Best time to visit
Best time to visit Switzerland
Our pick: May and SeptemberBest valueChecked 22 October 2026
Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Busy and pricier: Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug. Quiet: Nov.
- Best value
- Busy and pricier
- Quiet
RatingBest value
Switzerland has two peak seasons: skiing from December to April and hiking from June to September. In between, some lifts and mountain hotels close for a few weeks.
Month by month in Zurich
- J-1°
- F0°
- M4°
- A9°
- M13°
- J17°
- J19°
- A18°
- S14°
- O10°
- N4°
- D0°
Best valueBusy and pricierQuiet
Average temperature each month (NASA POWER, 2001 to 2025), coloured by season.
Before you go
- A Swiss Travel Pass can make sense if you're moving around a lot by train.
Stay and do
Ready to book Switzerland? Compare places to stay and things to do.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our ratings.
Questions people ask
When do Swiss ski resorts open?
Most open from mid-December to mid-April. Glacier resorts like Zermatt and Saas-Fee open longer.
What is the warmest month in Zurich?
July, averaging 19°C. The coolest is January, at -1°C.
When is peak season in Switzerland?
Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug, when prices are highest. For better value, try Mar–May, Sep–Oct.