Essential Information for Visiting Switzerland in Summer

Are you thinking of visiting Switzerland in summer rather than during the ever-popular winter season? Then this guide is here to help you decide whether or not this could be the right time of year for you. 

If you want to spend some of summer in Switzerland, then the weather is clearly a key consideration. You will also want to know about the best things to do in Switzerland in summer, given that skiing and other winter sports aren’t an option in many Swiss destinations during the warmer months. 

As well as the average Switzerland in summer temperature and rainfall levels, questions that commonly come up include what to wear in summer. Our guidance on this is covered below. 

This article is also packed with top tips on planning for a summer holiday in Switzerland. We share our advice on what to look for in accommodation; booking ahead for rail travel, excursions and activities; and even how to stay hydrated. 

If you love the great outdoors, then exploring Switzerland in summer is guaranteed to appeal. The warmer months offer opportunities that may not be available throughout spring, autumn, and winter. Summer might be the best time to visit Switzerland for you.

To discover when summer is, get details about the weather, what to wear, top tips, and the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer, read on. 

Why visit Switzerland in summer?

Summer in Switzerland brings the warmest and driest weather of the year. By now, the winter snow has melted away. This means more hiking trails are open, and summer services are fully operational. 

In summer, you can take mountain excursions in Switzerland without feeling the chill as much as during other seasons. You should always remember, though, that it will be colder at altitude than in the cities, or down in the Alpine valleys. 

You can also experience Switzerland’s crystal clear lakes in summer in a way that’s generally not possible during the winter months – by diving in and taking a swim. Lake cruises can also be much more pleasant in summer, with the sun shining down on the water.  

Summer in Switzerland also brings longer hours of daylight than autumn or winter, so you can spend more time outside. You can enjoy dining al fresco on terraces with incredible mountain views, take a refreshing dip in an outdoor infinity pool, and spend more time on the hiking trails. 

In summer, the views from Swiss panoramic trains are spectacular. The countryside is carpeted in lush green, rather than the stark white of Switzerland in winter. You may also see Alpine wildflowers, particularly at the start of summer. 

If you love to party, then it might also be worth timing your visit to coincide with Swiss National Day. Celebrations take place on and around 1st August each year. 

Just keep in mind that Switzerland is a very popular summer destination. Forward planning is therefore essential when it comes to accommodation, train trips, activities, and day trips.

Be prepared for plenty of other tourists, and to set off early when you want to avoid the crowds. 

Weather in Switzerland in summer

What exactly do we mean when we talk about summer in Switzerland? When is summer here?

Like other places around the world, such as the rest of Europe and North America, the summer season in Switzerland is more-or-less in the middle of the year. 

The exact dates of summer in Switzerland are decided according to whether you follow the astronomical or the meteorological calendar. 

According to the meteorological calendar, in Switzerland, the summer months are June, July, and August. By contrast, the astronomical calendar means the Swiss summer starts around 21st June, and lasts for three months from that date. 

We’ve used the meteorological calendar in this guide, meaning the summer is between the start of June and end of August. If you want to know what Switzerland is like later in the year, check out this guide to visiting Switzerland in autumn. Or for earlier months, take a look at our article on spring in Switzerland. 

To help you make the most of visiting Switzerland in summer, we’ll now turn to the average temperatures, daylight hours, and rainfall levels you can expect during summer in Swiss cities and resorts. 

Average summer temperatures in Switzerland

To give you an idea of what the summer in Switzerland months have in store, here are the seasonal temperatures for three major destinations in different parts of the country. 

This table shows the average summer temperatures in Zurich, Lugano, and Davos. 

Temperatures vary quite a lot in two ways. Firstly, there are noticeable differences between destinations. In summer, the popular ski resort of Davos can be up to 9°C or 10°C cooler than Lugano, which is located in the south of Switzerland, close to Italy. 

The temperature also varies slightly from one month to the next. July is usually the hottest month of the year in Switzerland – though these are of course only averages. For accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts, we recommend using the MeteoSwiss app or meteoswiss.ch website. 

In the cities, conditions tend to be much more stable than at altitude. Before heading up to the mountains, it’s always wise to check the latest weather conditions at the summit, via weather apps and websites or live webcams.

Always pack an extra layer or two, as it might be colder up there than you’re expecting. 

Average summer rainfall in Switzerland

This table shows how many rainy days, on average, to expect during each month of summer in the same three locations – Zurich, Lugano and Davos. 

