When to Visit Switzerland

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 the best months to visit Switzerland, for your ideal holiday!

Winter in Switzerland is a magical time. It is the peak of the winter season and the country offers some of the best snowboarding and skiing conditions in the world. The mountain resort town of Zermatt is one of the prime locations for snow sports and is home to the iconic Matterhorn peak. Aside from hitting the slopes of the Swiss Alps, there are winter festivals and events to keep everyone entertained. As most visitors head towards the mountains of Switzerland in January, the cities of Zurich and Geneva tend to be less crowded, a perfect condition for sightseeing tours. Read on to find out why you should visit Switzerland at the beginning of the year.

Thinking about visiting Switzerland in February? It’s definitely worth visiting this beautiful country in the winter. Switzerland receives plenty of snowfall during this month, offering the best skiing conditions. This is the time to take advantage of the snowy slopes, especially in Saint Moritz and Zermatt. Aside from snow sports, February is also the month to enjoy Switzerland's vibrant carnivals and festivals, all of which bring the country to life.

A holiday in Switzerland in March marks the perfect time to explore the outdoors and visit the country's famous attractions. Winter starts to recede, making way for spring during this time. In higher altitude places like Zermatt, it is still a peak season for snow sports. Meanwhile, spring has already started in lower-altitude places like Lake Maggiore, and a colorful blanket of azaleas and camellias will begin to blossom all over the region.

The spring season casts its spell all over Switzerland in April, with slightly warmer conditions and its beautiful countryside in bloom. Snowfall is limited to the mountain areas and the low-lying places are awash with a kaleidoscope of colors. And what’s more, tourist crowds and accommodation costs are relatively low. From attending music and art festivals to taking a rail journey through stunning landscapes to exploring many beautiful hiking trails, a vacation to Switzerland is bound to be amazing this month.

Switzerland in May means the spring season, albeit a short one. Pleasant weather and spring bloom lend themselves well to a perfect holiday experience. May is the month when the trails like in the Engelberg Valley burst with life as lush meadows emerge, creating picture-perfect vistas. This is a great time to pad along the panoramic hiking trails and countryside or hop on the cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus. Here is a brief look at a holiday in Switzerland and everything you can expect from it.

Summer temperatures rise in Switzerland in June, highlighting the country’s natural beauty renowned the world over. Some of the best places to visit in Switzerland during this time are Lake Geneva, Lausanne and plenty of other places that boast beautiful natural features. Whether you want to explore Switzerland by bike, on your hiking boots, or by setting sail on a pleasure cruise, June is an ideal time to enjoy everything the country has to offer.

You will love visiting Switzerland in July. It is the middle of summer when temperatures soar, especially in low-lying areas. The landscape is stunningly beautiful, with emerald lakes, clear blue skies, and valleys full of colorful flowers during this time—an ideal setting for a wide range of activities. You can swim in the crystal blue Lake Geneva, hike the rolling green hills of Lauterbrunnen, or take in the views from above on a cable car ride in Mount Stanserhorn. Switzerland is an all-year-round holiday destination, but summer is something special here.

It is summer in Switzerland in August. The weather is just right to soak in the country’s famed natural beauty and explore the spectacular outdoors. There are excellent things to do and places to visit in Switzerland this month. Enjoy the historic sites and old-world charm of picturesque Lucerne. Admire the sky-kissing peaks and lush valleys of the Swiss Alps. Explore the distinct neighborhoods and world-class cuisine of Zurich. Go bungee jumping, James Bond-style, off the 220-meter-high Contra Dam in Ticino.

If you hate crowded vacation spots and wish to save money on your trip, you might want to head for Switzerland in September. This month signals the start of fall and is part of a low tourist season in the country. With not many visitors around, the ‘playground of Europe’ is all yours to enjoy. Barring occasional rain showers, the weather conditions of Switzerland in September are mostly favorable for outdoor activities such as hiking in Gstaad and mountaineering in Valais.

Known for its ski resorts, stunning natural vistas, lakes and rivers, Switzerland is a great holiday destination for all seasons. October is a fall month in Switzerland, so the ski season is still a month or two away. But there are still many holiday destinations to see and activities to do if you visit Switzerland in October. This is the perfect time to explore the country’s many hiking trails, picturesque villages and lakes rendered even more beautiful under the autumnal charm.

Switzerland in November cools down and autumn takes its last breath. Before the snow falls you can still enjoy many easy hikes around lower-lying regions, or simply take a picturesque train ride past the marvelous Swiss alps. A Swiss November offers visitors traditional festivities and plenty of uncrowded attractions. Here is a handy guide on the best places to visit in Switzerland and what to expect from the weather.

As an Alpine country, Switzerland is known for its stunning scenery, magnificent snowy slopes, and excellent ski resorts. It is home to some of the world's most beautiful winter destinations, such as Zurich, Davos, and Saint Moritz. So, naturally, many people dream of visiting Switzerland in December to experience the charm of a European white Christmas. With its magical wintry landscapes and centuries-old traditions, celebrating Christmas in Switzerland is indeed a special treat.

As the busiest season of the year, Switzerland in summer welcomes a large number of tourists from around the world. From hiking or cycling to your heart’s content in the scenic Alpine trails to soaking up the sun and the views on the banks of Lake Geneva and enjoying events like the Jazz Festival in Montreux, the summer months in Switzerland, which runs from June to August, are bustling with all kinds of tourist activities. So if you are thinking of taking a trip to Switzerland in the summer, this travel guide is just the thing you are looking for.

Switzerland in winter is a snow-filled wonderland perfect for those who love chasing fresh powder on the slopes or cuddling up with a rich cup of Swiss hot chocolate.On a winter trip to Switzerland, you can expect chilly conditions below freezing, lasting from December through February. Naturally, skiing is a popular activity in Switzerland in the winter, and, as it’s the peak season to visit the country. Ski spots can be very busy; prices tend to increase, so be aware of this and book in advance if possible.