Switzerland is not a very large country, which is located in Europe. More than half of its area is occupied by mountains. The climate of Switzerland can be briefly called moderately continental. But the relief of the country is such that, traveling through its various regions, you can get from the summer heat to winter cold in a few hours. In this article we will consider the weather and climate in this country in different regions, altitudinal zones and by the seasons. After all, Switzerland is very popular for tourists, and many want to know when it is better to go here. It is generally believed that it is best to visit this country in December-February and May-September. Why - read below.
Climate of Switzerland: a brief description
The Alps mountain system is a natural wall, which on the one hand prevents the penetration of cold air from the Arctic to the south of the country, and the warm breeze from the subtropics to the north. It would seem that there should be a large temperature difference between these regions. Nevertheless, the winter in the north of Switzerland is quite mild, and the summer is comfortable. In the cold months, in the northern cantons of the country there is up to 3-5 degrees of frost, and in the warm - 22-25 degrees above zero. In the south of the country, summer temperatures are hotter. It is 26-28 degrees. There is more rainfall in the south than in the north, mainly in the summer. The second half of November, March and April are the rainy and foggy months.
The role of mountain systems
The climate of Switzerland is determined by the presence of a large area of hills. The weather in this country is very dependent on how much the terrain is elevated above sea level. In winter, snow lies in the high mountains. There is 10 degrees of frost here during the cold months, and 15 at night. At some peaks there are eternal glaciers and ski resorts operate all year round. The relief and climate of Switzerland are very interconnected. Usually in Geneva it is warmer than in Zurich, a couple of degrees, and in the canton of Ticino, where they speak Italian, it is very hot. It is sunny there even when it rains all over the country.
Switzerland climate for months: winter
The best time to visit the country is December. This Christmas month is not too cold, but everywhere you will feel a fabulous atmosphere. Everywhere festive bazaars are noisy, Christmas trees and garland lights sparkle, and if you freeze, you always get warm with mulled wine, fried chestnuts and hot chocolate. But know that in low places it can be foggy, because if you want the sun, then your path should not lie in large cities.
Unlike the rest of Europe, sales in Switzerland begin in January. In the same month, the main ski season starts. In large cities it’s quite warm - mostly 1-5 degrees above zero, in Lugano it can be plus 10. But in the mountains it’s already 10-15 frosts. Therefore, in this period, tourists travel to Switzerland both in large cities - to enjoy the artistic and architectural treasures - and spend time in ski resorts. Comfort, respectability, adrenaline, amazing nature and après ski entertainment are guaranteed.
February is much warmer. In the capital, Zurich and Basel, the temperature rises to 10-15 degrees, the time comes for carnivals. Snow and a winter fairy tale remain only for visitors to ski resorts.
Weather and climate in spring
In March, in Switzerland, all the trees have long been green, tulips bloom in the flower beds, and people even sometimes sunbathe near the lakes in the valley. Nevertheless, it can rain (and this happens quite often), or even the whole city can be covered with snow from the mountains. In Lugano, the temperature rises to 20 degrees Celsius, and in some resorts that are located low, the ski season is already ending.
Switzerland's climate in the spring is very rainy, and this is especially evident in April. Despite the fact that this is usually the Easter season and many weekends, almost everywhere they no longer ski. Sometimes the sun fries just like in the summer.
But in May, the high season begins. At this time, the first tourists come who love trekking and hiking in the mountains. But we must keep in mind that an unexpected snowstorm can come up and cool down.
What summer is in Switzerland?
Comfortable temperature and coolness - this is what distinguishes June in this country. Temperature rarely rises higher than 26 degrees. In the lakes - especially in Zurich - they are already starting to swim. And the highest passes, such as St. Gotthard, which even in May is littered with snow, are already opening. This month is the beginning of summer sales.
Switzerland's climate in the summer can be hot, especially in July. If you are in big cities, you can sunbathe on the waterfront lakes. The mountains are more pleasant and cool, and if it comes to heat, then all buses are air-conditioned.
Approximately the same temperature holds in August. In addition, in Switzerland this is a month of various street parades - colorful spectacles that tourists love to contemplate and photograph.
Autumn weather
September is another tourist season in Switzerland. It is warm, sunny, but fog or clouds threatening rain can already come. But you can safely walk through the mountains, especially in the south of the country. Although the highest passes are already starting to close - there at this time - at least at the end of the month, snow is falling. But the good thing is that the small size allows you to leave from one region to another at a convenient time. Indeed, in Lugano and other Italian-speaking cities it is always warm and sunny. And in the German cantons at this time, the Oktoberfest is already beginning.
The climate in Switzerland is such that in the middle of autumn Indian summer begins. In October, the country harvests and drinks cider. Only here you can’t walk along the high mountains. The weather can be completely unpredictable - from 25 heat to fall to 7. But in these months you can make an excellent photo shoot. Mountains covered with trees decorated with gold, crimson and all kinds of shades of these colors with foliage look indescribably majestic. In addition, there are very large discounts on train tickets at this time.
Prices fall even lower in November, but at this time it rains and heavy fogs almost everywhere. Although you can go to museums and big cities. Discounts are also valid here. Yes, and on such a favorite tourist route as Jungfrau - one of the highest mountains in Europe - you can get almost a penny. The main thing is to choose a suitable day for the weather. And if the year is cold, then at the end of November they already ski. It all starts again, and the year is nearing completion.