Average number of rainy days per month

As you can see, you can expect it to rain for around two thirds of the month in the Swiss ski resort of Davos. 

Lugano is the driest of the three destinations, with rain on eight to 10 days per month of summer. Zurich is actually a little wetter in summer than in winter, with 11 to 12 days of rain per month on average. 

Remember, though, when the weather forecast shows rain it doesn’t necessarily mean it will rain all day. It may rain overnight or the forecasted rain may be a brief shower.

Average number of summer daylight hours

As approximate averages, the following table shows how many daylight hours you can expect in Switzerland during each month of summer. 

By August, the days are getting shorter, but there’s still a decent amount of daylight as compared to autumn, winter, and even early spring. Sunrise and sunset times may be important if you want to set off early in the morning, or are wondering what time you can hike until. 

What to wear in Switzerland in summer

Even though it’s summer, layering can still be key when it comes to dressing for the Swiss summer. Mornings and evenings will be cooler than during the rest of the day. Temperatures will also dip overnight. 

The places you’ll be visiting can play a big part, as a mere glance at the above temperature and rainfall tables can testify. You’ll need much warmer clothing in a colder place like Davos, for example, than you will in the Italian-speaking, southern region of Switzerland, where Lugano is located. 

Check out expected average temperatures for where and when you’ll be visiting, and plan your clothing accordingly. Light, breathable items might be ideal for a day in the city, but if you’re heading to the mountains, you should probably add a fleece, plus a waterproof jacket. 

Layering in this way means you can adjust your clothing as the day goes on, to suit the conditions. Always take a daypack with enough room in it for carrying any discarded garments, especially when heading out hiking or on a mountain excursion.  

What you’ll be doing will also affect your packing list for summer in Switzerland. Hiking is very popular during this season, for example, and moisture-wicking socks and hiking footwear are recommended to keep you comfortable and safe on the trails. 

When you consider that it’s likely to rain on one or two days in every three, a lightweight packable jacket is perfect, wherever you’re headed. Alternatively, carry a portable umbrella to protect you from showers while exploring the city. 

Accessories like a sun hat or cap and sunglasses can also help to protect you from the sun’s rays. This can be even more important at altitude, where it may feel colder, yet the UV rays can be very strong. 

If you want to swim in a Swiss lake in summer, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit or two. Your hotel may also have an indoor or outdoor pool. 

When you want to blend in, it’s worth knowing that Swiss people tend to dress in a clean, casual style, prioritising quality when choosing their clothing.

In Switzerland, it’s not the norm to wear too many accessories, though of course how to dress is entirely down to you. 

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Top tips for visiting Switzerland in summer

Book accommodation ahead

Book your accommodation well in advance when you’ll be visiting Switzerland in summer – especially if you have specific requirements like an incredible view.

If you leave it until the last minute, you might be pushed to find anything decent in your price range. 

The best places will always book up fast during the ever-popular months of June, July, and August. So if you want to get the nicest accommodation at an affordable price, secure your room as far ahead of time as you can.

Numerous international events take place in Switzerland during the summer months, too, which can make finding affordable accommodation in those locations more difficult.  

Booking ahead is key to securing your preferred accommodation at the best possible rate.

Look for air conditioning 

Book accommodation with air conditioning for summer in Switzerland, particularly if you’ll be spending time in the cities, or in southern spots such as Locarno and Lugano. Both are in the southern area bordering Italy, and vie for the title of Switzerland’s warmest destination. 

It’s well worth paying a little extra to secure a sound night’s sleep, rather than sweating it out in the stifling summer heat. 

Go first class

If you’ll be using Swiss trains in summer, it’s worth considering the purchase of a first class rail pass. Second class carriages are likely to be very busy during the summer.

Though winter is also busy in Switzerland, visitors tend to travel around more in summer rather than sticking to their winter sports resort. 

For a first class Swiss travel pass or tickets, you will, of course, pay more than for second class tickets. For the added cost, you get more spacious and adjustable seats with extra legroom and power sockets in every section. 

The Swiss tend to mostly travel in second class so you’re also more likely to find available seats in first class, too. 

Expect to queue – or consider alternatives

In summer, it’s the high season for day trips and mountain excursions, so there are plenty of options available. The not-so-good news is that this popularity can lead to lots of people, and places getting packed out. 

