Weather in Geneva

Planning a trip or a walk around Geneva? Here you will find the latest weather information, including up-to-date data and forecasts to help you plan your day perfectly.

Geneva, located in Switzerland, is characterized by a temperate climate with four clearly defined seasons. This means that travellers can expect significant weather changes throughout the year: from cool, and sometimes frosty, winters to warm and pleasant summers. This seasonality makes Geneva an attractive destination to visit at different times, depending on individual preferences.

Winters in Geneva (December-February) are generally cold, with average air temperatures around 1.6°C - 3.7°C, while minimum temperatures can drop below freezing. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, and average temperatures rise from 5.7°C in March to 12.5°C in May, bringing the city's nature to life. Summer (June-August) is a warm and often sunny time of year with average temperatures around 17.6°C - 19.3°C, and maximum daytime temperatures can reach a comfortable 22-24°C. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by a gradual drop in temperature, preparing the city for winter: average values decrease from 15.1°C in September to 5.5°C in November.

Regarding precipitation, it falls throughout the year, although the total amount in millimetres is relatively small (from 3 to 7 mm per month). However, the number of "wet days" (days with precipitation) is quite significant and varies from 12 to 18 per month. This may indicate that precipitation, while frequent, is often not very intense. The highest number of days with precipitation occurs in May and December (18 days each); June is also notable for a high frequency of precipitation (17 days). Overall, the weather in Geneva offers variety, and choosing the best time for a trip will depend on your preferences regarding temperature and types of outdoor activities.

The temperature regime in Geneva demonstrates a distinct change of seasons, offering diverse weather conditions throughout the year. The annual range of average temperatures spans from 1.6°C in January, which is the coldest month, to 19.3°C in July – the peak of summer warmth. August is also very warm, with an average temperature of 19.2°C. Winter minimum temperatures regularly drop below freezing, reaching an average of -1.5°C in January, while summer maximum temperatures in July and August rise to a comfortable 24.1°C - 24.2°C.

The summer months in Geneva, from June to August, are characterized by pleasantly warm weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from 22.4°C in June to 24.2°C in July, creating excellent conditions for walking around the city and relaxing in nature. Nights bring refreshing coolness, with average minimum temperatures around 12.9°C - 14.4°C. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows in summer is quite perceptible and can be around 9-10°C, ensuring comfortable sleep after the daytime heat.

Winter in Geneva, covering the period from December to February, brings cool, and at times frosty weather. Average temperatures during these months stay in the range of 1.6°C to 3.7°C. Nighttime temperatures often drop below the freezing point, especially in January (averaging -1.5°C) and December (-0.8°C). Daytime highs in winter usually range from 4.7°C to 7.8°C. Spring and autumn serve as transitional seasons, with temperatures gradually rising in spring (from 5.7°C in March to 12.5°C in May) and falling in autumn (from 15.1°C in September to 5.5°C in November).

Precipitation in Geneva is a year-round phenomenon, and it is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The city does not have a sharply defined rainy or dry season in terms of the total volume of moisture falling, however, the number of days with precipitation remains significant in almost any month. This means that light or moderate precipitation may accompany your trip regardless of the season.

If we consider the months with the highest and lowest amounts of precipitation, December stands out as the wettest by volume, receiving an average of 7 mm of precipitation. Conversely, February is considered the "driest" month, with a figure of just 3 mm. As for frequency, May and December lead in the number of "wet" days – averaging 18 days in each of these months. The lowest number of days with precipitation (12 days each) usually falls on February, September and October.

The character of precipitation in Geneva changes noticeably depending on the time of year. In winter, especially in December and January, when average minimum temperatures drop below zero, precipitation often falls in the form of snow, creating picturesque winter landscapes. In February, with slightly milder but still cool temperatures, snow is also possible but may alternate with rain. During the spring, summer, and autumn months, rain predominates. Given that even during periods with a large number of "wet days," the total amount of precipitation in millimetres remains comparatively low, one can conclude that these are most often light or moderate rains, rather than prolonged heavy downpours.

When planning a trip to Geneva, it is important to consider the changeable nature of the local weather and frequent precipitation. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are your main companion, as the city encourages long walks. Be sure to take an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket with you, as the number of "wet days" is significant throughout the year (from 12 to 18 days per month), even if the precipitation itself is not always heavy. The principle of layering in clothing is the best approach for Geneva, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes during the day and between indoors and outdoors.

In the winter months (December-February), when average temperatures range from 1.6°C to 3.7°C and often drop below freezing, you will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece tops, possibly thermal underwear, as well as waterproof and windproof outerwear, a hat, gloves, and a scarf, as snow is possible. In summer (June-August), the weather is warm, with average temperatures of 17.6°C - 19.3°C, so pack light clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, and dresses. However, do not forget a light jumper or cardigan for cool evenings or air-conditioned rooms, as well as sunscreen and a hat. Your umbrella or light jacket will come in handy in summer too due to the likelihood of rain.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather in Geneva can be particularly unpredictable, with gradual temperature changes. In these transitional seasons, a combination of t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a mid-weight jacket that can be easily taken off or put on will be optimal. Waterproof shoes will also be very useful, given the stable number of days with precipitation. Remember that even with a small total amount of precipitation in millimetres, it can be frequent, so being prepared for light drizzle or rain will make your trip more comfortable.