Switzerland (Zermatt) · May
Low seasonSwitzerland · Europe
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May in Switzerland (Zermatt) is on the cool side — with highs around 14°C (57°F) it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 14°C (57°F) during the day and drop to 4°C (39°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 21°C (70°F), the coldest nights around -3°C (27°F) — frost does occur. With 10 sunshine hours per day, May is one of the sunniest months — 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain over 8 days.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
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.
Packing list for Switzerland (Zermatt) in May
- Warm jacket
- Jumpers and warm layers
- Long trousers
- Warm shoes
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Switzerland (Zermatt)?
- May is not an optimal month for Switzerland (Zermatt) (Score: 54/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Switzerland (Zermatt) in May?
- In May, Switzerland (Zermatt) sees daily highs of 14°C (57°F). Nights cool to 4°C (39°F), with a daily average of 9°C (48°F). Peaks reach around 21°C (70°F), the coldest nights around -3°C (27°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Switzerland (Zermatt) in May?
- In May, Switzerland (Zermatt) receives an average of 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Switzerland (Zermatt) get in May?
- Switzerland (Zermatt) averages 10 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
