Switzerland Climate

The climate in Switzerland is moderate throughout the year though winters may seem a bit too much severe to tourists from warmer climes. The temperatures are moderate with no extremes of hot and cold, so Switzerland can be visited at anytime of year. Switzerland climate in summers is warm and lasting from about June to September, although good for outdoor activities and the most crowded time for a holiday.

Summer temperatures are typically in the low-to-mid 20°Cs (60-70°F) and during winter temperature ranges between 2°C (36°F) and 6°C (42°F). Travelers need to be prepared for a range of temperatures dependent on altitude.

Climate of Switzerland is influenced by three main factors—its mid-latitude location, its intermediate position between oceanic and continental air mass regimes, and its altitudinal spread over 4,000 m. The Jura ranges of Switzerland receive the most rainfall besides the regions of central Alps north of the Rhone-Rhine depression, and the Alps of Valais. Switzerland climate in the west has a strong influence of the Atlantic Ocean bringing in a lot of winds that is accompanied by lot of moisture causing rainfall. Towards the east, the country has a continental type of climate, with low temperatures and less precipitation.

The Alps act as a climatic divide which run from east to west. South of the Alps the climate of Switzerland is an almost Mediterranean climate, with considerably high temperatures but also a lot of precipitation.