Switzerland is not a very large country located in Europe. More than half of its area is occupied by mountains. The climate of Switzerland can be briefly called temperate continental. But the relief of the country is such that, traveling through its different regions, you can get from the summer heat to the winter cold in a few hours. In this article, we will look at the weather and climate in this country in different regions, altitudinal zonation and seasons. After all, Switzerland is very popular for tourists, and many people want to know when exactly is the best time to go here. It is generally believed that the best time to visit this country is in December-February and May-September. Why - read below.
Switzerland climate in brief
The mountain system of the Alps is a natural wall, which, on the one hand, does not allow cold air masses from the Arctic to penetrate to the south of the country, and a warm breeze from the subtropics to the north. It would seem that there should be a large temperature difference between these regions. However, winters in the north of Switzerland are quite mild and summerscomfortable. In the cold months in the northern cantons of the country it can be up to 3-5 degrees of frost, and in warm months - 22-25 above zero. In the south of the country, summer temperatures are hotter. It is 26-28 degrees. It falls in the south and more precipitation than in the north, mainly in the summer. The second half of November, March and April are the rainiest and foggiest months.
The role of mountain systems
The climate of Switzerland is determined by the presence of a large area of uplands. The weather in this country is very dependent on how the area is raised above sea level. In winter, there is snow in the high mountains. During the day, in the cold months, it can be 10 degrees below zero, at night - 15. Some peaks have eternal glaciers and ski resorts work there all year round. The relief and climate of Switzerland are very interconnected. It is usually warmer in Geneva than in Zurich by a couple of degrees, and in the canton of Ticino, where they speak Italian, it is quite hot. It's sunny even when it's raining all over the country.
Switzerland climate by months: winter
The best time to visit the country is December. This Christmas month is not too cold, but everywhere you will feel the fabulous atmosphere. Festive bazaars are noisy everywhere, Christmas trees and garland lights are sparkling, and if you get cold, you will always warm yourself with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. But be aware that it can be foggy in lowland areas, so if you want sun, then your path should not lie in large cities.
Unlike the rest of Europe, sales in Switzerland beginFrom January. In the same month, the main ski season starts. In large cities it is quite warm - mostly 1-5 degrees above zero, in Lugano it can be plus 10. But in the mountains - already 10-15 degrees below zero. Therefore, in Switzerland during this period, tourists go both to large cities - to enjoy the artistic and architectural treasures - and to spend time in ski resorts. Comfort, respectability, adrenaline, stunning nature and après-ski entertainment are guaranteed.
February is much warmer. In the capital of the country, Zurich and Basel, the temperature rises to 10-15 degrees, it's time for carnivals. Snow and a winter fairy tale remain only for visitors to ski resorts.
Weather and climate in spring
In March in Switzerland, all the trees are already green, tulips bloom in the flower beds, and people even sometimes sunbathe by the lakes in the valley. Nevertheless, it can rain (and it happens quite often), or even the whole city can be covered with snow from the mountains. In Lugano, the temperature rises to 20 degrees Celsius, and in some resorts that are located low, the ski season is already over.
The climate of Switzerland is very rainy in spring, and this is especially evident in April. Despite the fact that this is usually the Easter season and many days off, skiing is no longer practiced almost everywhere. Sometimes the sun is hot just like in summer.
But in May the high season begins. At this time, the first tourists come who love trekking and walks in the mountains. But we must keep in mind that an unexpected storm can come up andcold snap.
What a summer in Switzerland
Comfortable temperature and coolness - that's what makes June different in this country. The temperature rarely rises higher than 26 degrees. In the lakes - especially in Zurich - they are already beginning to swim. And the highest passes, such as St. Gotthard, which is covered with snow even in May, are already opening. This month also marks the beginning of summer sales.
Swiss climate can be hot in summer, especially in July. If you are in big cities, then you can sunbathe on the embankments of the lakes. It is more pleasant and cool in the mountains, and if it gets hot, all buses are air-conditioned.
August is about the same temperature. In addition, in Switzerland it is a month of various street parades - colorful spectacles that tourists love to contemplate and photograph.
Autumn weather
September is still the tourist season in Switzerland. Warm, sunny, but fog or clouds threatening rain may already fly in. But you can safely walk in the mountains, especially in the south of the country. Although the highest passes are already beginning to close - there at this time - at least at the end of the month, snow falls. But fortunately, the small size allows you to leave one region for another at a convenient time. Indeed, in Lugano and other Italian-speaking cities it is always warm and sunny. And in the German cantons, Oktoberfest is already starting at this time.
The climate of Switzerland is such that in the middle of autumn Indiana beginssummer. In October, the country harvests and drinks cider. Only now it is no longer possible to walk in high mountains. The weather can be completely unpredictable - from 25 degrees to 7. But during these months you can make an excellent photo shoot. The mountains, overgrown with trees, decorated with gold, crimson and all kinds of shades of these flowers, look indescribably majestic. In addition, there are very big discounts on train tickets at this time.
Prices fall even lower in November, but at this time it rains and heavy fogs almost everywhere. Although you can walk around museums and big cities. Discounts apply here too. Yes, and on such a favorite tourist route as the Jungfrau - one of the highest mountains in Europe - you can get almost for a penny. The main thing is to choose a day that suits the weather. And if the year turns out to be cold, then at the end of November they are already skiing. Everything starts over and the year is coming to an end.
