Switzerland in November: Traditions and Travel Tips

The weather in Switzerland takes a turn to the colder side with a national average of between 2°C and 7°C. This is consistent with lower-lying regions like Zurich. The temperature in Geneva also dips to 2°C but can rise to around 9°C. The humidity in these areas is 81% on average. In Interlaken, the mercury plummets to the lows of -3.9°C and barely gets past 3°C during the day. There, you will experience only around 5.5 days of snowfall but around 12 days of rainfall. Zermatt is even colder with below-freezing temperatures between -0.9°C and -7.5°C. This is one of the snowiest places in Switzerland in November with roughly 15 days of snowfall.

See our month-by-month breakdown of the season to determine the best time to visit Switzerland.

As autumn draws to a close, Switzerland in November undergoes some dramatic seasonal changes with plenty of reasons to visit the country. Here are a few:

• Geneva International Film Festival: This groundbreaking film festival is a highlight on the Swiss culture calendar. Be sure to head to Geneva and attend at least one of the Nuits Blanches parties after film screenings.
• Better rates: Switzerland is a notoriously expensive destination, but the low season offers the chance to get some better rates on accommodation. Check our tours in Switzerland with the best deals.
• Lesser crowd: Ski season has not quite arrived in Switzerland in November, so enjoy the attractions that are relatively empty, especially in mountain areas.

For wine lovers, November is one of the best times to visit Zurich. This is the month when the city hosts its popular wine expo, Expovina Zurich, where visitors can enjoy two weeks of wine and festivities all over the city.

Before the season’s first snowfall, you can still enjoy some easy hikes around Switzerland. The paved walk between Klewenalp and Stockhütte is still open and delivers dramatic mountain scenery all around. The panorama trail from Rigi Kulm is also easily accessible, which offers spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Rug. But do check the local weather updates before you decide to go on a hike, as some hiking trails might close once the first snow falls.

If you can get to the alpine regions between Zermatt and Brig at the beginning of November, you can still be lucky enough to witness the marvelous fall foliage. Regions in the south generally still retain their autumn hues well into early November. Here are our tours to Zermatt.

The panoramic Glacier Express train between Saint Moritz and Zurich is closed in November, but it is still possible to take regional trains along the same route to witness the changing scenery and the unforgettable views of the Matterhorn and Rhone River. The Bernina Express also operates in November from Thursdays to Sundays, so there is still one last chance to catch a slow and scenic ride.

The town of Switzerland has been celebrating Saint Martin on the second Tuesday of November for more than 500 years. On this day, people gather to attend a festive fair and buy various goods from local merchants. There are other entertaining markets like the Herbstmarkt in Weinfelden and the Truffle Market in Murten where food lovers can indulge in the best Swiss dishes. Visit places like Basel and Zurich which open their Christmas markets in the last week of November so you can welcome the festive season in Swiss-style.

Some of the most popular things to do in Switzerland are hiking, taking train rides, and enjoying indulgent food. All these activities are still possible in November, particularly if you are visiting in the early half of the month.

Find out how many days to spend in Switzerland, or contact our expert travel experts to arrange a tailor-made trip to the country this November.

Switzerland in October
Switzerland in December
Private tours in Switzerland
Group tours in Switzerland