Best time for Switzerland

My wife and I are planning to come to Switzerland and Austria for around three weeks. We can come any time from July through to October. I've checked the weather reports and they seem to indicate that conditions vary a lot depending on exactly where you are. But, is there a best time overall? What do frequent visitors to Switzerland / Austria recommend? I prefer warmer weather with less rain. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

written by GoFlatty on May 26, 2007

I think July and August are too warm, and suggest September as an ideal time for a 3-week visit. But all things relative.

written by Wiener Sänger on May 26, 2007

> My wife and I are planning to come to Switzerland and Austria for
> around three weeks. We can come any time from July through to October.
> I've checked the weather reports and they seem to indicate that
> conditions vary a lot depending on exactly where you are. But, is
> there a best time overall? What do frequent visitors to Switzerland /
> Austria recommend?

Where exactly you want to go? Also in the mountains, or do you stay in the cities?

In the Alps you can already have snow in October! Or you can have 20 degrees. Hard to tell beforehand, I did experience everything from 20 degrees and sunshine to half a meter of snow and fog in October (in theo mountains though).

> I prefer warmer weather with less rain. Any
> thoughts?

Than I would choose August or September. I don't think it is too hot, unless you stay in the big cities or in the southern part of Switzerland (Ticino). In the Alps it's never really that hot due to the height, you maybe have 25 degrees, but seldom more.

The rain is hard to predict, though. Especially in the mountains you can sometimes expect thunderstorms on warm days, but usually they are in the evenings and over after an hour or two.

Maybe you can be there over the first of August, which is the Swiss national holiday. Lots of fireworks, bonfires on the mountains, foodstalls in the streets, some towns have parades..quite nice.

Regards,

Frank

written by Frank Hucklenbroich on May 26, 2007

We live in the Swiss french part and August is a great time for a trip - nice and warm, but no fog, rain and wind yet. If you want to go to the mountains for hiking, september is a good month and January for skiing. Have fun!

written by Mara on August 19, 2010

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Best time for Switzerland

Heading South?