Climate of Switzerland: a description by months and interesting facts

Switzerland is not a very large country, which is located in Europe. More than half of its area is occupied by mountains. The climate of Switzerland can be briefly described as moderately continental. But the country's relief is such that, traveling to different regions, you can get in a few hours from the summer heat in the winter cold. In this article we will look at the weather and climate in this country in different regions, altitude zonality and the seasons. After all, Switzerland is very popular for tourists, and many want to know when it is better to go here. It is usually considered that it is best to visit this country in December-February and May-September. Why - read below.

Climate in Switzerland: a brief description

The mountain system of the Alps is a natural wall, which, on the one hand, does not allow the cold air masses to penetrate from the Arctic to the south of the country, and the warm breeze from the subtropics - to the north. It would seem that there should be a big temperature difference between these regions. Nevertheless, the winter in northern Switzerland is quite mild, and the summer is comfortable. In the cold months in the northern cantons of the country it can be up to 3-5 degrees below zero, and in warmer months it is 22-25 above zero. In the south of the country, the summer temperature is hotter. It is 26-28 degrees. There is more precipitation in the south than in the north, mainly in the summer. The second half of November, March and April are the rainiest and foggy months.

The role of mountain systems

Features of the climate of Switzerland are determined by the presence of a large area of elevations. The weather in this country is very much dependent on how much the terrain is elevated above sea level. In the winter in the high mountains lies the snow. In the daytime during the cold months, there are 10 degrees of frost, at night - 15. Some peaks have eternal glaciers and there are ski resorts all year round. The relief and climate of Switzerland are very interconnected. Usually in Geneva it is warmer than in Zurich, a couple of degrees, and in the canton of Ticino, where they speak Italian, and very hot. It's sunny there even when rains are raining all over the country.

The climate of Switzerland by months: winter

The most successful time to visit the country is December. This Christmas month is not too cold, but everywhere you will feel a fabulous atmosphere. Everywhere the festive markets bustle, the Christmas trees and the lights of the garlands sparkle, and if you freeze, you will always warm yourself with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. But know that in low places can be foggy, because if you want the sun, then your path should not lie in large cities.

Unlike the rest of Europe, sales in Switzerland begin in January. In the same month, the main ski season starts. In large cities it is quite warm - mostly 1-5 degrees above zero, in Lugano can be plus 10. But in the mountains - already 10-15 frosts. Therefore, in Switzerland during this period, tourists go to big cities - to enjoy artistic and architectural treasures - and spend time at ski resorts. Comfort, respectability, adrenaline, amazing nature and fun après-ski are guaranteed to you.

February is much warmer. In the capital of the country, Zurich and Basel, the temperature rises to 10-15 degrees, the time of carnivals is coming. Snow and winter fairy tale remain only for visitors to ski resorts.

Weather and climate in spring

In March in Switzerland, all the trees have long been green, tulips bloom on the flower beds, and people even sometimes sunbathe at the lakes in the valley. Nevertheless, it can rain (and this happens quite often), and even the entire city can be carried by snow from the mountains. In Lugano, the temperature rises to 20 degrees, and at some resorts that are not very high, the ski season is already ending.

The climate of Switzerland in the spring is very rainy, and this is especially evident in April. Despite the fact that it is usually a season of Easter holidays and a lot of days off, almost everywhere you can not ski. Sometimes the sun fry just like in summer.

But in May, the high season begins. At this time, the first tourists come, loving tracking and walking through the mountains. But we must bear in mind that an unexpected storm may strike and a cold snap.

What is the summer in Switzerland

Comfortable temperature and coolness - this is what distinguishes June in this country. The temperature rarely rises above 26 degrees. In the lakes - especially in Zurich - they are already beginning to swim. And the highest passes, like, for example, St. Gotthard, which is already covered with snow in May, is already opening. This month is the beginning of summer sales.

The climate of Switzerland in the summer can be hot, especially in July. If you are in big cities, then you can sunbathe on the quays of lakes. In the mountains it is more pleasant and cool, and if there is a hell, then all buses are equipped with air-conditioners.

Approximately the same temperature holds in August. In addition, in Switzerland this month is a variety of street parades - colorful spectacles that tourists love to contemplate and photograph.

Autumn weather

September is another tourist season in Switzerland. It's warm, sunny, but already there can be fog or rain clouds. But on the mountains you can safely walk, especially in the south of the country. Although the highest passes already begin to close - there at that time - at least at the end of the month, snow falls. But it's fortunate that small sizes allow you to leave one region to another for a convenient time. After all, in Lugano and other Italian-speaking cities it is always warm and sunny. In the German cantons, the Oktoberfest is already beginning at this time.

The climate of Switzerland is such that in the middle of autumn the Indian summer begins. In October, the country harvests crops and drinks cider. Only here you can not walk on high mountains. The weather can be quite unpredictable - from 25 heat to fall to 7. But in these months you can make an excellent photo shoot. Mountains, overgrown with trees, decorated with golden, crimson and all kinds of shades of these flowers foliage, indescribably majestic look. In addition, at this time on rail tickets are very large discounts.

Even lower prices fall in November, but at this time, almost everywhere there are rains and strong fogs. Although you can be like museums and big cities. Discounts here also work. And on such a favorite tourist route, like Jungfrau - one of the highest mountains in Europe - you can get to almost a penny. The main thing is to choose a weather-friendly day. And if the year turns out to be cold, then in the end of November they are already skiing. Everything starts from the beginning, and the year comes to its end.