Zurich, Switzerland Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Zurich
Zurich has a oceanic climate, marked by mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. Average daytime highs range from about 40°F (4°C) in January to around 77°F (25°C) in July, and the city records roughly 164 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 77°F (25°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 40°F (4°C)
- Record high: 95°F (35°C) · Record low: 8°F (-13°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: May (18 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.1 h sun/day)
- Climate type: oceanic - mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall
- Snow: about 22 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 77°F (25°C) and overnight lows stay near 60°F (16°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 40°F (4°C) and lows around 29°F (-2°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 95°F (35°C) and dropped as low as 8°F (-13°C).
Rain, sun and snow
May is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.8 inches (147 mm) of rain over 18 days, while February is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.1 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 22 days in a typical year, mostly from November through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40° | 29° | 14 | 4.1 in | 4.9 h/day | 84% |
| February | 45° | 31° | 12 | 2.9 in | 6.3 h/day | 79% |
| March | 51° | 34° | 13 | 3.1 in | 8.1 h/day | 75% |
| April | 58° | 39° | 13 | 4.0 in | 9.7 h/day | 72% |
| May | 64° | 47° | 18 | 5.8 in | 9.9 h/day | 75% |
| June | 74° | 56° | 16 | 5.2 in | 11.6 h/day | 74% |
| July | 77° | 60° | 15 | 5.0 in | 12.1 h/day | 72% |
| August | 76° | 60° | 12 | 5.0 in | 10.6 h/day | 75% |
| September | 68° | 53° | 12 | 3.7 in | 9.4 h/day | 80% |
| October | 59° | 46° | 12 | 3.6 in | 7.2 h/day | 84% |
| November | 48° | 37° | 13 | 3.7 in | 5.2 h/day | 87% |
| December | 42° | 31° | 14 | 3.9 in | 4.5 h/day | 88% |
Zurich month by month
Zurich weather in January
January brings highs around 40°F (4°C), lows near 29°F (-2°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 7 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Zurich.
Zurich weather in February
February brings highs around 45°F (7°C), lows near 31°F (-1°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Zurich.
Zurich weather in March
March brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Zurich weather in April
April brings highs around 58°F (14°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Zurich weather in May
May brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 47°F (9°C), about 18 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Zurich.
Zurich weather in June
June brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 56°F (14°C), about 16 wet days.
Zurich weather in July
July brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 15 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Zurich.
Zurich weather in August
August brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 12 wet days.
Zurich weather in September
September brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 12 wet days.
Zurich weather in October
October brings highs around 59°F (15°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 12 wet days.
Zurich weather in November
November brings highs around 48°F (9°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Zurich weather in December
December brings highs around 42°F (6°C), lows near 31°F (0°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Seasons in Zurich
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Zurich is mild, with daytime highs averaging 58°F (14°C) and nights around 40°F (5°C); expect showers on roughly 44 days across the season, plus around 5 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Zurich brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 76°F (24°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Zurich is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 58°F (15°C) and nights around 45°F (7°C); expect showers on roughly 36 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Zurich is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 42°F (6°C) and nights around 30°F (-1°C); expect showers on roughly 41 days across the season, plus around 15 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Zurich?
Is Zurich hot in summer?
Is Zurich cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Zurich get in a year?
Best time to visit Zurich
The best time to visit Zurich is generally June to October, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Zurich with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 60°F (16°C).
Zurich temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.