But when’s the best time to visit Switzerland for you? Do you prefer to ski or lounge beside the lake? Does the thought of fondue-dipping fill you with joy, or would summery Italian-inspired flavours hit the spot? Here, we answer some of the most common questions asked by travellers planning their next European escape.
When is Switzerland at its busiest?
Switzerland’s mountain regions are busiest in the winter months, between November and February. Switzerland’s largest cities, such as Zurich and Geneva, are popular destinations year-round but fill up around certain sporting events and cultural moments, such as Art Basel.
Chiesa Bianca, SwitzerlandGetty Images
When is the best time to go skiing in Switzerland?
The ski season in Switzerland runs between November and March, with the peak season between Christmas and New Year. Visit closer to the festive season and January for a higher snow guarantee, but expect higher prices and more crowds. For a cheaper ski break in Switzerland, aim for the very beginning of the season in November or between mid-February and mid-March.
What is the cheapest month to visit Switzerland?
The shoulder season months are the cheapest time to visit Switzerland. Avoid peak summer months, the most expensive time for hotels in Switzerland’s major cities, and the Christmas holidays, especially in ski resorts. The best bargains on flights and accommodation tend to be between October and early December and March and May.
What is the best weather in Switzerland?
The ‘best weather in Switzerland’ means different things to different people. For winter sports enthusiasts heading to the mountains, December and January offer a higher guarantee of fresh snow. However, if you’re keen to explore the cities on foot and dip in the southern lakes, visit between June and September. The average high temperature in Zurich in August is 24°C, compared to just 4°C in January.