You therefore need to allow extra time when queuing for activities, like those at Grindelwald First. Places like Mount Titlis and Jungfraujoch will also be very busy. Avoid weekends if possible, which is when the Swiss tend to head out en masse. 

If you don’t feel like waiting in line all day, perhaps instead you could visit alternative destinations. Places like Mount Stockhorn or Mount Niesen, for instance, are quieter, whilst similar activities to those found at Grindelwald First can also be enjoyed at Hasliberg, Beatenberg, Pfingstegg and Rothorn, to name just a few.

Stay hydrated

It’s easy to stay hydrated in Switzerland – while caring for the planet, too. Simply carry a reusable water bottle and you can fill it for free. There are thousands of water fountains located all over the country.

Best things to do in Switzerland in summer

Whether you have three, seven or 10 days in Switzerland in summer – or even longer – here are the best things to do during June, July, and August.

Enjoy mountain excursions

Following seasonal closures and maintenance work, the cable cars and funicular railways of Switzerland will be fully operational during the warmer months. 

Taking a mountain excursion isn’t only about reaching the summit, or visiting the attractions at the top. Some mountain routes offer stops en route, where you can see and do even more. 

Mountain transport is also the easiest – and often, the only – way to access many of the hiking trails in Switzerland. 

Hiking the trails

In summer, Swiss hiking trails will be open, and as dry as you can expect them ever to be. Expect lovely views of lush valleys, sparkling lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. 

There are hikes for all levels all over Switzerland. You can also find lengths to suit everyone, from families to frequent trekkers. 

In fact, according to many people, Switzerland is the world’s greatest hiking destination. In total, there are around 65,000 kilometres (or 40,000 miles) of hiking trails criss-crossing the land. 

Swimming in Swiss lakes, rivers and pools

Sparkling Swiss lakes are very inviting during the summer months, and lake swimming is popular in Switzerland.

Depending on your destination, you might also like to take a dip in a river, such as the Limmat when visiting Zurich, the Aare in Bern, or the Rhine in Basel.  

Your hotel might also have an outdoor pool – or even a mountain view infinity pool, in some cases.

You can also swim in places like Lido Ascona at Lake Maggiore, La Jonction in Geneva where two rivers meet, pebbly Rivaz beach in Montreux, or the large Bellerive pool complex in Lausanne.

Joining scenic lake cruises

Summer is arguably the best time of year to take a cruise – or two – across a glittering Swiss lake. There are many scenic boat trips and lake cruises to choose from when visiting Switzerland. 

How about a one-hour yacht cruise on Lake Lucerne, a relaxing trip from Montreux to Chillon Castle, or a three lakes cruise? You can discover all the top options in our complete guide to Swiss lake cruises and boat trips.

Taking panoramic train rides

Switzerland is famous for its panoramic train routes. They are some of the most scenic in the world, and also part of the fabric of Swiss history. 

Some of the best premium panoramic train routes in Switzerland are the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass Express, the Gotthard Panorama Express, and the Luzern – Interlaken Express.

These routes get booked up very swiftly in summer, but there are other options. Check out our article on alternatives to Swiss panoramic trains for other ideas.  

Witnessing Swiss National Day celebrations

Swiss National Day takes place on 1st August each year, and there are celebrations all over the country. Events include bonfires and fireworks, so there’s a very festive atmosphere. 

The famous Montreux Jazz Festival

The Montreux Jazz Festival is held every July, on the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s about way more than just jazz music, with artists and bands from many genres forming part of the line-up. 

The programme is usually revealed in spring, when tickets go on sale. The festival also includes many free events, so you can take part even if you cannot get tickets. 

Montreux also offers a wealth of attractions to visit when you’re not enjoying the music, including a Freddie Mercury statue, a lakeside promenade, Chillon Castle, and more. 

Final thoughts about visiting Switzerland in summer

Along with winter, summer is a very popular time to visit Switzerland. With the exception of winter sports and snowy landscapes, this can be the best time of year for outdoor lovers. 

Head to Switzerland in summer and you can expect warm to hot weather, depending on your destination. Glimmering lakes to swim in, fully functional mountain transport, lake cruises, panoramic train trips, and many miles of hiking trails await.

With special events like the Montreux Jazz Festival and Swiss National Day adding to the appeal, you’ll want to book early if taking a summer holiday to Switzerland appeals to you!