Switzerland in February: Winter Holiday Travel Tips
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.
- Aliza
Switzerland Weather in February
The weather in Switzerland in February is pretty much dominated by snow - that’s why it’s one of the best times to ski in Switzerland. Average temperatures are around 6℃ during the day and -2℃ during the night. If you are heading towards the Alps, the average temperatures range between -12.8°C and -4.6°C. So keep yourself warm with layers. But do not let the frigid conditions fool you. Switzerland still sees around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day in February. As the sun's intensity increases in high-altitude areas, you will want to bring plenty of sunblock.
If you are not sure when you should visit Switzerland, please consult our seasonal guide on the best time to visit Switzerland.
Weather in Switzerland in February - 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 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 2 | 6 | 11 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -2 | -2 | 1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 36 | 43 | 52 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 29 | 29 | 34 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 70 | 70 |
Why Visit Switzerland in February
From plenty of snow to iconic festivals to sporting events, there are a lot of great reasons to visit Switzerland in February. Let us find out what some of them are:
- Hit the Slopes: Thanks to the cold temperatures and fresh snow, it is pretty much universally agreed that February is the best month for skiing and snow sports in Switzerland. If you love strapping on your snowboard or skis, this is the time to visit the world-class resorts of the Valais Region.
- Art on Ice Festival: If you want to inject some culture into your trip to Switzerland, head to the Art of Ice Festival. Originally held in Davos over two days, it now tours around Switzerland across the month of February. Check out more of our cultural trips to Switzerland.
- White Turf Festival: If snow sports are not your thing, Saint Moritz offers more than just an amazing skiing experience. Check out the three-day White Turf Festival that features horse racing across a frozen lake and plenty of food, drink and music.
- Lucerne Carnival: If you are looking to leave the resorts behind for the city, head to Lucerne for its massive carnival celebrations. While the carnival dates move each year depending on Easter, it is normally held towards the end of February. Be a part of the masked parade and festivities.
Where to go and what to do
Of course, skiing and snowboarding are some of the best things to do in Switzerland in February, and the best places to ski are the resorts of Saint Moritz and Zermatt. With plenty of chalet accommodation, resorts, shuttles and ski schools, these are the perfect places for snow sports, regardless of whether you are a pro or just starting out. Just make sure you book your flights, and accommodation in advance, as this is the busiest time of the year on the Swiss slopes. Here are our tours to Zermatt.
If you want to experience winter in Switzerland without hurtling down the mountain slopes, why not try snowshoeing. This is a popular winter activity in American and Canadian resorts that is also gaining popularity in the Alps. It allows you to hike through the mountains, along designated routes and trails, without having your energy sapped by cross-country skiing.
Looking to treat yourself while you are in Lucerne for the carnival? Check out the famous Old Swiss House Restaurant, which serves a mix of classic French and authentic Swiss cuisines. Warm yourself up with schnitzel, and kirsch torte and dive into their extensive wine menu. For more ideas about what to do in Switzerland, check out our sample itineraries on how many days to spend in Switzerland.
If you want a perfect winter holiday in Switzerland, you will not find a better time to visit the country than in February. Although the country is a lot busier and a bit expensive for travelers during this time, the perfect snowy conditions make them worthwhile. This is also true for those visitors who are skiing or snow sports enthusiasts. There are plenty of events, festivals and tourist activities going on in Switzerland in February to keep visitors excited and entertained.
We know that planning a trip to Switzerland in the wintertime can be stressful. Why not let our travel experts do the hard work for you? With our customizable trip in Switzerland, you just have to fill in a few details and we will give you back the perfect itinerary—it is that simple.
Check out our tours to Switzerland in February for more ideas.
Related articles:
Switzerland in January
Switzerland in March
