Weather in Zurich

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Zurich. In this section, you will find current data, forecasts, and other useful information about the weather.

The climate of Zurich is characterized as temperate, with four clearly defined seasons. This means that travellers can expect diverse weather conditions depending on the time of year, making every visit to the city unique in its own way.

Summer in Zurich is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures in June-August around 18-20°C, while maximum values can reach 23-25°C. This is the ideal time for walking around the city and relaxing in nature. Winters, by contrast, are cold: the average temperature from December to February ranges from 1.8°C to 3.7°C, often dropping below zero at night, which creates conditions for snowfall. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with milder but often changeable weather, when temperatures gradually rise or fall.

One of the notable features of the weather in Zurich is the significant number of days with precipitation throughout the year – on average from 12 to 18 days per month. At the same time, according to the provided data, the total monthly rainfall remains relatively small, usually within the range of 2-4 mm. This may indicate frequent but not overly intense precipitation, such as drizzle or light rain (or snow in winter). Therefore, when planning a trip, it is worth being prepared for possible precipitation and taking an umbrella or raincoat with you.

The temperature regime in Zurich demonstrates pronounced seasonality, typical of a temperate climate. The annual temperature range extends from cool winter lows to comfortably warm summer highs. The hottest months are traditionally July and August, when the average daytime temperature hovers around 19.7-19.8°C, and maximum values can reach 24-25°C. Conversely, the coldest months are considered to be January and December. In January, the average temperature is about 1.8°C, with night frosts being a common occurrence when the thermometer drops on average to -1.1°C.

The summer months in Zurich, from June to August, offer residents and guests of the city pleasant warmth. Average daily temperatures during this period confidently stay above 18°C, peaking in July and August. Daytime highs of 23-25°C create excellent conditions for outdoor activities and walks. It is worth noting that summer nights can be noticeably cooler than the days: the difference between the average maximum and average minimum temperature is about 9-10°C (for example, in July from 15.0°C at night to 24.6°C during the day). This ensures comfortable sleep even after a hot day.

Winter in Zurich, covering the period from December to February, is characterized by cool weather. Average temperatures in these months range from 1.8°C in January to 3.7°C in February. Nighttime temperatures regularly drop below zero, especially in January (averaging -1.1°C) and December (-0.1°C), which creates conditions for the formation of ice and snow. Daytime highs usually remain low, in the range of 4.6°C - 7.7°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, but still perceptible, amounting to approximately 5-8°C.

Precipitation in Zurich is a fairly regular occurrence throughout the year, so when planning a trip, it is worth being prepared for changeable weather. There is no clearly defined rainy season or, conversely, a long dry period here. The monthly amount of precipitation remains relatively small, varying within 2-4 mm, which indicates that rains or snowfalls are most often not excessively heavy.

The highest number of days with precipitation usually falls in May, when there are on average about 18 "wet" days, as well as in December with 17 days. Quite often, precipitation can also be expected in the summer months, for example, in July (on average 16 days) and June (15 days). The "driest" months in terms of the number of days with precipitation are February and April, when their number drops to 12. February also stands out with the lowest total volume of precipitation – only 2 mm.

The nature of precipitation in Zurich changes depending on the time of year. In the winter months, especially in January and December, when the air temperature often drops below zero, particularly at night, there is a high probability of snowfall. Snow is also possible in February. During the rest of the year – in spring, summer, and autumn – precipitation falls predominantly in the form of rain. Given the combination of precipitation frequency and its small total volume, it can be assumed that these may be either short-term rains or prolonged drizzle.

When planning a trip to Zurich, it is important to consider its temperate climate with distinct seasons and fairly frequent precipitation throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes during the day and to various weather conditions. An indispensable companion for any trip to Zurich will be an umbrella or a light raincoat, as the number of days with precipitation is significant, even if the precipitation itself is not always heavy. Do not forget comfortable shoes for walking around the city, as Zurich invites long walking explorations of its streets and embankments.

If your journey falls during the summer months (June-August), when the average temperature stays around 18-20°C and the maximum can reach 23-25°C, pack light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, skirts, light trousers. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool, and rain is not uncommon, so a light sweater or cardigan, as well as a windbreaker, will not be amiss. Do not forget sunscreen and a hat for sunny days. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) will also please you with relatively warm weather, but the likelihood of rain and cooler days is higher, so layering and waterproof outerwear will be especially relevant.

For a trip to Zurich during the cold season (from November to March), when average temperatures range from 1.8°C to 5.5°C, and night frosts and snowfalls are common, you will need warm clothing. Be sure to take a warm jacket or coat (preferably waterproof and windproof), a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Do not forget about warm sweaters, fleece tops, and possibly thermal underwear, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Given the frequent precipitation in the form of rain or snow, waterproof shoes with non-slip soles will be very useful. In early spring and late autumn, the weather can be very changeable, so warm items and rain protection will also be your faithful companions.