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Switzerland

Switzerland is a fantastic destination for a holiday, offering a range of experiences for all kinds of travellers. The country is known for its stunning natural landscapes, from the snow-capped Alps to the pristine lakes and rivers. Visitors can go hiking, skiing, or snowboarding in the mountains, or take a relaxing boat ride on a peaceful lake. Switzerland’s cities are also worth exploring, with their rich history, culture, and delicious food. Swiss cheese and chocolate are world-famous, and there are many opportunities to try them while on holiday. Additionally, Switzerland has many spa towns and natural hot springs where visitors can relax and unwind.

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What you’ll love most about Switzerland

  • Take a scenic train journey, such as the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, or the Golden Pass
  • Go hiking on one of Switzerland’s many trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging mountain treks
  • Visit the cities, such as Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, to experience Swiss culture, history, and cuisine
  • Take a boat ride on one of Switzerland’s many lakes and rivers to see the stunning scenery from a different perspective
  • Visit a spa or hot springs town, such as Baden or Leukerbad, to relax and rejuvenate
  • Go skiing or snowboarding in one of Switzerland’s many world-renowned ski resorts, such as Zermatt, Verbier, or St. Moritz
  • Visit a castle or fortress, such as Chillon Castle or Habsburg Castle, to experience Swiss history and architecture

Please note that the estimated temperature, rainfall and recommended months of when to go are based on Bern’s weather patterns

  • Filisur Landwasser Viaduct, Alpine Circle - Switzerland Tourism/Rob Lewis

  • Lake Cauma - Switzerland Tourism/Silvan Widmer

  • The Lauterbrunnen Valley in spring - Switzerland Tourism/Sylvia Michel

  • Ascona lakeside promenade - Switzerland Tourism/Ivo Scholz

  • Matterhorn view from a hot tub, Zermatt - Switzerland Tourism/Andre Meier

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 3℃
  • 5℃
  • 10℃
  • 15℃
  • 18℃
  • 23℃
  • 25℃
  • 24℃
  • 20℃
  • 14℃
  • 8℃
  • 4℃
  • 10
  • 9
  • 11
  • 10
  • 12
  • 11
  • 11
  • 11
  • 9
  • 11
  • 10
  • 10

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

January is a snow lover’s dream. The Alps are in their element, with resorts like Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz offering world-class skiing and snowboarding. In cities like Lucerne and Bern, twinkling lights and mountain backdrops make for storybook winter scenes.

February

February continues the deep winter rhythm. It’s carnival season in places like Basel, where Fasnacht fills the streets with music and masks. Ski conditions remain excellent, and mountain spas offer warm escapes amid snow-covered peaks.

March

March begins with snow still thick in alpine resorts, but lower-altitude cities such as Zurich and Lausanne start to show signs of spring. It’s a great time to combine snowy mornings with milder afternoons by the lakeside.

April

April is a month of transition. Blossoms appear in lakeside towns like Lugano and Geneva, and while some ski resorts remain open at higher altitudes, hiking paths in the foothills start to thaw. Expect varied weather, but also fewer crowds.

May

May brings full spring. The countryside comes alive with wildflowers, and vineyards around Lake Geneva begin to green. With highs in places like Lucerne reaching around 18°C, it’s perfect for boat trips, scenic rail journeys, and gentle hikes.

June

June is ideal for outdoor adventures. The famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express offer sweeping views of blooming valleys and snow-dusted peaks. Trails across the Jungfrau region open up, and alpine meadows are at their prettiest.

July

July is warm and active. Lakes such as Lake Zurich and Lake Thun welcome swimmers, while mountain towns buzz with hikers and cyclists. Temperatures in places like Interlaken can reach the mid-20s, and open-air festivals bring energy to cities and villages alike.

August

August is peak season for high-altitude hikes, with well-maintained paths through the Matterhorn region and Engadine Valley. Warm weather continues, though heatwaves can occasionally push lowland cities toward 30°C. Traditional events like the Swiss National Day (1 August) add festive flair.

September

September is wonderfully balanced. Vineyards turn golden, and alpine routes remain accessible but less crowded. In Montreux and the Lavaux wine terraces, harvest season is in full swing, pairing well with lake views and crisp early autumn air.

October

October sees rich autumn colours sweep across the country. Forested areas like the Jura Mountains and Valais region glow in reds and golds, while the air turns fresh. With highs in the mid-teens in many towns, it’s a cosy, uncrowded time to explore.

November

November brings a chill and shorter days. Mountain resorts begin gearing up for ski season, and city streets take on a quieter, misty atmosphere. It’s a good month for museum hopping in Basel or Zurich before the holiday crowds arrive.

December

December feels festive throughout. Snow blankets the mountains, ski season kicks off in earnest, and Christmas markets fill the old towns of Lucerne, Bern, and Geneva with lights, mulled wine, and charm. In the Alps, it’s the start of the winter wonderland many come for.

Our Ratings

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Where to book


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