Weather Overview for Zurch
Situated in the northern area of Switzerland; Zurich features a rather temperate climate that is generally moderated by its proximity to the north western edge of Lake Zurich, its inland locality and the nearby northerly hills such as the Kaferberg and the Gubrist. Due to urbanization and the presence of humid Atlantic breezes that enter the city from the west, Zurich ever rarely features severe weather extremes. Considering its geographical situation in a landlocked country, Zurich instead experiences much milder weather than what many people anticipate.
Winter Weather in Zurich
Winter is the coldest time to visit Zurich. The winter season occurs in the months of November, December and January which happens to be the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 0°C (32F), a high of 2°C (36F) and a low of -2°C (28F). Average temperatures in winter range between 0°C and 5°C. November is the warmest month in winter with an average temperature of 5°C (40F) followed by December with an average temperature of 2°C (35F). Temperature by nightfall regularly drops below freezing point and sharp frosts are most likely to form overnight.
It is very common for snowy weather to occur during the winter months in Zurich. Winter is not exactly the most favourable time to visit Zurich as daylight hours are very low and sunshine hours average at two hours each day. December receives only 1 hour of sunshine per day, January 2 hours of sunlight while February 3 hours of sunshine per day. In winter, rainfall amounts are moderate and remain constant throughout the winter season. December, January and February all receive an average rainfall amount of 70mm. On the other hand, humidity remains at 0% throughout the winter season.
Spring Weather in Zurich
Spring season in Zurich begins in March all the way to May. During this time, daytime temperatures tend to warm up very quickly with a notable temperature increase between February which is end of winter and March that marks the beginning of spring. The average temperatures for spring months are March 6°C (43F), April 9°C (48F) and May 14°C (56F). The warmest month in spring is May while the coolest month is March. During this period, the highest temperatures range between 11°C (52F) for March and 20°C (68F) in May.
Rainfall is still rather low during springtime and sunshine hours range between 4-6 hours per day. March, April and May receive 4, 5 and 6 hours of sunshine per day respectively. Rainfall averages during spring are March 70mm, April 70mm and May 90mm. Spring is a sign of summer being around the corner and Zurich begins to experience a significant increase in the number of visitors.
Summer Weather in Zurich
Summer is the best time to visit Zurich as temperatures are at the highest for the entire year. Summer is Zurich begins in June and goes on till August. The average temperature for summer months is June 16°C (61F), July 19°C (65F) and August 18°C (64F). The highest temperatures during this season range between 21°C (70F) and 24°C (75F). However, maximum temperatures are known to get to as high as 30°C. On the other hand, lowest temperatures in summer range between 11°C to 13°C.
The number of sunshine hours increases across summer with June having 6 hours of sunshine per day while both July and August have 7 hours of sunshine per day. In Zurich in summer, rainfall amounts significantly increase with the highest monthly rainfall average for the year witnessed during summer. August receives the highest rainfall average at 120mm while June receives 110mm and July 80mm. Summer time in Zurich is the wettest season of the year.
Summers in Zurich boast increased hours of daylight and sunshine signifying more parties and evening celebrations, commonly taking place between the months of July and August. The summer months in Zurich are certainly the city's peak season and many tourists from regions all over Europe flood the streets of the city center as the warm and sunny weather makes sightseeing more enjoyable. Temperatures during the summer peak at approximately 24°C but are however known to climb higher for short periods when the sun is at its most powerful. Rainfall levels are also higher in June and August therefore a look at the days forecast ahead is always a good idea.
Autumn Weather in Zurich
Autumn is a great time to visit Zurich particularly in September and October when temperatures remain reasonably warm and rainfall levels have reduced from summer. Typically, autumn in Zurich begins in September and ends in November with average temperatures for the seasons ranging between 5°C (40F) and 15°C (59F). The average temperatures for autumn as are follows; September 15°C (59F), October 11°C (51F) and November 5°C (40F). September is the warmest month in autumn with the highest temperature of 20°C (68F) while November is the coolest month in autumn with the highest temperature of 7°C (45F).
Compared to summer, autumn receives less rainfall with September receiving average rainfall of 80mm while October and November both receive 70mm of rain per month. The number of sunshine hours in autumn decreases with September having 5 hours of sunshine per day, October 3 hours of sunshine per day and November 2 hours of sunshine per day. Areas such as the Lindenhof district and its many historic attractions are excellent to visit in the autumn once the crowds have decreased.
Extraordinary Weather in Zurich
Zurich generally enjoys moderate weather throughout the year with rare cases of extreme weather reported. Both summer and winter which are mostly associated with extreme weather conditions are mild in Zurich. However, during winter especially January where temperatures are at the lowest, the city experiences biting cold which becomes extreme especially when temperatures go way below the freezing point.
On some occasions, daytime temperatures plunge to less than-5°C during the day and less than -10°C at night while Zurich areas with higher altitudes have to cope with less than -15°C. Consequently, a number of roads become extremely icy and freezing rain as well as heavy snow is imminent.