Whenever Switzerland is mentioned, one of the first thing that come up to the mind is snow and cold, but also of indescribably beautiful nature and of course the inevitable Swiss chocolate.
Switzerland is a small country located at the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern.
What makes this country special is its unique architecture, which is divided into the modern era and the time of medieval castles, as well as many cathedrals and monuments.
On the other hand, Switzerland as a country offers a unique nature with many lakes and mountain ranges, then this is the land of glaciers and waterfalls and all that is nicely packed in a not-so-large territory. When you think of Switzerland, you conjure up an image of a beautifully packaged paradise on earth.
As far as tourism is concerned, Switzerland is an excellent choice at any time of the year. The moderate-continental climate enables pleasant spring and summer and also moderate temperatures during autumn and winter.
Recommendations are that it is best time to visit Switzerland in the period from December to February, as well as from May to September.
If you plan to spend your annual vacation in Switzerland, we will help you with some practical tips on how to prepare for the trip. In this article, you will find advice on what would be desirable to pack in your suitcase.
What To Wear In Switzerland In January?
As we already mentioned at the beginning of the text, the temperature is not extremely harsh in winter, because Switzerland is characterized by a moderate climate throughout the year.
In January, the daily temperature can range from -2℃ to 7℃. Night temperatures can drop a few degrees below zero, but do not expect it to be freezing cold.
During January, tourists mostly visit Switzerland to enjoy the idyllic winter. It is a well-known fact that Switzerland is an ideal country for winter sports enthusiasts. If you are one of them, you need to pack ski equipment in your car if you own it, and if you don’t, then do not worry, every ski center offers ski equipment rental to its users.
As for your suitcase, for snow activities, always include a ski jacket, ski pants, ski goggles, cap, and gloves made of quality water-resistant material that will definitely ensure a pleasant stay in the snow.
On the other side, it must contain warmer parts of clothing for staying on the mountain and, of course, waterproof and windproof equipment is mandatory for skiers, mountaineers, and snowboarders.
One important note, for staying on the mountain it is obligatory to bring the desired sun protection product with a higher protection factor. If you plan to spend most of the day outside on the mountain, keep in mind that you will be exposed to strong sunlight. A good quality sunscreen for 10-hour protection will secure the necessary protection for your face.
If you don’t plan to do any sports and just want to spend your free time in the snow listening to marvelous snowy tales with a cup of hot tea or perhaps mulled wine, in that case, we recommend you to pack a thick sweater, preferably made of wool, which will keep you warm, as well as adequate pants that won’t let you get wet.
Of course, footwear for staying on the mountain must always be comfortable and warm, so a pair of boots that will keep your feet dry would be desirable.
What To Wear In Switzerland In February?
February is the month of carnival and good weather even though it is winter. In cities such as Zurich and Basel, the daytime temperature ranges from 10℃ to 15℃. As for skiers, they are still very popular, so fans of snow and winter idylls can still enjoy it.
Switzerland is otherwise known to have highly developed tourism at any time of the year.
There is a special emphasis on modern skiing infrastructure, which is why many tourists call it the queen of winter sports. The ski season starts in November and can last until the beginning of April.
The choice of wardrobe if you decide to go to the mountain in February does not change drastically in the second month of the calendar year, so everything that we recommended that it would be desirable to bring in January, can be worn in February and March as well.
However, we said that February is the month of carnival and that in some parts of the country the temperature can be very pleasant for that time of year.
In that case, your choice of wardrobe should be reduced to the activities you plan to engage in. For sightseeing around and in the city, as well as for eating out, we recommend casual but smart style, but for business purposes it would always be desirable to choose business-oriented style.
What to Wear In Switzerland In March?
March brings the spring season in Switzerland and the white cover gradually changes to green, because you can already see the first blossoms on the meadows, as well as the tree blossom. March also brings the first warmer rays, so the temperature can rise to 15℃ in some cities. As for ski centers, the season is still active.
Given that spring is just beginning in this month, it is not surprising that snowfall is still possible, but it does not last long.
Daytime temperatures can be would be desirable to be dressed in layers, the clothes should be comfy and warm. A wardrobe made of light wool is an excellent choice, because wool as a material has multipurpose properties.
When it’s cold, wool will keep you warm, in warmer days, wool serves as a temperature regulator, so even if you sweat, this material will regulate your body temperature and reduce sweating to a minimum.
Wool is also good for unpleasant odors, so you can feel comfortable in such a piece of clothing.
For ladies we opt for a casual daily style, in that case we recommend long oversized sweaters in combination with leather leggings and light deep boots. If you are a hat lover, this would be an excellent combination to match your hat as a fashion detail.
Men can combine their daily style with a wool sweater, and pantaloons or jeans, with semi-deep boots. Always as a fashion detail, gentlemen can add a shawl.
What To Wear In Switzerland In April?
