When to visit Switzerland: a season-by-season guide to day trips

Switzerland is worth visiting in every season, but the same trip can feel very different in July and in January. Mountain railways have maintenance breaks, high passes close with the first snow, and a December day in Zurich is more than seven hours shorter than a day in June.

This guide shows what each season brings, so you can pick the right time for the trip you have in mind.

Summer: June to August

Summer is the season of long days, green valleys and open mountain roads. High passes such as the Grimsel, Furka and Susten are usually open from around June until the first heavy snowfall in autumn, which makes our high Alpine passes day a summer and early-autumn trip.

It is also the busiest time at the most popular viewpoints. Starting early helps, and for mountain excursions it is worth reserving your date well ahead. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Alps, so the clearest views are often in the morning.

Autumn: September to November

September and October often bring settled weather, clear air and fewer visitors. Larch forests turn gold in the mountains, and lakes such as the Blausee are especially photogenic.

From October, fog often settles over the lowlands while the mountains stay in sunshine. Rising above this sea of fog on Rigi or Pilatus is unforgettable. In November several mountain railways close for a few weeks of maintenance, so check before choosing your date.

Winter: December to March

Winter turns the Alps into a snowy landscape, and the highest excursions, such as the Jungfraujoch and Mount Titlis, stay open, with snow at the top. Days are short, so it is worth starting early.

From late November until Christmas, Zurich’s Christmas markets fill the old town with lights, stalls and the smell of mulled wine; our Zurich Christmas markets tour is a relaxed half day. Mountain roads can be snowy, which is one reason many visitors prefer to leave the driving to a local driver.

Spring: April and May

Spring is quieter and full of contrasts, with blossom in the valleys and snow on the peaks. As the snow melts, waterfalls are at their most powerful, which makes it a lovely time for the Lauterbrunnen valley and our Bernese Oberland villages and waterfalls tour.

Some mountain railways and cable cars pause in April or May for their annual maintenance, and the high passes are still closed. Lakeside excursions such as Lucerne and the Rigi or the Rhine Falls are good choices at this time of year.

Planning around the weather

Whatever the season, mountain weather changes quickly. Keeping one or two days of your stay flexible makes it easier to save the highest excursion for the clearest day. If you are not sure which trip suits your dates, send us a message or ask for a custom itinerary.