Switzerland (Zermatt)
Switzerland · Europe
The best time to visit Switzerland (Zermatt) is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 21°C (70°F), with peaks around 27°C (81°F); in winter, nights average -7°C (19°F), dropping to around -15°C (5°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Switzerland (Zermatt) – What you should know
Zermatt lies at around 1,600 metres (5,249 ft) at the foot of the Matterhorn, and altitude decides everything: in July daytime highs average 20°C (68°F), 27°C (81°F) on the warmest days, with nights at 9°C (48°F). That is pleasant hiking weather but not a swimming summer — and anyone riding up to summit stations such as the Gornergrat finds much colder air than in the village.
Sunshine is the trump card: from April to July it averages 9–9.5 hours a day, and the UV index reaches 8 in summer, higher still at altitude. September is the driest summer month at 37 mm (1.5 in) and five rain days, with 16°C (61°F) by day and clear views of the Matterhorn. Trails above the village are most reliably open in high summer; in early summer snow often still lies at higher elevations.
In winter Zermatt is a ski resort with a glacier ski area on the Klein Matterhorn: January daytime highs average 0°C (32°F), nights -7°C (19°F), around -15°C (5°F) on the coldest nights. February is the driest month at 25 mm (1.0 in), with 5.4 hours of sunshine a day. The village itself is car-free — arrive by train via Täsch; only small electric taxis run in the village.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)8 (46) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)11 (52) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)13 (55) | 11° (52°)1– (34–)18 (64) | 14° (57°)4– (39–)21 (70) | 19° (66°)9– (48–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)13– (55–)27 (81) | 20° (68°)10– (50–)27 (81) | 16° (61°)7– (45–)23 (73) | 12° (54°)3– (37–)19 (66) | 6° (43°)-5– (23–)13 (55) | 2° (36°)-6– (21–)8 (46) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -7° (19°)-15– (5–)-1 (30) | -6° (21°)-13– (9–)0 (32) | -4° (25°)-12– (10–)1 (34) | 0° (32°)-8– (18–)6 (43) | 4° (39°)-3– (27–)9 (48) | 8° (46°)2– (36–)12 (54) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 6° (43°)0– (32–)11 (52) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)8 (46) | -2° (28°)-11– (12–)4 (39) | -5° (23°)-14– (7–)1 (34) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 3 | 6h UV 5 | 8h UV 6 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 | 4h UV 3 |
🌧Rain Days | 5d49mm (1.9") | 4d25mm (1.0") | 5d45mm (1.8") | 5d40mm (1.6") | 8d87mm (3.4") | 8d65mm (2.6") | 7d62mm (2.4") | 8d72mm (2.8") | 5d37mm (1.5") | 5d51mm (2.0") | 5d59mm (2.3") | 6d57mm (2.3") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From May to July, UV levels in Switzerland (Zermatt) reach 8 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in Switzerland (Zermatt) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Switzerland (Zermatt)
December – March
Ski season beneath the Matterhorn: the pistes climb all the way into the glacier zone and in the evening the sound of horse-drawn sleighs and cable cars fades. The village is car-free and stays remarkably quiet in the cold air. Towards the end of winter the days grow longer and the sun warmer.
April – May
Skiing continues into late April; after that it is between seasons, and many lifts, hotels and restaurants close until June. Spring begins in the valley while snow still lies up high. Anyone who comes has the village to themselves — with plenty of sun, but only limited services.
June – August
High summer for hikers and mountaineers: the high-level paths are open and the Matterhorn is mirrored in the Riffelsee near the Gornergrat. Mornings are cool and clear, and clouds can build in the afternoon. Climbers start early to be back before the weather turns.
September – November
September brings calm, clear days and the best long-distance views of the year. In October the larches turn gold, then the first lifts and hotels close. By November Zermatt is waiting for the first big snowfall.
Events & Festivals
April
- Zermatt Unplugged· early/mid-April
Acoustic music festival at the end of the ski season with more than 100 concerts on stages in the village and up the mountain.
July
- Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon· early July (Saturday)
Mountain marathon from St. Niklaus up the Matter Valley to Riffelberg; the ultra continues up to the Gornergrat (3,089 m (10,135 ft)).
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Switzerland (Zermatt)?
- The best time to visit Switzerland (Zermatt) is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Switzerland (Zermatt)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Switzerland (Zermatt) average 21°C (70°F), with peaks around 27°C (81°F); in winter, nights average -7°C (19°F), dropping to around -15°C (5°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Switzerland (Zermatt) get?
- Switzerland (Zermatt) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 6 rain days per month. The driest months are February, April, and September.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