April is a month that the Swiss love very much because it is the month in which they celebrate Easter. In all cities, there is a festive atmosphere and everything is glamorous. This is a good month for you to rest.
April is a true spring month, starting from a temperature that is significantly higher during the day, to nights that slowly become warmer.
Also in April, the ski season ends because the temperatures reach 23℃ – 24℃. What can spoil the impression for a moment are sudden and cold rains, which fortunately do not last long.
It is certainly desirable to have a collapsible umbrella with you that can easily fit in your bag. In case you don’t bring it, don’t worry, you can always buy one at reasonable prices.
The trend that forces us to wear darker and warmer clothes and shoes in winter can be left aside in this month, because with nicer weather it is easier to dress in lighter and brighter colors.
During the day, a light denim jacket would be ideal with any daily combination, as well as a loose scarf that will complete your daily look. If you are wondering what would be acceptable according to the Swiss standard for a night out, the answer is everything, there are no restrictions.
The Swiss, like all Europeans, are very fond of fashion and follow fashion trends, so everything that is in trend is suitable for your night out.
If you are a fan of high heels in combination with an elegant dress, be sure to include this selection for going to a restaurant. Men should opt for shirts with elegant shoes.
What To Wear In Switzerland In May?
The climate in May is no different from April. The weather conditions remain the same, with plenty of warm days that can be spoil with some cold gusts of wind and unexpected storms. Umbrellas should stay fully alert.
New tourists come again in May, because May is considered the main season. The activity of tourists is mainly reduced to hiking and walking in the mountains, in the lowlands sightseeing of cities and visiting attractive tourist attractions.
Also, staying on the shores of numerous Swiss lakes is one of the special attractions, because what could be more beautiful than imagining the warm signs of the sun on your skin while an extraordinary beauty in the horizon lies before you.
Swiss fashion in May always brings refreshment to the streets of the cities. From flowy dresses to understated wardrobe staples. White sneakers are a staple item of any capsule wardrobe.
In spring, it is mandatory to wear white sneakers for both women and men. White sneakers can fit into so many different styles, from relaxed-casual to a fun night out with friends. Whether you combine them with a light jacket or blazer with light jeans or short pants, you can never go wrong with them.
At night you can turn on everything that makes you feel good and comfortable. For an effortlessly elegant look, you can always combine long dresses that you will pair with a quilted, cropped leather jacket. Wear it according to your wishes, whatever suits you at that moment, depending on the type of outing.
What To Wear In Switzerland In June?
Summer in Switzerland is mild and warm, the temperature does not exceed 26°C degrees during the day. Depending on the part of the country, in some cities such as Geneva, Lugano, and Zürich the temperature does not exceed 21°C, while in lower-lying areas it reaches highs of 35°C.
At night, however, the temperature drops to several degrees, so in that case, do not plan long stays if you are not adequately dressed, because you may get cold. Days are also pretty long, with the longest day of the year falling in late June, the sun rising before 6 am and setting after 9 pm.
This is a month for various festivals and good music and wine, such as the International Jazz Festival in Bern. For lovers of a Jazz music, this festival is organized at the end of March and lasts until June. The venue is the famous Marian’s Jazzroom.
During June, the nationwide Pentecost and Whit Monday festival also takes place, which is of a religious nature, and it is good to know that during the two days that this festival lasts, businesses will be closed. This famous festival takes place at the very beginning of June and last for 2 to 3 days.
Street Artists Festival in Ascona. During the duration of this extraordinary festival, tourists as well as locals can enjoy a variety of content provided by mimes from all over the world, but not only that various musicians and clowns also can be seen.
Children will especially enjoy different stunts performed by jugglers, fire eaters, tightrope walkers, while for fans of acting, there are several stages plays on offer.
As there is a wide range of attractions that you can enjoy, your wardrobe can also be in line with that.
For visiting the festival, it is always recommended to wear light cotton clothes in lighter colors, because you can certainly count on the fact that in the warm days of June, despite the mass of people who will surround you, it is best to wear something you will be able to move carefree and feel-good in.
Shoes can be reduced to open sandals or even comfortable slippers, combined with sundresses or even a T-shirt and shorts, or a polo shirt and a short shirt made of jeans.
In June, the shores of the lake become a very popular place for both locals and tourists.
People already start swimming in the beautiful lakes and start enjoying the summer climate. Short notice, some days of June can surprise with short-term colder weather, but only for a brief period of time. The best vacation offers can be found in June, and on July 1st, tourist sales start all over the country.
What To Wear In Switzerland In July?
In July, the mountain trails are passable and open to tourists. Depending on what you want to do, Switzerland offers a lot of interesting things at this time of year. If you are a nature lover, you will not go wrong if you decide to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the mountain ranges.
As we have already said before, Switzerland has one of the best-equipped infrastructures such as cogwheel trains, cable cars, funicular railways that allows tourists a safe and carefree trip to the famous mountains for which Switzerland is famous.
