Best time to visit Switzerland

Although a small country, Switzerland has a varied climate because of its mountains. Higher peaks are covered in snow for most of the year, while the valleys enjoy warm but wet summers.

Switzerland by month

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Top Switzerland destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Switzerland. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

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When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

The best time to visit Switzerland (Bern) is July based on the following average weather conditions.

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Hours of Sunshine (daily)

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Which is the hottest month in Switzerland?

The hottest time of year in Bern, Switzerland is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 22°C.

Which month has the most rain in Switzerland?

In terms of rainfall, August is usually the wettest month in Bern, Switzerland with 121mm on average. There are normally 16 days in August with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Switzerland?

The sunniest time of year in Bern, Switzerland is normally July with bright sunshine on average for 49% of daylight hours; that's 8 hours of sunshine per day.

Best time to visit

The weather guide for Switzerland (Bern) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm)  |  Imperial (°F / inches)

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Switzerland weather overview

The warmest part of Switzerland is the lakeland district around Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore, a beautiful, if rainy, place for a summer break.

Central Switzerland, where most of the country's inhabitants live, is a low-lying area flanked by Lake Geneva and Lake Konstanz and it can fall prey to very severe winters. Summers, however, are warm if very wet with frequent thunderstorms.

Higher up, in the Jura Mountains, it is even rainier and summer days tend to be marred by cloud, while winters can be freezing in the valleys. The Swiss Alps, which lie between Geneva and Austria, are a good place to be in the winter provided you go high up: mountain conditions can be sunny and bright, if crisp, while the valleys below tend to be shrouded in cloud and fog.

One thing, of which skiers should be wary, is the arrival of the Fohn, a warm southerly wind which raises temperatures very quickly and can spark avalanches. In the summer, cloud and mist surround the Alpine mountain tops so the warm and sunny valleys are the best place to be.

What to pack for Switzerland weather

Always be prepared for rain in Switzerland, especially in the lakeland district. Complement summer lightweights with warm jackets and wrap up well in the winter. Take ski-wear for the mountains.

Switzerland travel features

Do you want to learn more about Switzerland? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Switzerland.

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