Zürich Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
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.
Monthly Temperature in Zürich
Visitors to Zürich can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 25°C (77°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 5°C (41°F) during cooler months like February.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 14°C (57°F) in July to around -1°C (30°F) during February.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Zürich
Zürich is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1350 mm (53 in). Year-round, Zürich has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, June, with 140 mm (5.5 in), and the driest month, February, with 90 mm (3.5 in), is minimal. For more details, please visit our Zürich Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Zürich
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.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Zürich by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Zürich.
The city experiences its highest humidity in November, reaching 85%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 67%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Zürich
The mean wind speed varies between 2 m/s (4 knots) and 3 m/s (6 knots) throughout the year. It is lowest in January, May, June, July, August, September, October and November and highest during February, March, April and December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Zürich 3-Day Forecast
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
Best Time to Visit Zürich
During May, June, July, August and September, Zürich experiences its most favorable weather, with temperatures between 20°C (67°F) and 25°C (77°F). These mild conditions make it an excellent time for a visit.The weather does bring rainfall during this period, between 115 mm (4.5 in) and 140 mm (5.5 in). Need help choosing your next travel destination? We offer a specialized tool that matches you with locations based on your weather preferences. Explore destinations that suit your climate preferences.
