The 5 most scenic train journeys in Switzerland
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Sarnen Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Sarnen.
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Climate overview of Sarnen
Sarnen, Obwalden, Switzerland, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 20°C (68°F) in July, while winters cool to 1°C (34°F) in January.
Rain/snowfall is high, totalling around 1998 mm (79 in) per year. August is the wettest month and January the driest. The city also experiences a distinct rainy season from May to September, with pleasant summers and very cold winters. The most sunshine falls in July, with an average of 5.6 hours of daily sunshine.
Sarnen Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Sarnen - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Sarnen
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from pleasant to very cold in Sarnen. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 20°C (68°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold 1°C (34°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 11°C (52°F) in July to around -5°C (23°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Sarnen
Sarnen has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1998 mm (79 in) of rain/snowfall annually. While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. August brings wetter days averaging 231 mm (9.1 in) of precipitation, spread over 18 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month January experiences a drier climate, with about 125 mm (4.9 in) of snow/rainfall spread across 15 snowy/rainy days. For more details, please visit our Sarnen 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 Sarnen
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Sarnen. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 5.6 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 1.2 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Data from: Altdorf, Switzerland (29 KM, 18 Miles).
Daily hours of sunshine
Data from: Altdorf, Switzerland (29 KM, 18 Miles).
Daily percentage of sunshine
Data from: Altdorf, Switzerland (29 KM, 18 Miles).
Humidity in Sarnen by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Sarnen.
The city experiences its highest humidity in December, reaching 80%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 66%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Data from: Altdorf, Switzerland (29 KM, 18 Miles).
Best Time to Visit Sarnen
For the most comfortable conditions available during the year, consider visiting Sarnen in July, August and September. Conditions are usually least comfortable in January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
cold
Feb
cold
Mar
wet
Apr
wet
May
wet
Jun
very wet
Jul
mixed
Aug
mixed
Sep
mixed
Oct
wet
Nov
wet
Dec
cold
- Best overall: July, August and September
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: June and July
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct rainy season from May to September, with pleasant summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -5°C (23°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Sarnen
What is the best time to visit Sarnen?
July, August and September typically offer the most optimal weather in Sarnen. In contrast, January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Sarnen has a distinct rainy season from May to September, with pleasant summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Sarnen?
Daytime highs range from 1°C (34°F) in January to 20°C (68°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -5°C (23°F) to 11°C (52°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Sarnen get?
Annual rainfall is around 1998 mm (79 in). August is the wettest month with 231 mm (9.1 in), while January is the driest with 125 mm (4.9 in).
How sunny is Sarnen?
Sarnen receives around 1,385 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 168 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 36 hours.
Sarnen 3-Day Forecast
Sarnen on the map
Sarnen is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Popular in October
Where to go in October - average daytime high across popular destinations.
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