The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

  • Travel
The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

When one thinks about Switzerland, they probably picture skiers sliding down the snow-capped Alps and getting toasty with cheese fondue. The nation in Europe is also well-known for its numerous glistening lakes and amazing hiking paths, which attract a tonne of tourists during the summer months. The financial centers are in Zürich and Geneva. Naturally, Swiss chocolate is a favorite among sugar-lovers, and don’t overlook the fanciful hotels.

Considering its compact size and great scenic railway connections, a lot of visitors opt to make multiple stops while visiting Switzerland. But because the locations range so widely, from bustling metropolises to ski resorts, it’s critical to know when to go. For instance, in the summer, the lush mountain scenery will take center stage rather than powder.

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We spoke with the concierges of two of the best hotels in Switzerland to get their advice on when would be the best to visit for your specific vacation objectives.

• High Season: June to August and December
• Shoulder Season: April to May and September to October
• Low Season: November and January to March



Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Smaller Crowds


The towns, the countryside, and the mountains are actually the three Switzerlands, according to Benjamin Richard, the concierge at Lausanne’s Beau-Rivage Palace. Traveling during the busiest times of the year—summer and winter, respectively—never seems overly congested. “The shoulder seasons in the spring and fall are my favorites. There aren’t many tourists and the weather is great,” he continues. The wine harvest is one of the numerous reasons to visit the French regions of Switzerland in the fall.

Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Good Weather


Giuseppe Tocco, a junior concierge at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva, says that late spring, summer, and early fall are the best seasons to visit Switzerland in order to enjoy pleasant weather. “These months are great for outdoor activities and sightseeing because of the mild temperatures and longer daylight hours,” he explains. But if your goal is to go skiing specifically, then the answer would be winter, when the Alps become a snow globe.

Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Lower Prices


Traveling to Switzerland is pricey. That is not to say that a trip will blow your whole annual travel budget. Are you eager to cut costs? Tocco advises going during off-peak hours to help you avoid paying exorbitant prices. If a hotel isn’t full, you might even receive some perks like free room upgrades.

Best Times to Visit Switzerland for Skiing

The weather in Switzerland’s alpine hotspots is ideal for hitting the slopes in December and February. Just be aware that during the busiest part of the ski season, the mountains might get congested. “Riding the cable cars in Zermatt, St. Moritz, or Gstaad on Christmas morning can feel like riding the packed subway in London or Paris,” Richard says. Prices also show how popular this time was. A means of lessening that? Tocco advises scheduling visits throughout the middle of the week rather than over holidays or school breaks.

Worst Time to Visit Switzerland


Once more, there’s never a bad moment to travel to Switzerland. Essentially, it all relies on your goals. Tocco believes that visiting the cities and countryside during the low season is underappreciated. On the other hand, ski resort summertime offers the same off-season advantages. But it’s crucial to remember that some attractions, lodging options, and dining establishments might only be available during particular times of the day or have shortened hours.

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