Impact-Site-Verification: e97618de-a52b-470d-b945-7e81282bcff0
Zurich old town and Limmat River

Zurich, Switzerland

Best Time to Visit Zurich

Weather month by month, from 20 years of weather-station records.

Best months
June, July, and August
Warmest month
July, 25°C
Wettest month
July, 131 mm

Zurich weather by month

Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.

MonthHigh / lowRainVerdict
January4°C / -1°C72 mm · 8 daysCold
February6°C / 0°C50 mm · 6 daysCold
March11°C / 2°C68 mm · 8 daysCold
April16°C / 6°C77 mm · 7 daysFair
May19°C / 9°C125 mm · 11 daysWet
June23°C / 13°C120 mm · 9 daysGreat
July25°C / 15°C131 mm · 10 daysGood
August24°C / 15°C119 mm · 9 daysGreat
September20°C / 11°C83 mm · 7 daysFair
October15°C / 8°C76 mm · 7 daysFair
November8°C / 3°C74 mm · 7 daysCold
December5°C / 0°C86 mm · 9 daysCold

Zurich by season

Spring

Spring (April-May) sees the city awakening with blooming flowers along the lake and in parks like the Belvoirpark. Temperatures are mild, perfect for outdoor exploration without the peak summer crowds.

  • + Pleasant weather for walking
  • + Fewer tourists than summer
  • + Beautiful blossoms and greenery
  • − Weather can be unpredictable with rain showers
  • − Lake water is still too cold for swimming

Summer

Summer (June-August) is vibrant and warm, with long days ideal for lake activities, open-air festivals like the Street Parade, and dining at outdoor terraces. The city is at its most lively and social.

  • + Perfect for swimming, boating, and hiking
  • + Numerous festivals and outdoor events
  • + Alpine day trips are fully accessible
  • − Peak tourist season with higher prices
  • − Can be crowded, especially in the Old Town

Autumn

Autumn (September-October) offers crisp air and stunning fall foliage, particularly on the Uetliberg mountain. It's a fantastic time for wine lovers, with nearby vineyards harvesting grapes for the new wine ('Sauser').

  • + Beautiful autumn colors
  • + Mild temperatures and fewer crowds
  • + Wine festivals in the surrounding region
  • − Days get shorter rapidly
  • − Weather becomes more variable

Winter

Winter (November-March) transforms Zurich with Christmas markets (like the famous one at the main station), festive lights, and the potential for snow. While cold, it's a magical time for cozy fondue and quick ski trips to the Alps.

  • + Magical Christmas markets in December
  • + Proximity to ski resorts
  • + Indoor cultural scene thrives
  • − Short, cold, and often gray days
  • − Some outdoor attractions and lake activities are closed

Zurich month by month

Zurich in January

Cold

In January, Zurich averages highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C, with about 8 rainy days and 72 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Zurich in February

Cold

In February, Zurich averages highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C, with about 6 rainy days and 50 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Zurich in March

Cold

In March, Zurich averages highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C, with about 8 rainy days and 68 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Zurich in April

Fair

In April, Zurich averages highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C, with about 7 rainy days and 77 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Zurich in May

Wet

In May, Zurich averages highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C, with about 11 rainy days and 125 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.

Zurich in June

Great

In June, Zurich averages highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C, with about 9 rainy days and 120 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Zurich in July

Good

In July, Zurich averages highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C, with about 10 rainy days and 131 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.

Zurich in August

Great

In August, Zurich averages highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C, with about 9 rainy days and 119 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Zurich in September

Fair

In September, Zurich averages highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C, with about 7 rainy days and 83 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Zurich in October

Fair

In October, Zurich averages highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C, with about 7 rainy days and 76 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Zurich in November

Cold

In November, Zurich averages highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C, with about 7 rainy days and 74 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Zurich in December

Cold

In December, Zurich averages highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C, with about 9 rainy days and 86 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Top tours and experiences in Zurich

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich

Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich

4.52,034 reviews10h
Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe Day Trip from Zurich

Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe Day Trip from Zurich

4.71,690 reviews11h 30m
Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

4.61,527 reviews12h
Zurich Sights: Cruise, Lindt Chocolate and optional FIFA Ticket

Zurich Sights: Cruise, Lindt Chocolate and optional FIFA Ticket

4.21,196 reviews5h 15m
All things to do in Zurich →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Plan your Zurich trip

Best time to visit Zurich: FAQ

What is the best month to visit Zurich?+

June is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 23°C. August and July are close behind.

What is the rainiest month in Zurich?+

July is the wettest month, with about 131 mm of rain.

How hot does Zurich get?+

July is the warmest month, with average highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging -1°C.

Averages for 2006–2025 from the ZUERICH/FLUNTERN weather station (2 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.