The enchantingly beautiful Swiss Alps is the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Switzerland. A landlocked country in Central Europe, Switzerland is all about its gorgeous natural beauty, glistening lakes, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, decadent chocolates, elegant watches, and delicious cheese. No wonder, more than 20 million tourists from all over the world visit Switzerland every year. The best part is that a Schengen visa is what you need to visit this country, as Switzerland is a part of the Schengen zone. But before you go, you need to know the best time to visit Switzerland. Here you will find a complete guide to the best times to visit this country.
Seasons of Switzerland
Like most of Europe, Switzerland has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. While summer is the most popular time to visit Switzerland, this country is all-year-round destination, with each season offering something unique and special. Here we will get to know about when to visit Switzerland.
Switzerland in Spring (March to May)
Temperature: 8-degree C to 18-degree C
Spring is transformative season in Switzerland, as the climate changes from extreme cold to mild warmth. The temperature rises and the snow starts melting in most parts of the country, except in the mountains. You will see colorful blooms everywhere, especially in the alpine meadows. In short, spring is the perfect time to enjoy the colorful beauty of the country. As spring is shoulder season in Switzerland, you will get to enjoy the place with less tourist crowds. You will also find cheaper rates for accommodation and flights during this time of the year in Switzerland.
Best Places to Visit
- Zurich and Geneva are the best places to visit during spring season in Switzerland. The spring months are ideal for exploring hiking and nature trails in Zurich and Lake Geneva. You will find plenty of Zurich packages to choose from for your holiday.
- You must also visit the lakeside beaches and towns in Switzerland during this month. Going on a boat tour on the glistening lakes of Lake Geneva or Lake Zurich will give you the chance to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes.
- This is also a great time to visit Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen to witness its gorgeous waterfalls after the snowmelt.
You can also visit Bern and Lucerne for its spring magic. - If you are interested in spring skiing, there are ski resorts in Zermatt and Verbier that offer late skiing opportunities at discounted rates.
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Festivals and Events
- The Tulip Festival in Morges is one of the most popular spring festivals in Switzerland. Get ready to witness the beautiful sight of more than 300 varieties of tulips all along Lake Geneva. This happens in April and May.
- You also get to celebrate the Cheese Festival if you visit Switzerland in May, where you get to view traditional cheese making demonstrations and taste different varieties of cheese.
- Zurich celebrates Sechselauten in mid-April, which is essentially a spring celebration. It involves a parade and burning of the Boogg snowman to know how warm the summer will be that year.
- If you are visiting in March or April, you will also get to be involved in Switzerland’s Easter traditions.
Switzerland in Summer (June to August)
Temperature: 18-degree C to 30-degree C
Summer is considered the best season to visit Switzerland, thanks to the pleasantly warm climate throughout the summer months. This season is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures, as there are plenty to do in Switzerland in summer. Right from hiking in the Swiss Alps to indulging in adventure sports, summer is the perfect time to enjoy the Swiss outdoors. The best part is that the country enjoys almost 16 hours of sunshine, making it possible to spend maximum time exploring the outdoor attractions. The only downside of visiting Switzerland in summer is the crowd. As it is peak tourist season, tourists and locals are out and about during these months. Moreover, flights and accommodation are quite expensive during this time of the year. It is important to do advance booking if you do not want to miss the chance to vacationing in Switzerland in summer.
Best Places to Visit
- The historic town of Lucerne is a must visit during the summer months. You can also enjoy boat cruises on Lake Lucerne.
- Visit the most iconic mountain in Switzerland, Matterhorn, in summer to indulge in hiking and the absolute gorgeous views.
- Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfalls, should also be on your Switzerland itinerary.
- Visit Interlaken to enjoy adventure sports like rafting, paragliding, hiking, and canyoning.
- The capital of Bern with its Old Town, Cathedral, and Clock Tower are also worth visiting in this season.
- Enjoying a train journey is the best way to witness the beauty of the Switzerland in summer.
- Summer is the ideal season to explore Swiss National Park where you can hike on the numerous park trails and get the opportunity to watch the wildlife of the place.
- You must also visit Jungfrau and Grindelwald region for hiking and cable car rides.
Festivals and Events
- August 1 is Swiss National Day, which is celebrated with interesting parades and colorful fireworks.
- The second largest jazz festival in the world, the Montreux Jazz Festival is held in early July, on the shores of Lake Geneva.
- Apart from these, there are several open-air festivals and important events, including Lucerne Festival, Zurich Festival, Locarno Film Festival, and more, to attend and enjoy during this Switzerland travel season.
