People expect Zurich to be cold. The real problem is how often it rains, with 18 rain days in both May and July, and how fast the weather turns when you head up the Uetliberg or out to the mountains. Pack a proper rain shell before you pack a heavy coat.
Zurich 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 | 5°C41°F | 8°C46°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 18°C64°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 20°C68°F | 16°C61°F | 8°C46°F | 5°C41°F |
| Low | -1°C30°F | 0°C32°F | 2°C36°F | 4°C39°F | 9°C48°F | 14°C57°F | 15°C59°F | 16°C61°F | 12°C54°F | 8°C46°F | 2°C36°F | 0°C32°F |
| Rain days | 13 | 9 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 13 | 18 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 5°C (41°F) to 8°C (46°F), lows of -1°C (30°F) to 0°C (32°F), and 9 to 13 rain days a month, sometimes as snow. The old town lanes around the Niederdorf get slick. Bring an insulated coat, gloves and waterproof boots, plus extra layers if you're taking the train up to the ski areas.
Spring
March–MaySpring is the wettest stretch, with 14 to 18 rain days a month and May at the top. Highs climb from 12°C (54°F) to 18°C (64°F), but March mornings start near 2°C (36°F). A rain shell over a sweater is the outfit.
Summer
June–AugustHighs sit at 25°C (77°F) all summer, with lows of 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (61°F). It's swimming weather, and locals jump into the Limmat and the lake at the old bathing houses. July still gets 18 rain days, often afternoon storms, so keep a shell in your bag.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is mild at 20°C (68°F), then it drops fast to 8°C (46°F) highs and 2°C (36°F) lows by November. Expect 13 or 14 rain days every month. Layers and a waterproof jacket handle the city, and you'll want a warm hat for anything at altitude.
What to bring to Zurich
0 of 19 packedWith 9 to 18 rain days every month, this is the first thing we'd pack for Zurich. It packs into its own pocket, so it rides in your day bag until the next shower.
Zurich's rain comes in quick bursts. It's a light, packable women's rain shell that's easy to keep in a day bag. Get it before you go.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
The weather sealing keeps a laptop and layers dry on the walk from the Hauptbahnhof in steady drizzle. Fine for a city day, a bit tight once a jacket goes in too.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Zurich's public fountains run drinkable water, so this small bottle means you never buy any. It's also rated 12 hours hot if you want coffee on the train.
- Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30LBags & Luggage
Swiss trains are easy with one bag, and this 30L pack is light enough to carry the whole trip. Don't check it, the thin fabric wears fast as luggage.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Long days on the trains and up the Uetliberg drain your phone fast. This folds out and plugs straight in, no cable, for about one extra charge.
Clothing
- Warm sweater or fleece · 2Weather turns fast on the Uetliberg
- Winter coat · 1Dec–Feb highs of 5–8°C
- Hat, scarf and gloves · 1 setNov–Mar
- Breathable shirts · 4Summer highs of 25°C
- Long pants · 2
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pair18 rain days in May and July
- Hiking shoes with grip · 1 pairFor mountain day trips
Gear
- Compact umbrella
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenStrong sun in the mountains
- Lip balm
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card
Tech
- Type J plug adapter · 1Recessed sockets; Type F plugs usually won't fit
What shoes should you pack for Zurich?
Zurich is hillier than it looks, with steep lanes climbing from the Limmat up to the Lindenhof and the university, plus the Uetliberg if you hike. Waterproof walking shoes with good grip beat canvas sneakers here. With rain on 9 or more days every month, you'll be glad they're waterproof.
What do people wear in Zurich?
Zurich dresses clean, understated and practical. Dark jeans or chinos, a good jacket and neutral colors fit in everywhere. You'll see suits around Paradeplatz, but casual is fine nearly everywhere else.
What plugs does Zurich use?
Switzerland uses Type C and J plugs at 230V. Swiss sockets are recessed and take slim two pin Type C plugs, but the chunkier Type F plugs from Germany and France usually won't go in. Bring a Swiss adapter or a charger with a slim plug.
Tours and things to do in Zurich
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Zurich.
What should you leave at home for Zurich?
Leave the big umbrella, a shell is easier in quick showers and on crowded trams. Skip the flashy outfits too. Zurich is low key, and you'll stand out more than you'd like.
Around Zurich
Packing for Zurich: questions people ask
What should I wear in Zurich in winter?
An insulated coat, gloves, a hat and waterproof boots. Highs are 5°C (41°F) to 8°C (46°F) and lows dip to -1°C (30°F).
Does it rain a lot in Zurich?
Yes. Every month gets at least 9 rain days, and May and July get 18. Pack a rain shell whatever the season.
Will my European plug work in Switzerland?
Slim two pin Type C plugs usually fit. Thicker Type F plugs from Germany or France usually don't fit the recessed Swiss sockets, so bring a Swiss adapter.
Can you swim in Zurich in summer?
Yes. Highs are 25°C (77°F) from June to August, and locals swim in the lake and the Limmat at the city's bathing spots. Pack a swimsuit.
Is Zurich formal?
Not really. It's neat and understated. Dark jeans and a good jacket work almost everywhere, with suits mostly in the banking district.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.