, and the long winter feels like a distant memory. The city comes alive with a renewed, vibrant atmosphere.
Summer: Ideal for tourism, summer temperatures can reach nearly 30 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that evenings and early mornings can be cool, so a light jacket is often a good idea.
This is also a great season for tours and excursions. Here are a few top recommendations:
- City tour, lake cruise, and Lindt chocolate house visit
- Zurich highlights by coach, cable car, and ferry
- Day trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken by bus and train
With Zurich’s mix of seasonal charm, every time of year brings unique experiences, whether you’re exploring the outdoors in warmer months or enjoying cozy indoor activities during cooler seasons.
Autumn: This is an excellent time for strolling and visiting major sights. As the days progress, the weather gradually cools. Autumn is particularly beautiful due to the city’s abundant green spaces, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Winter weather in Zurich: Zurich gets cold in winter, with riverside areas often icing over. The holiday season is a big draw, with fewer daylight hours, which can affect sightseeing plans.
During this season, it’s best to focus on indoor activities to stay warm. We’ve visited in winter, and our favorite experiences included:
Best time to visit Zurich
Zurich sees the most tourists from June to September, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal.
Zurich is often a stopover or part of a broader trip that includes other destinations, so it’s essential to factor this in when planning. Keep in mind that if you’ll be heading into mountainous areas, temperatures can be quite cool, even in summer.
This planning is essential for making the most of your time in the city.
Travel tips based on Zurich’s weather
In summer, we recommend wearing comfortable, short-sleeved clothing, as while Zurich doesn’t experience scorching heat, temperatures can still be high.
If you’re visiting outside peak season, remember that it gets cold and dark fairly early, so you’ll want to start your day early to see everything—which means being prepared for the cold. In winter, bringing proper attire to protect against the chill and dampness is essential.
When thinking of Zurich or Switzerland, images of picturesque mountain landscapes and church spires come to mind. But it’s important to remember that Switzerland isn’t a particularly warm country. The seasons are defined by sharp contrasts, so bring versatile clothing for any weather and wear it right from the moment you arrive at the airport.
We’d say the ideal time to visit Zurich, with the best weather, is June. There’s plenty of daylight, the city is lively, and nearby mountain passes are open for travel.