Experience the unique charm of Zürich, where the Alps meet the lake. The best time to visit (April-October) offers temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to a delightful 22°C (72°F). Did you know it rains on around 16 days of these months, providing a refreshing break from the sun? For an unforgettable experience, take a boat trip on Lake Zürich during sunset, blending nature's magic with the city's radiant glow.
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Zurich Climate & Weather Averages
Zurich is warmest in July, when daytime highs average 25°C, and coldest in January at around 4°C. The wettest month is May. The table below shows the monthly averages for Zurich, based on recorded data from 2015–2024.
Zurich lives through a true four-season year with a wide continental swing: July afternoons average 25°C, while January days often stay near 4°C and nights sink to about -2°C. Snow is a regular part of winter — around 40 days with snowfall in an average year, concentrated between November and April.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sunshine (h/day) | Wind (km/h) | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4° | -2° | 104 mm | 4.9 | 13 | 12 |
| Feb | 7° | -1° | 74 mm | 6.3 | 13 | 7 |
| Mar | 11° | 1° | 79 mm | 8.1 | 13 | 5 |
| Apr | 15° | 4° | 101 mm | 9.7 | 13 | 4 |
| May | 18° | 9° | 147 mm | 9.9 | 12 | — |
| Jun | 23° | 14° | 133 mm | 11.6 | 11 | — |
| Jul | 25° | 16° | 127 mm | 12.1 | 11 | — |
| Aug | 25° | 15° | 126 mm | 10.6 | 11 | — |
| Sep | 20° | 12° | 94 mm | 9.4 | 11 | — |
| Oct | 15° | 8° | 91 mm | 7.2 | 10 | — |
| Nov | 9° | 3° | 95 mm | 5.2 | 11 | 4 |
| Dec | 6° | 0° | 99 mm | 4.5 | 12 | 7 |
A warming climate: Zurich's warmest month (July) has warmed from an average high of 22°C in the 1950s to 25°C today — a shift of +2.7°C over roughly seventy years.
Sunshine is most generous in July, averaging about 12.1 hours a day, and thinnest in December at roughly 4.5 hours. The breeziest stretch of the year comes around March, when daily winds typically peak near 13 km/h.
Best time to visit: July–September offers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime highs around 23°C. Pack strictly by season: summer calls for light layers, winter for a serious coat, hat, and gloves. For the coldest spell around January, bring warmer layers.
Zurich weather — frequently asked questions
What is the rainiest month in Zurich?
May is on average the wettest month in Zurich, with about 147 mm of rainfall. The driest month is typically February, at around 74 mm.
Does it snow in Zurich?
Yes. Zurich averages about 40 days with snowfall per year, falling mostly between November and April.
How cold are winters in Zurich?
January is the coldest month in Zurich: daytime highs average just 4°C and nights drop to around -2°C.
What is the sunniest month in Zurich?
July, with roughly 12.1 hours of sunshine a day on average over 2015–2024. The dimmest month is December, at about 4.5 hours.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?
Weather-wise, July–September is the sweet spot in Zurich: average daytime highs around 23°C with less rain than the May peak. Data from 2015–2024.
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive. Averages computed from daily records.