Switzerland (Ticino)

Switzerland (Ticino) – What you should know

Ticino is Switzerland south of the Alps: Locarno, Lugano and Bellinzona with its three castles lie beyond the Gotthard in a climate zone of their own. In July daytime highs average 28°C (82°F), nights stay at 18°C (64°F), and the sun shines eight to nine hours a day. Unlike the Italian shores of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, the real appeal here is granite gorges, valleys such as the Verzasca and Maggia, and the grotto culture, not just the lakeshore.

Rain arrives in large amounts but seldom for long: May is the wettest spring month at 173 mm (6.8 in), and July and August each bring around 150–160 mm (5.9–6.3 in) in only eight rain days — short, heavy thunderstorms followed by sun. Autumn is wet too, with 140–150 mm (5.5–5.9 in) in October and November. September, with 130 mm (5.1 in) over seven rain days, 23°C (73°F) by day and 8 hours of sun, is the best-balanced month for hiking.

Winter differs here from north of the Alps as well: January daytime highs are around 7°C (45°F) with only four rain days and roughly 4.5 hours of sunshine, clearly brighter than in Lucerne. The lakes are suitable for swimming in July and August, but too cool in spring. Chestnut woods and vineyards turn colour in October, though that falls in the dampest part of the year.