Switzerland in Autumn (September to November)
Temperature: 10-degree C to 20-degree C
Autumn is another transitional month in Switzerland, when summer turns into winter. The temperature starts dipping during the autumn months, and you will get to enjoy cool and crisp air during this time of the year. This is one of the best times to visit the country if you want to avoid crowds. The summer crowd starts thinning, and you will get to enjoy all the attractions without too many people around you. It is also a great time for budget travelers as you will get great discounts and deals on hotels, flights, and holiday packages during this time. Considered the most underrated season, a visit to Switzerland in autumn would give you the opportunity to enjoy its natural landscapes filled with golden foliage. Rain may play spoilsport during this season, but there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy during this time.
Best Places to Visit
- Autumn season is awesome for hiking in Zermatt, as you get to enjoy the autumn colors with fewer crowds.
- As it is harvesting season in Switzerland, it is a great time for wine tourism. There are numerous vineyards to visit in the country, where you can learn about the nation’s wine making processes and taste its delicious wine. Lavaux’s UNESCO vineyards are worth visiting.
- Another thing not to miss during this season is going on a train journey through the GoldenPass line to relish the fall colors in all its glory.
- The Old Town of Zurich is a must-visit place in autumn. Apart from this, do not forget to visit the Lindt Chocolate Factory, where you will get to see how one of the world’s best chocolates are made and get to try some too.
- Grindelwald, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Jungfraujoch, and Zermatt are some of the other places to visit in Switzerland in autumn.
- Although the temperatures start dipping during this season, Switzerland is still great for bicycle tours and mountain biking in these autumn months.
Festivals and Events
- Alpine Cattle Festival, which happens in September-October, is one of the most interesting festivals in the country. You will get to see huge cow processions in Appenzell and nearby villages.
- The Bern Onion Market Festival happening in November is a fun festival where you get to see interesting things, right from braids to foods, all associated with onions.
- Rabechilbi, the Turnip Lantern Festival, happens in November, where you will see parades with people carrying lanterns carved from turnips.
- Chestnut festivals in Ticino and grape harvests are some other things to look forward to in Switzerland during this season.
Switzerland in Winter (December to February)
Temperature: -5-degree C to 7-degree C
Switzerland turns into a snowy, winter wonderland in the winter months. Powdery white snow is not only found in the alps but also in the cities and towns. If you are craving for a white Christmas and New Year, this is the perfect time to visit. Switzerland is most popular for skiing during this time along with other snow adventures. Even if you are not into winter sports, there are plenty of other things to do in the country during this time of the year. It is the ideal time to explore the cities without too much crowd, as most tourists prefer the ski resorts. An important point to note here is that daytime is quite short in this season, so you need to plan your outings accordingly.
Best Places to Visit
- The ski resorts in Zermatt, Jungfrau, and St. Moritz are the most popular for its luxury stays and best skiing opportunities. You will also get to enjoy snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing here.
- Davos is another place where you can indulge in skiing and other winter sports, while Grindelwald rewards you with dramatic peaks.
- This is a good time to visit Zurich to witness its festive lights and explore its vibrant Christmas markets.
- Some other Swiss cities that are known for its Christmas markets are Bern, Gstaad, St Gallen, Moritz, Chur, and more.
- Winter is the ideal time for Swiss train journeys, as you will get to see panoramic views of the snow-covered landscapes. The Glacier Express is something you should not miss.
- Your winter holiday to Switzerland will not be complete without a visit to Ice Palace on the Jungfraujoch, a unique palace complete with ice corridors and sculptures.
- If you want to go on a ski holiday but want some peace and quietude, Engelberg would be right for you. This ski resort is perfect for families with kids.
- Winter is the best time to cozy up at a ski resort filling your tummy with decadent hot chocolate and delicious cheese fondue meals.
Festivals and Events
- While Christmas Markets are quite popular in Switzerland, Christmas is also celebrated with lots of customs and traditions.
- New Year’s Eve is also celebrated with great pomp and splendor with musical shows, parties, and fireworks in all important places of Switzerland.
- Winter Food Festival is held in different parts of the country where you get to see chef events and demonstrations and also taste local delicacies.
- The International Hot Air Balloon Festival happens in January-February in Chateau-d’Oex, where you will get to see colorful balloon flights, night shows, sporting competitions, and more.
Conclusion
So, you see, every season is the best time to visit Switzerland, depending on your needs, interests, and likes. You are bound to have a great time whichever season you plan to visit the country. Make sure to pack as per the weather, so that you enjoy a comfortable stay in Switzerland whenever you visit.
