The climate of Lugano
Lugano,
Switzerland, classified under the Köppen climate classification as Dfc, falls in the sphere of Subarctic climate. The geographical location renders it a milieu featuring a rigorous winter, no dry season, and a rather cool summer. The average high temperature over the year ranges from a cool 4.5°C (40.1°F) in
January to a warm 25.2°C (77.4°F) in
July, while the average low temperature commences at a chilly -2.3°C (27.9°F) in January and escalates to a modest 12.8°C (55°F) in July and
August.
Throughout the year, relative humidity remains fairly consistent, oscillating from 72% to 80%. Rainfall predominates the landscape, with the highest average monthly rainfall registering 70mm (2.76") in
November. Lugano also experiences snowfall, mainly from January to
March and in November and
December, with the highest snowfall recorded at 9mm (0.35") in
February. As a side note, wind speeds reveal minimal fluctuation, marginally varying from 6.1km/h (3.8mph) to 7.7km/h (4.8mph).
A salient feature of Lugano's climate embraces its long daylight hours during summer. The longest daylight hours, peaking at 15.7 hours, occur in
June. Conversely, December records the shortest daylight duration at a mere 8.7 hours. Another unique aspect corollary to this climatic pattern entails the sunshine days, numbering 16.9 days in June and extending to 25.8 days in December.
The best time to visit Lugano
Suitability of visiting
Lugano hinges upon preferences for the type of weather. Considering a salubrious climate, the months of
May to
September flourish. Average high temperatures during this period float between 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F), allowing for exploring the city comfortably. Furthermore, while these months witness occasional rainfall, one can delight in an average of 9.2 to 11.5 hours of sunshine per day.
The worst time to visit Lugano
The most unfavorable time to visit
Lugano transpires during the winter months, precisely from
November to
March. This period is characterized by an average high temperature dwindling down to 4.5°C (40.1°F) from 9.1°C (48.4°F) and an average low temperature plummeting to -1.6°C (29.1°F) from 2.2°C (36°F), making outdoor activities less than accommodating. Moreover, November holds the record for the maximum rainfall of the year at 70mm (2.76"), further tipping the scale against its candidacy for a desirable visit.
Spring weather in Lugano
Spring descends on
Lugano from
March to
May, with temperatures making a gradual ascent from an average high of 10.2°C (50.4°F) in March to 18.2°C (64.8°F) in May. Concurrently, the average low temperature hovers from 1.2°C (34.2°F) to 7.2°C (45°F). While the rainfall increases gradually from 19mm (0.75") to 42mm (1.65"), it compensates with an incremental increase in daylight from 11.9 hours to 15 hours.
Summer weather in Lugano
Summer, coming into full swing between
June and
August, colors
Lugano with average high temperatures from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F) and low temperatures resting between 11°C (51.8°F) and 12.8°C (55°F). While the months of June and August shower 47mm (1.85") and 56mm (2.2") of rainfall, respectively,
July proves to be drier with 39mm (1.54") rainfall. Corresponding to this, the city basks in about 15.3 to 15.7 hours of daylight and 10.8 to 11.5 hours of sunshine.
Autumn weather in Lugano
Autumn in
Lugano encompasses
September to
November, with cooling temperatures fluctuating from an average high of 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 9.1°C (48.4°F) and a decreasing average low temperature from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 2.2°C (36°F). Despite peaking to the year's highest rainfall at 70mm (2.76") in November, the city indulges in 9.5 to 12.5 hours of daylight.
Winter weather in Lugano
Winter months in
Lugano, spanning from
December to
February, unleash their frigid charm with average high temperatures toppling from 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 4.5°C (40.1°F) and average low temperatures sliding from -1.6°C (29.1°F) to -2.3°C (27.9°F). The city also grapples with an average of 7mm (0.28") to 17mm (0.67") rainfall, while daylight shrinks to 8.7 to 9.5 hours. Accompanying the low temperatures, Lugano drapes in a 3mm (0.12") to 9mm (0.35") layer of snow, encapsulating its winter allure.
Weather in January
Comparing to
December,
January in
Lugano,
Switzerland, opens up the year in the grip of a relatively milder winter. However, snowfall of 3mm (0.12") can still be expected, slightly marking this month as a winter period. Daylight stretches for 9.1 hours, yet it’s accompanied by an average relative humidity of 72%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar flips to
February, the city starts shedding its thick blanket of winter. The snowfall of this month sees a noticeable surge from 3mm (0.12") to 9mm (0.35") in comparison with
January. Still, the city is far from entering a full-fledged spring; hence, one must be equipped with adequate warm clothing when visiting
Lugano.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees a tangible leap into spring, characterized by enhanced daylight and a noticeable retreat of winter's remnants. The snowfall dips to 4mm (0.16"), marking a resounding farewell to winter. The days grow longer, and pleasantly warmer temperatures bring a flush of green across the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April’s distinctive weather pattern deviates from
March's tranquility, as the number of rainy days ascends to 11.1 days accompanied by a sharp rise in rainfall, experiencing the year’s second-highest leap from 19mm (0.75") to 43mm (1.69").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May offers a more stable weather pattern, following the unexpected rain episode in
April. The temperature ranges show quite a healthy escalation compared to April, paving the path for perfect warmer days.
Lugano becomes a delightful destination for soaking up the Hungarian sunshine amidst such enticing weather.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June transition to summer signifies
Lugano's finest sunny days and clearest blue skies. Marked by the highest increase in temperature, reaching up to 22.7°C (72.9°F), June carries the distinct charm of pleasant warmth. These comfortably warm days are ideal for walks along the lake or hiking the surrounding hills, enjoying the city's beautiful panoramas.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, as the warmest month of the year, maximizes the summer's bounty, with the average temperature soaring up to 25.2°C (77.4°F). This radiant warmth, juxtaposed with
Lugano's stunning landscapes, makes for enjoyable sightseeing.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August propels continuing the summer stride, though with slightly reduced intensity compared to
July, as temperatures slide down marginally. Retaining a substantial amount of warmth, it remains strongly rooted in the summer season, showcasing the city's elegant blend of diverse wonders.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the fall season, signalling cooler days ahead. Slight lowering in temperature from 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 20.2°C (68.4°F) helps the city transition smoothly from the intense heat of
August. The mellow weather complements the changing colors of leaves, adding to
Lugano's vibrancy.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings an atmospheric shift, as temperatures plunge further, and rainfall reaches its second peak for the year at 45mm (1.77"). The crisp weather adds a literal chill to the autumn ambiance. The trees radiate an almost fiery glow, lending a beautifully warm juxtaposition to the cityscape cooling down.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November prevails with a marked intensity of colder autumn weather, as the city prepares for winter's arrival. Rainfall soars to an unprecedented 70mm (2.76"), making it the wettest month of the year. As temperatures become colder, the charm of
Lugano takes on a more quiet, peaceful hue.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Lastly,
December rounds off the year in the full embrace of winter. Temperatures plunge further, but with a mitigated decrease in rainfall from 70mm (2.76") in
November to 17mm (0.67"). The snow starts to add a thin white layer across
Lugano, marking a soft start to the winter season.
Weather in December » [Resources]