Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Best Months: April | May | June | September | October

Sightseeing in Switzerland takes on many different forms, from walking along covered wooden bridges to visiting a captivating museum that traces the strong history of communities in the Alps, with April to May and again from September to October offering the best times to visit. The combination of months mostly consist of the shoulder season when you can experience cordial weather and smaller crowds across the country perfect for indulging in a more authentic view of local life, history, and panoramic beauty.

Best Months: May | June | July | August | September

The summer months between May and September are the best times to hike in Switzerland. The country’s high altitudes mean cold and shifting weather is a possibility along the trails throughout the year but summer offers the best time between snow-melts and rainfall. Hiking in Switzerland gives you ample opportunities to view the snowy mountain peaks and enjoy the quaint scenery, from lush valleys to soaring mountains, as well as quiet villages.

Best Months: January | February | March

Switzerland is a legendary destination for snow sports like skiing, especially between January and early March with the high-altitude slopes open late into the season. With a mixture of fresh powdery snow and curated trails, you can easily find runs befitting your experience. After the Christmas season, finding a slope or resort is also much easier as vacationing Swiss, as well as international jet-setters, have mainly gone back home giving you the possibility of a more comfortable and intimate ski excursion.

Best Months: May | June | September | October

The weather is often the biggest factor in whether you will enjoy your winetasting excursion and May to June, as well as from September to October, could give you the best conditions for an indulgent experience. Local wineries open their doors to locals and foreigners, especially in May and June, resulting in a great tradition of flavorful discovery and community engagement. The weather in May and June is not as predictable as in September or October but the mixture of ambiance and community connection create a lasting impression.

Best Months: May | June | September | October | December

The spring and autumn months from May to June and again from September to October are the best times for your horseback riding excursion in Switzerland but December could also give you a surprising horseback riding experience in a wonderland blanketed with snow. With any horseback adventure, you have a variety of horse breeds from which to choose, which gives you plenty of possibilities in the types of landscapes you can explore, the vistas you can experience, and even the time of year you can discover the dramatic scenery.

Best Months: June | July | August | September

Summer is the best time to visit the Matterhorn. The weather is the most predictable and stable between June and September, and while the crowds could swell in the peak of summer, you will most likely never feel surrounded. From hiking nearby slopes to a scenic helicopter flight, a cable-car ride to a meal with an epic panorama, there are so many different ways you can experience the Matterhorn that you could easily find a unique activity that fits your preferences.

Best Months: May | June | September | October

Traveling in Switzerland on a family trip between May to June or September to October will give you the best combination of good weather and smaller crowds. The shoulder season has plenty of opportunities to experience the best of the country and culture depending on your preferences as a family with easy access to the postcard beauty of the landscape and preserved culture of historic city centers. Outdoor activities, endless natural wonder, delicious chocolate, artisan traditions, and the thrill of discovery make Switzerland a perfect family-friendly destination.

Best Months: May | June | September | October | December

Couples can escape to Switzerland for a romantic getaway or charming honeymoon from May to June, September to October or again in December. The shoulder seasons in Switzerland will give you smaller crowds while still hosting the same grandeur and allure as the popular summer months, such as hiking, wine tasting, and breathtaking views of the massive alpine peaks. December will give you a completely different perspective of Switzerland by immersing you in the charismatic wonderland of snow, Christmas markets, and cozy chalets.

Best Months: April | May | August | September

Spring and summer in Switzerland are best experienced from April to May and again from August to September. Museums are an intriguing excursion year-round but activities like wine tasting, hiking, and canyoning are conditional depending on the weather. By visiting during the more temperate months, you can discover different corners of Switzerland more easily with each excursion feeding reinforcing your connection to the surrounding beauty, tradition, and adventure through experiences like:

Wine Tasting | Food Tour | Hiking | Kayaking | Canyoning | Rhine Tour

Best Months: October | November | December | January

The best months to visit Switzerland in fall and winter are from October to January. The changing seasons can be cold with snow falling in the higher altitudes as early as November. While the landscape may shift from lush green to crisp orange to bleach white, you can still enjoy a variety of activities including hiking and thermal spas but the main excursion in winter could indulge you in surprising delights like:

Ski | Snowboard | Christmas Market | Hiking | Chocolate Factory | Museums

Switzerland is famous for its tradition, glamour, and natural wonder with a unique position in the European Alps that supports storybook towns and snowcapped panoramas. Understanding the best time to visit Switzerland depends on the experiences you want, from wine tasting to hiking beneath glaciers, or exploring historic villages. Zicasso’s offers more information for your perfect trip and you can speak with a Switzerland travel specialist for free by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.