Switzerland in July: Tips for Summer Activities
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.
- Jeff
Switzerland Weather in July
The weather in Switzerland in July is pretty hot, with average temperatures of 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Temperatures could vary by altitude, and in low-lying areas, the mercury could go as high as 35°C. The average temperature in Geneva in July fluctuates between 14°C and 26°C. It is much cooler in high-altitude places like Zermatt, where temperatures range between 4°C and 13.5°C. You can still see snow in these areas, but a lot less than in winter. Some travelers might find July a bit hotter, especially in the main cities of Zurich and Geneva. During this time, days are quite long in Switzerland, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. Expect the sun to rise before 6 AM and set after 9 PM.
For a seasonal overview, check out our article on the best time to visit Switzerland.
Weather in Switzerland in July - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 2 | 6 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 14 | 7 | 4 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -2 | -2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 2 | -1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 36 | 43 | 52 | 59 | 68 | 70 | 76 | 74 | 68 | 58 | 45 | 40 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 29 | 29 | 34 | 38 | 45 | 52 | 56 | 56 | 50 | 45 | 36 | 31 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 90 | 110 | 80 | 120 | 80 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Jun | Jul | Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 21 | 24 | 23 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 11 | 13 | 13 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 70 | 76 | 74 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 52 | 56 | 56 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 110 | 80 | 120 |
Why Visit Switzerland in July
July is great to visit Switzerland but it can be a bit crowded. Visitors love the warm and sunny climate, which affords them the opportunity to enjoy plenty of fun outdoor activities. Here are some reasons to visit Switzerland in July.
- Wonderful time for hiking: July is a perfect time to enjoy hiking in Switzerland. A land of outstanding natural beauty, Switzerland is home to numerous scenic trails. Make the most of the terrific greenery and spectacular views by hiking the Oeschinensee Panorama Hike trail, an 8.5-kilometer loop that takes you around the deep turquoise waters of the lake.
- Fun summer festivals: Switzerland comes alive in July as the country hosts many fun summer festivals. Music lovers must not miss the Montreux Jazz Festival in Lake Geneva. Set in a picturesque setting by the lake, it is a two-week musical extravaganza featuring world-famous musicians.
- Spectacular lakes: Another reason you should consider vacationing in Switzerland is to marvel at the spectacular lakes. The country has more than 7,000 lakes that look even more stunning during summer. Some of the best ones are Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz, and Oeschinen Lake.
- Abundant outdoor sports: Stunning lakes, majestic mountains, and gorgeous gorges make for an exciting prospect to take up outdoor sports when visiting Switzerland in summer. From skydiving in the Interlaken to mountain climbing in Matterhorn and bungee jumping in the Swiss Alps, there will be no shortage of thrilling activities to get your blood pumping in Switzerland in July.
Where to Go and What to Do
Since the main cities of Switzerland can get crowded in July, consider heading to the mountains where there are fewer crowds and temperatures cooler. The picturesque Engelberg Valley is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer, where more than 500 kilometers of hiking trails await you. Between hiking, treat yourself to a refreshing dip in one of the crystal clear lakes—a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
The mountains of Graubünden, Bernese Oberland, and Valais are also worth checking out in summer. Depending on how long you will spend in Switzerland, you can spend several days in a camp in Arolla, Valais, home to the highest campsite in Europe.
Hiking is also one of the best things to do in Switzerland in summer. If you only have a day to spare, hike up the Aletsch Glacier Trail. It is a 17-kilometer-trail that takes you past Europe's largest glaciers, the Aletsch Glacier and the Fischer Glacier.
Explore the Interlaken, a picturesque town between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Take the public boat traveling within the lake to admire the picturesque lakeside villages. When evening comes, treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner on a cruise. And if you are up for some thrilling adventures, go on a jet boat trip. Here are our cruise tours in Switzerland.
While Switzerland has a lot to offer in the colder months, it is also worth visiting in summer for so many special reasons. For many, the summer months are ideal to visit Switzerland, when its landscapes look more spectacular and lots of opportunities open up for outdoor activities. There are also fun summer festivals to enjoy and scenic trails to hike.
If you want to experience Switzerland in July, book a customized trip to make the most of your summer holiday.
Related articles:
Switzerland in June
Switzerland in August
