Zurich’s Climate
Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter – Zurich’s Weather Throughout the Year
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Zurich lies in the temperate climate zone and has four distinct seasons. In winter, temperatures occasionally drop below zero, while hot summer days can record temperatures of over 30° C (86° F).
The general rule of thumb is: Consult the short-term weather forecast and be prepared for all eventualities.
Weather forecasts overview
January – The Year Starts Off Cold
In January, Zurich is in the height of winter. It is cold and from time to time experiences snow and ice. The average temperature lies around 0° C (32 °F).
Be sure to pack: woolly hat, scarf, gloves, thick jacket and warm shoes or boots.
February – It is Still Winter
In February, it is still winter and the average temperatures are not much warmer than in January. Sometimes towards the end of the month, the first sunny days with slightly milder temperatures appear.
Be sure to pack: woolly hat, scarf, gloves, thick jacket and warm shoes or boots.
March – From Snow to the First Buds
Even if March officially heralds the beginning of spring, it can still be quite cold in Zurich and may even snow. With a bit of luck, the first sunny days bring with them temperatures of 10–15° C (50‒60 °F).
Be sure to pack: warm jacket, scarf and hat, but also lighter clothing for warmer days.
April – Anything is Possible
In April, anything is possible. The weather can change from rain to sunshine within a matter of hours. Rainstorms are not uncommon and it could still snow. Generally speaking, it is milder than the previous months, with the maximum temperature averaging 14° C (57 °F).
Be sure to pack: rainwear and waterproof shoes
May – Spring has Arrived
May is considerably milder and more spring-like; however, with an average of 12 rainy days, it is pretty wet. While frost may still occur at night, daytime temperatures can reach around 20° C (68 °F).
Be sure to pack: depending on the weather forecast, rainwear and waterproof shoes, light clothing, sunglasses
June – the First Summer Days
June marks the official beginning of summer and temperatures occasionally exceed the 20° C (68 °F) mark. However, the weather can be changeable and it rains frequently.
Be sure to pack: umbrella, light clothing, sunglasses, swimwear just in case
July – Hot Days and Thunderstorms
July is the hottest day of the year and occasionally records sweltering summer days of over 30° C (86 °F). This can give rise to heavy thunderstorms in the evenings.
Be sure to pack: swimming gear, summer clothes, light jacket, umbrella, sunglasses
August – the Sunny Month
On average, August is the month with the most sunny days, and daytime temperatures can get very hot. However, as always, rain and thunderstorms can occur.
Be sure to pack: swimming gear, summer clothes, light jacket, umbrella, sunglasses
September – Late Summer
The weather in September is generally not quite as warm as in the previous months, but tends to be sunnier and more settled.
Be sure to pack: light clothing, a warmer jacket, swimming gear, umbrella, sunglasses
Tours & excursions from Zurich
October –The Golden Fall
When the weather is fine, the sun shines on the colorful fall leaves and temperatures can be very pleasant. However, some days can be wet and/or foggy.
Be sure to pack: rainwear, a warmer jacket, sunglasses
November – Fall Ambience with Fog
In past years, the first snowfall has often come at the end of November. Otherwise, the month is characterized by cool temperatures and fog.
Be sure to pack: rainwear, warmer jacket, hat and scarf
December – Winter is Coming
In Zurich, winter begins in December. The weather is cold and it can snow. The sun only seldom manages to push its way through the high-lying fog.
Be sure to pack: hat, scarf, gloves, thick jacket and warm shoes or boots
Weather data provided by meteoblue.com