Tourists who come with children are especially grateful for this type of transport because without excessive effort you are able to show your children the world in the palm of your hand.
In the following, we will explain in more detail the locations where you can use this type of transport. If you want to go sightseeing along the lake shore, in that case the Titlis cable car at Lake Lucerne and the Gornergrat cogwheel train in the Matter Valley are at your service.
We recommend that you visit the top of Jungfraujoch by cable car or cogwheel train, known as the highest railway station in Europe.
Just like the previous month, July is full of various sports activities, and therefore our recommendation was that your suitcase contains a lot of comfortable, spot-on clothes and the same kind of shoes.
If you want to apply a sporty-casual style, you need to wear jeans, shorts or cotton pants, a heavyweight T-shirt or sweatshirt, a polo-style shirt, and tennis shoes.
What To Wear In Switzerland In August?
August is the last summer month and the temperatures are quite high. Depending on the city, the temperature fluctuates, for example in Zürich, Geneva, and Lugano the daily temperature is around 23°C, while in lower-lying areas it reaches highs of 35°C. As for temperature in the mountains, for instance, high-altitude Zermatt in the Alps has an average temperature of only 9°C.
In addition to the fact that it is August, the weather is still pleasantly warm, and the water is suitable for swimming.
At this time of the year, the beach of Lake Geneva is cut off, although the water in the lake rarely warms above 20 degrees, even that fact does not change the opinion of an ambitious swimmer.
On the other hand, the water in Lugansk is significantly warmer and reaches 26 degrees. Considering that Switzerland has a lot of water surfaces, the offer for tourists is therefore large. Moreover, travelers can experience the breathtaking landscape while paragliding, cruising on a lake, and much more.
If you want to enjoy the Alps during this summer month, you can opt for biking, paragliding, and hiking. Certain areas such as the Bernese Oberland, Graubünden, and Valais are one of the most visited mountains during the summer. In order to reach the top, a cable car is always available.
Also, one of the recommendations is a visit to the Italian region in Switzerland, called Ticino. On the sunny border with Italy, Ticino is known for its remarkable culture and architecture.
In the last month of the summer season, tourists like to take advantage of the still warm and pleasant weather, so they often opt for lightweight fabric, breathability, and sweat-wicking clothes such as slim-fit shorts or trousers or even linen comfy dress.
What To Wear In Switzerland In September?
The daytime temperature range is 8°C to 15 °C in autumn. The tourist season is still going on because the weather in September is described as sunny and warm, rain and fog are certainly possible, but this phenomenon does not last long.
The south of the country still attracts tourists, so lovers of heights can still enjoy their magnificence. Although, this is the time of the year when some of the highest passages are already being closed in order to prepare for the coming winter.
The world-famous Oktoberfest is starting in the German cantons, and it’s still warm in the parts of the country where the Italian language is spoken.
Since September is still warm in Switzerland, with little precipitation and no wind, you can combine garment pieces like summer jackets with cotton leggings, or if you still don’t want to give up your summer wardrobe, there are always long dresses in combination with summer boots.
What To Wear In Switzerland In October?
October is a real autumn month and the climate starts to be a little unstable. The weather can be unpredictable, so it is not surprising that the temperatures fluctuate from 25 to 7.
Autumn changes nature in golden and red colors so that the greenery on the pastures and trees takes on beautiful shades of autumn colors.
In order to fit in better with the magic of autumn colors, we recommend reducing your wardrobe to earthy colors. Coats are now combined with deep autumn boots and hats as a fashion detail that will complete your outfit.
Knee-high boots, leggings, sweaters, and turtlenecks are excellent choices for a relaxed daily look.
What To Wear In Switzerland In November?
As the year draws to a close, the weather changes drastically. In November, there is a lot of rain and wind, which makes the day seem even colder. If you’re planning to go outside, it’s a must to bring an umbrella.
Although tourists who still visit Switzerland at this time of the year, decide to visit museums, art galleries, and closed cultural events.
Operas are also very popular, as are trips to the theater. In that case, we recommend high fashion, choosing elegant pieces of clothing that will match the occasion.
High heels combined with a stylish evening bag and a silk long dress are always chic. Evening elegant suits are something you will see on the Swiss on such occasions.
What To Wear In Switzerland In December?
December always represents the end of the year and the New Year’s fairy tale in the announcement.
Snowflakes have been falling since November and the ski centers are already open. The actual beginning of the winter season is considered to be in December.
The weather is cold and wet, but not necessarily snowy in some cities. the famous wind Föhn can also bring unpredictable weather conditions.
The days are getting shorter, the average temperature is around 4°C. In Switzerland, Christmas is celebrated at the end of December, so there is a festive atmosphere in the cities, and therefore the wardrobe is adapted to the weather and the event.
Woolen sweaters with Christmas and New Year’s motifs, sable pants, and a quality jacket in combination with good ankle boots are an ideal combination.
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