People check the Interlaken forecast and forget they're going up. The town sits in a valley, but the trips everyone takes go to Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn and Grindelwald First, where it's far colder, and at Jungfraujoch there's snow and ice all year. Pack for the mountain you're riding up to, not the lake you're sleeping by.
Interlaken weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 7°C45°F | 10°C50°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 18°C64°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 26°C79°F | 21°C70°F | 18°C64°F | 11°C52°F | 9°C48°F |
| Low | 1°C34°F | 2°C36°F | 4°C39°F | 5°C41°F | 9°C48°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 13°C55°F | 10°C50°F | 4°C39°F | 3°C37°F |
| Rain days | 16 | 9 | 16 | 16 | 22 | 14 | 20 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 13 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryIn town, highs run 7–10°C (45–50°F) and lows 1–3°C (34–37°F), with 9 to 16 rain days a month. Up the mountain it's proper winter, so ski gear or a real insulated jacket is the call. Wet snow and slush in the valley mean waterproof boots beat sneakers.
Spring
March–MayHighs go from 12°C (54°F) to 18°C (64°F) with lows of 4–9°C (39–48°F), but it's wet. May is the rainiest month of the year with 22 rain days. Snow hangs on up high well into spring, so some trails stay closed. Pack a rain shell and a warm mid layer.
Summer
June–AugustWarm in the valley at 24–26°C (75–79°F) highs, with lows of 14–17°C (57–63°F). It still rains often, 13 to 20 days a month, often as afternoon storms. Hike early. Carry a shell and a fleece even on a hot morning, because the summit stations stay cold.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is mild at 21°C (70°F), then it drops to 11°C (52°F) highs by November with lows of 4–13°C (39–55°F). Rain days stay at 13 to 15 a month. Early autumn is great for hiking with fewer crowds. By November, think winter layers.
What to bring to Interlaken
0 of 23 packedPacks into its own pocket, so it lives in your day bag for the afternoon storms and the windy summit stations.
A waterproof layer that packs down small, made for a place where most months bring 13 or more rain days.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing around the zips helps keep your camera and layers dry on wet trails and drizzly train platforms.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A full 32 oz of water with a leak-proof lid for long hikes between mountain huts.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Keeps your camera on your backpack strap, ready for the Eiger view without stopping to dig through your bag.
- Aerotrunk Ultralight Compression Packing CubesBags & Luggage
Compression cubes shrink bulky fleeces and down layers so you can travel between Swiss trains with a smaller bag.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
It's built for US, UK, EU and AU outlets, and Swiss type J isn't on that list, so check it fits your room's sockets before you count on it.
Clothing
- Warm insulated jacketJungfraujoch has snow and ice all year
- Fleece midlayer · 2
- Thermal base layer · 1 setFor summit trips
- Warm hat and glovesNeeded on summits even in summer
- Hiking pants · 2
- Light layers for town · 3 setsAugust highs reach 26°C
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots · 1 pairMay has 22 rain days
- Wool hiking socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- SunglassesGlare off snow at altitude
- Daypack rain cover
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenStrong sun on the glacier
- Lip balm with SPF
- Blister plasters
Documents and money
- Passport
- Rail pass or tickets
- Travel insuranceFor mountain activities
What shoes should you pack for Interlaken?
Waterproof hiking shoes or boots with real grip. The trails around Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Mürren are rocky, muddy and often wet. In winter, add something warm and waterproof for snow. Fashion sneakers are fine for Höheweg and not much else.
What do people wear in Interlaken?
Outdoor clothes, all day, everywhere. Hiking pants, fleeces and shell jackets are normal in restaurants and on trains. Dress in layers you can add and remove as you ride from the valley up to a snowy summit and back. Nobody dresses up here.
What plugs does Interlaken use?
Switzerland uses types C and J at 230V. Slim two-pin European plugs (type C) fit Swiss sockets, but chunky round German-style plugs often don't fit the recessed outlets. UK and US travelers need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Interlaken
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Interlaken.
What should you leave at home for Interlaken?
Leave the heavy suitcase. You'll be hauling it on and off trains between Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. Skip the umbrella for hiking, since wind and narrow trails make a shell far more useful. Dressy outfits mostly stay in the bag.
Packing for Interlaken: questions people ask
What should I wear to Jungfraujoch in summer?
A warm jacket, a hat and closed shoes. There's snow and glacier ice at the top all year, even when Interlaken is at 24–26°C (75–79°F).
Does it rain a lot in Interlaken?
Yes. Most months have 13 or more rain days, and May has 22. Pack a waterproof shell whatever the season.
What shoes do I need for hiking in Interlaken?
Waterproof hiking shoes or boots with a grippy sole. Trails around Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are often wet and rocky.
What should I wear in Interlaken in October?
Layers. Expect highs around 18°C (64°F) and lows near 10°C (50°F) in town, plus colder air up the mountains, so pack a fleece and a rain shell.
Do I need a plug adapter in Interlaken?
If you're coming from the US or UK, yes. Swiss sockets take types C and J at 230V, and slim two-pin European plugs fit them.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.