ClimateForecastDecemberJanuary >>

Zürich Climate by Month

Zürich has an oceanic climate and the weather is very changeable due to proximity of the mountains. The temperature is pretty low and large differences can occur between day and night. Therefore, always prepare for both hot and cold weather when you pack your suitcase. However, because Zurich is on the southern side of the mountains the temperature is almost always a bit higher than the average in Switzerland. And in summer the temperature can even rise to pleasant heights.

Summer is the best time to travel, although it can rain more. When you can settle for slightly lower temperatures, then you can choose to go in May, June and September with a lot less tourists around.

Average day and night temperature

Visitors to Zürich can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 25°C in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 5°C during cooler months like February. At night, temperatures typically average around -1°C during these months.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

Zürich is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1350 mm. Year-round, Zürich has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, June, with 140 mm, and the driest month, February, with 90 mm, is minimal.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Zürich. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 7.7 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 1.6 hours of sunlight per day.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

The best time of year to visit Zürich in Switzerland

During the months of June, July, August and September you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • Which is the warmest month in Zürich?
    July has an average maximum temperature of 25°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in Zürich?
    The coldest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 5°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in Zürich?
    June tops the wettest month list with 140 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in Zürich?
    February is the driest month with 90 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in Zürich?
    July is the sunniest month with an average of 230 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for Zürich

    Sun   Dec 15
    4°C | 0°C
    W 11 km/h
    0.8 mm
    overcast and rain

    overcast and rain

    Mon   Dec 16
    7°C | 3°C
    S 7 km/h
    partly cloudy and no rain

    partly cloudy and no rain

    Tue   Dec 17
    6°C | 1°C
    N 4 km/h
    broken clouds and no rain

    broken clouds and no rain