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Switzerland Weather in August
The weather in Switzerland in August is warm, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C in the low-lying areas. But the average temperatures are much lower, making August the best time to visit Switzerland along with June and July.
In Geneva, in the southwest of the country, the low temperatures vary between 9°C and 18°C while high temperatures fluctuate between 19°C and 32°C. In Zürich, in north-central Switzerland, the temperatures range from an average high of 23°C to an average low of 14°C. In capital Bern, in the west-central part of the country, the average temperature fluctuates between 12 °C and 23°C.
With the snow having melted, the Swiss Alps weather is ideal for hiking. For a seasonal overview, check our guide on the best time for visiting Switzerland.
Weather in Switzerland in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 2 | 6 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 14 | 7 | 4 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -2 | -2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 2 | -1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 36 | 43 | 52 | 59 | 68 | 70 | 75 | 73 | 68 | 57 | 45 | 39 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 28 | 28 | 34 | 37 | 45 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 36 | 30 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 90 | 110 | 80 | 120 | 80 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
Why Visit Switzerland in August
Switzerland in August is part of the peak tourist season. Here are some reasons why this is such a good month to travel to Switzerland:
- Festive occasions: Switzerland plays host to a number of highly-rated festivals and events in August. These include the Locarno International Film Festival, a 10-day event featuring films from different genres; Zermatt Folklore Festival, which showcases traditional music and dance; and Lucerne Festival, where you can enjoy dozens of classical music concerts.
- Cruise away: August is also a wonderful time to cruise on Switzerland’s lovely lakes. Lake Thun, Lake Geneva, Lake Brienz and Lake Maggiore all offer a variety of cruise options in Switzerland.
- Hiking season: Covered by snow in winter, the Swiss Alps are accessible in August for hiking, paragliding, horse-riding and many other stunning outdoor activities. Top hiking destinations include Bernese Oberland, Valais and Graubünden. Thanks to the long days and warm weather, the entire length and breadth of this delightful country is waiting to be explored.
Where to go and what to do
Make most of the long days and warm weather in Switzerland in August. Stand high above the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, and feel the untamed power of nature. Get amazed by the Aletsch Glacier, which carries an astonishing 11 billion tons of ice, making it the largest glacier in the Alps. The entire region surrounding the glacier including the Aletsch Forest is home to rare species of birds and animals.
There are unlimited hiking trails in Switzerland in August such as the relatively easy panoramic Brunni Trail in the scenic Engelberg Valley and the tough Matterhorn trail that takes you to one of the highest peaks in the Alps.
Switzerland in August is not all about the great outdoors though. Visit cities like Zurich, Geneva and Bern which are lively during this time. Walk along the beautiful crescent-shaped lake in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city; admire the superb Swiss and international collection at the city’s Museum of Art, and explore the neighborhood of Niederdorf with its car-free cobblestone alleys and trendy boutiques.
Zurich is also a foodie’s paradise. The city’s must-try local dishes include Cheese fondue (melted cheese with mushrooms, herbs and tomatoes); Rösti (pancake-shaped fried and grated potatoes); Zürcher geschnetzeltes, which simply means ‘meat cut Zürich-style’; and Zuger kirschtorte, a lovely cake with layers of meringue, buttercream and sponge.
While visiting Geneva, head to the Old Town for its pretty architecture, lovely cafés and restaurants and promenade that offer great views of the Bastions park and Jura mountains. Also, visit the superb Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, and discover thousands of plant species from all over the world at Geneva’s wonderful botanical garden.
Situated on a cliff, Bern’s charming Old City, a UNESCO world heritage site, has preserved much of its medieval character and is a great introduction to this capital. To your Bern bucket list also add Switzerland’s oldest art museum Kunstmuseum; and the magnificent Bern Cathedral, the country’s largest church from the late Middle Ages.
Whether it is exploring Switzerland’s stunning mountains and valleys or discovering its culturally-rich cities, August is a special time to visit Switzerland. Our travel experts will help you choose the right customized tour of Switzerland based on your interests and budget requirements.
Take a look at our tours to Switzerland in August for more inspiration.
Related articles:
Switzerland in July
Switzerland in September
