Zürich Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
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 maximum day and minimum night temperature
Visitors to Zürich can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum 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 drop to an average of around -1°C during these months. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
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
The average number of days each month with precipitation
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. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Average humidity
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
Average wind speed
The mean wind speed varies between 2 m/s and 3 m/s throughout the year. It is lowest in January, May, June, July, August, September, October and November and highest during February, March, April and December.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
almost clear and no rain broken clouds and small chance of slight snow partly cloudy and no rainForecast for Zürich
2 m/s
2 m/s
3 m/s
Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
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:
July has an average maximum temperature of 25°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 5°C.
June tops the wettest month list with 140 mm of rainfall.
February is the driest month with 90 mm of precipitation.
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.
