Zermatt sits at about 1,600 m, but most of what you come for is higher. The village can be mild while the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is bitterly cold and windy, so you pack for two climates and strong mountain sun.
Zermatt 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 | 1°C34°F | 2°C36°F | 6°C43°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 20°C68°F | 15°C59°F | 11°C52°F | 5°C41°F | 2°C36°F |
| Low | -7°C19°F | -7°C19°F | -4°C25°F | -1°C30°F | 3°C37°F | 7°C45°F | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F | 5°C41°F | 1°C34°F | -3°C27°F | -6°C21°F |
| Rain days | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and snowy in the village. On average, December has a 2°C (36°F) high and -6°C (21°F) low, January 1°C (34°F) and -7°C (19°F), and February 2°C (36°F) and -7°C (19°F), with about 6–7 precipitation days a month. Up on the slopes it is much colder. Pack ski layers, a warm hat, gloves, goggles and boots with grip for icy village streets.
Spring
March–MayLong ski days, then mud season. March averages 6°C (43°F) and -4°C (25°F), April 10°C (50°F) and -1°C (30°F), and May 14°C (57°F) and 3°C (37°F) with 10 precipitation days. Spring sun at altitude is strong, so bring high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses. Many lifts and hotels close for a few weeks between seasons; check before you go.
Summer
June–AugustHiking season. On average, July and August hit 20°C (68°F) highs with 8°C (46°F) lows, and June has 18°C (64°F) and 7°C (45°F) with 10 precipitation days. Afternoon storms are common. Pack hiking boots, a rain shell, a warm layer for high viewpoints and sun protection.
Autumn
September–NovemberCrisp and quiet. September averages 15°C (59°F) and 5°C (41°F) with 7 precipitation days, October 11°C (52°F) and 1°C (34°F), and November 5°C (41°F) and -3°C (27°F). Larches turn gold in October. Bring layers and a warm jacket; snow can arrive in town by November.
What to bring to Zermatt
0 of 23 packedA waterproof shell blocks wind on the high lifts and keeps summer afternoon storms off you on the trail.
The women's version of the same shell, for wind and storms above Zermatt.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Swiss Type J sockets reject many plugs, so a universal adapter is the safe choice.
- CALACH XL Compression Packing Cubes 2-PackBags & Luggage
Compression cubes fit ski layers into a duffel you can carry through the car-free village.
- A warm wrapClothing
A warm wrap is an easy extra layer for the cold at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold at altitude drains phone batteries fast, so carry a small power bank on the mountain.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A refillable bottle helps you stay hydrated in the dry air at altitude.
Clothing
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsWinter ski season
- Insulated mid layer · 1
- Ski pants · 1 pairWinter
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setCold even in July at altitude
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
- Hiking clothes · 3 setsSummer trails, Jun–Sep
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots · 1 pair
- Insulated winter boots · 1 pairSnowy car-free village streets
Gear
- Small daypack · 1
- Trekking poles · 1 pair
- Sunglasses or goggles · 1
Health and toiletries
- High SPF sunscreenStrong sun on glaciers and snow
- Lip balm with SPF
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceCovers ski and mountain rescue
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Zermatt?
Waterproof boots with real grip. Zermatt is car-free, so you walk everywhere with luggage on steep lanes that ice over in winter. Add ice cleats for winter walking and proper hiking boots for summer trails.
What do people wear in Zermatt?
Smart outdoor wear. By day it is ski or hiking gear. In the evening, a clean sweater and dark pants suit most restaurants; a few upscale hotels dress up more. Nobody expects formalwear.
How cold is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Much colder than the village, often below freezing even in summer, with strong wind and glare off the glacier. Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves and sunglasses, even on a hot day in town. Thin air at that height can also make you short of breath, so take it slowly.
What plugs does Zermatt use?
Switzerland uses Type J sockets at 230V. Two-pin European Type C plugs fit, but thicker Type F (Schuko) plugs often do not. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter, ideally one made for Switzerland.
Tours and things to do in Zermatt
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Zermatt.
What should you leave at home for Zermatt?
Rolling luggage that cannot handle snow or cobbles, heels and a car plan. Zermatt is car-free, so you arrive by train and walk or take an e-taxi. A duffel or backpack is easier.
Packing for Zermatt: questions people ask
What should I wear in Zermatt in January?
Full ski layers and insulated boots. On average January has a 1°C (34°F) high and a -7°C (19°F) low in the village, and the slopes are far colder.
Can you drive to Zermatt?
No. Zermatt is car-free. You park or leave the car in Täsch and take the shuttle train.
Do I need sunscreen in Zermatt in winter?
Yes. UV is stronger at altitude, and snow reflects it, so use high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses year-round.
Does a European plug work in Zermatt?
Slim two-pin Type C plugs fit Swiss Type J sockets. Thicker Type F plugs often do not, so bring a Swiss adapter.
What should I wear in Zermatt in July?
Hiking layers and a rain shell. On average July has a 20°C (68°F) high, an 8°C (46°F) low and 9 precipitation days, and the glacier stays cold.
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