Does it Snow in Switzerland? Switzerland in Winter
Wondering whether it snows in Switzerland?
You’ve come to the right article as I’m going to provide a complete answer to the question “Does it snow in Switzerland?”.
Before visiting the country, many people wonder if it snows or not.
Whether you want to avoid the snow or whether you want to discover a winter wonderland, it’s important to find out the answer prior to your trip so your expectations are in line.
Luckily for you, I’ve visited Switzerland in the winter and I’m here to provide an answer once and for all as to whether or not it snows in Switzerland.
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Does it snow in Switzerland?
To cut to the chase, the answer to “Does it snow in Switzerland?” is yes, it snows in Switzerland.
Switzerland actually has a reputation for its snow. The Swiss Alps are known to be one of the best regions in Europe for skiing and other winter sports.
In fact, Switzerland is nicknamed “The Playground of Europe” because of the abundance of ski resorts and activity centres.
Snow and Switzerland go hand in hand like Santa and Christmas. Snowfall in Switzerland is as close to guaranteed as possible, with parts of the tallest peaks of the Alps covered in snow all year round.
There are so many beautiful picturesque villages in this region too, which the snow perfectly compliments and would make the villages look bare if it was missing.
Cities in the lowlands like Basel and Zürich receive less snowfall. It’s still somewhat snowy though with on average 20 snow days a year in Zürich.
But to summarise, the answer is yes, it does snow in Switzerland.
When Does it Snow in Switzerland?
Now that we know it does indeed snow in Switzerland, it’s time to understand when it snows.
As I said in the previous section, some of the peaks of the mountains of the Swiss Alps are snow-tipped all throughout the year, but of course, this doesn’t apply to most parts of the country.
The best time for snow in Switzerland is, as you would expect, in the winter months. The winter months in Switzerland are from mid-December to mid-March.
But if you want a smaller range, the best time for snow in Switzerland is between December and February. These months are when most people flock for skiing and winter sports because snowfall is at its highest.
There have been concerns about climate change in Switzerland, as winter tourism is a key part of the Swiss economy, bringing in more than 5 million dollars annually.
Nonetheless, the months of December, January and February are when you will see the most snowfall in Switzerland.
Best Places for Snow in Switzerland
The best place for snow in Switzerland is undoubtedly the Alpine region, better known as the Swiss Alps.
The Swiss Alps is the part of the Alps mountain range which, as the name suggests, is in Switzerland.
It’s the biggest mountain range in Europe and the most popular winter destination in Europe too.
There are lots of famous spots in the Swiss Alps including the likes of Grindelwald, St. Moritz, Saas-Fee and of course, Zermatt.
Zermatt is probably the most well-known as it lies right below the infamous Matterhorn peak, which you can see below. You might recognise it from Toblerone’s branding. It’s absolutely beautiful- and seeing it covered in snow is even better.
If you’re looking for the best spots for snow in Switzerland, you don’t need to look any further than the Swiss Alps. The amazing snow and winter sports opportunities are part of the reason Switzerland is so expensive.
How Cold is Switzerland in Winter?
Answering the question about how cold Switzerland is in winter isn’t as straightforward as it might appear.
Basically, it depends on where you are.
If you’re visiting the Swiss Alps which are covered in snow and it snows almost every day, it’s going to be a lot colder than if you visit cities like Zürich or Geneva which are much lower down and experience less snowfall.
The average temperature in the Alpine region throughout December, January and February is -7.5ºC, or 18.5ºF. So yeah, it’s pretty damn cold up in the mountains.
Whereas the average temperature in Geneva throughout the same months is 2.5ºC or 36.5ºC. So while it’s still cold, it’s nowhere near as cold as the Alps- it’s a whole 10 degrees Celsius warmer.
Speaking generally on behalf of the whole of Switzerland though, it’s cold in winter and you should make sure you bring the appropriate clothing.
What to wear when visiting Switzerland in Winter
Since the weather is so cold, to help you make sure you bring the appropriate clothing, I’ve created a list of what I would recommend bringing to Switzerland in winter. I’ve even broken it down to if you’re visiting the Swiss Alps or if you’re exploring Switzerland’s cities.
If you’re visiting the Alps, you’re going to need to wrap up a lot warmer– to be honest, pretty much the same as if you were going to Antarctica. I would recommend bringing a long-sleeved thermal base layer, a mid-layer fleece, a warm waterproof coat, thermal leggings, winter hiking bottoms, warm hiking socks and hiking boots.
And then things like snoods, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. That should be enough to keep you warm. Especially if you’re getting active and skiing.
If you’re visiting some of Switzerland’s cities, you should pretty much treat it like anywhere else in winter. Bring warmer clothing; coats, hats, gloves, etc.; but you shouldn’t need to go out of your way to buy any additional clothing.
Here’s a picture of what I wore while visiting Zürich in the winter- I wouldn’t say I was warm, but I wasn’t cold either. I was just alright, and I wore the same thing I would in winter in Ireland, my home country.
Wearing the right clothes is important if you’re visiting Switzerland in winter because temperatures do get so low and you want to make sure you look after yourself. Safety first!
Snow in Switzerland: FAQ
Below are some questions related to snow in Switzerland along with my answers to each.
Snowfall in Switzerland typically begins in November and continues through April, with peak months being December to February.
Switzerland experiences regular snowfall, particularly in the Alpine regions, with higher altitudes naturally receiving more frequent and heavier snowfall.
Yes, December is one of the winter months in Switzerland which experiences the most snow. This part of the year is known for its picturesque snow-covered landscapes and popular winter sports activities.
Zurich, being located in a lower-altitude area, experiences less snowfall compared to the mountainous regions of Switzerland. Snowfall is possible but not as frequent as in the Alps.
Final Thoughts: Snow in Switzerland
And there you have it, a complete guide to “Does it snow in Switzerland?“
Remember, the answer is yes, it does snow in Switzerland.
Switzerland is actually known for its snow, thanks to the Swiss Alps which offer amazing skiing opportunities.
Enjoy your trip to Switzerland, it’s an amazing country, and if you’re visiting for the snow, you’re going to love it!
