Switzerland Travel Guide: Best Season, Weather, Plugs & Itineraries
Snowy peaks, lakes and mountain railways with clockwork transport — but prices are high, so budget generously.
🗓 Best time to goJun–Sep for hiking and views; winter for skiing, with some lifts closed.
💱 CurrencySwiss franc (CHF)
Try the currency converter →
Try the currency converter →
🔌 Plugs & voltage230V | Type J (Swiss); slim two-pin Type C plugs usually fit
🌦 ClimateFour seasons in the valleys; the high Alps are far colder year-round and views can be clouded out — pack warm layers.
Monthly average temperatures in Switzerland
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland (Zurich / Lucerne / Jungfrau) High / low | 3° -3° | 5° -2° | 10° 1° | 15° 4° | 20° 9° | 23° 12° | 25° 14° | 25° 14° | 20° 10° | 14° 6° | 8° 2° | 4° -1° |
°C — top is the average high, bottom the average low. Typical values only; check the forecast before you go. See charts in the climate tool.
Switzerland travel tips
- Work out whether a Swiss Travel Pass pays off.
- Check live weather and webcams before heading up.
- Supermarket picnics keep costs down.
Switzerland itineraries
Swiss Highlights in 7 Days (Jungfrau & Matterhorn)
SwitzerlandNatureBy trainPhotogenic
Lakes and peaks by train: Zurich, Lucerne, the Jungfrau and the Matterhorn.
Read before you go
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General travel information — entry rules, e-authorisations, weather and opening details change often, so check official sources.