The climate of Montreux
Montreux presents a classic representation of the Cfb Köppen climate classification, often referred to as a Marine west coast climate with warm summers. Elegantly positioned on the shores of Lake Geneva, the city benefits from an overall temperate and moderate climate, enhanced by the climatic variations provided by the lake and nearby mountains.
Throughout the year, there are significant fluctuations in the weather parameters. For instance, average high temperatures vary dramatically from 0.6°C (33.1°F) in
January to a peak of 19.8°C (67.6°F) in both
July and
August, showing a typical pattern of cold winters and warmer summers. The lowest temperatures manifest in the depth of winter, with temperatures falling from -4.7°C (23.5°F) in
December down to -6.9°C (19.6°F) in January and -7.1°C (19.2°F) in
February. As winter moves into spring, there's a steady increase to 9.3°C (48.7°F) in July and August, before tapering back down as autumn progresses into winter.
Rainfall, a vital aspect of weather consciousness in Montreux, veers from a maximum of 144mm (5.67") in
May to a minimal 54mm (2.13") in
September. The city exhibits quite a uniform distribution of rainfall throughout the year, with peaks in spring and late autumn. Humidity levels hover between 77% during August and September to 87% in February, which might be perceived as relatively high, producing a slightly heavy and moist air.
Snowfall is a dominant feature of Montreux's winter landscape. It begins in earnest in
November with 40mm (1.57"), escalating to 114mm (4.49") in December before reaching its peak at 148mm (5.83") in January and starting to decline slowly. Correspondingly, days with recorded snowfall range from 5.8 in December, peaking at 7.7 in January, and 8.6 in February.
The best time to visit Montreux
The best time to visit
Montreux is between
June and
August when the average high temperatures are between 17.5°C (63.5°F) and 19.8°C (67.6°F). With average daily sunshine hours ranging from 15 to 15.8 hours and humidity levels varying from 78% to 80%, these pleasantly warm summer months offer ideal conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the famous Montreux Jazz Festival.
The worst time to visit Montreux
The least favourable time to visit
Montreux would be during the winter months from
December to
February, characterized by low temperatures of -4.7°C (23.5°F) to -6.9°C (19.6°F). Despite the allure of winter activities and skiing, the freezing cold coupled with snowfall ranging from 114mm (4.49") to 148mm (5.83") may not be appealing to everyone. Furthermore, daylight hours decrease to 8.7-9.4 hours, significantly shortening the duration of outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Montreux
The arrival of spring in
Montreux brings a palpable sense of warmth and rejuvenation. From
March to
May, temperatures show a steady rise from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 12.8°C (55°F). While the rainfall increases from 78mm (3.07") to 144mm (5.67"), it doesn't dampen the spirit of spring. The daylight starts to improve from 11.9 hours in March to 15 hours in May, creating more opportunities to enjoy the blooming nature.
Summer weather in Montreux
In summer, the
Montreux weather exhibits warm temperatures with averages from 17.5°C (63.5°F) in
June up to 19.8°C (67.6°F) in
July and
August. Rainfall reduces from the peak spring levels reaching 108mm (4.25") in August, but the season remains moderately wet. However, with average daily sunshine of around 10.3 to 10.5 hours, outdoor activities are not affected significantly.
Autumn weather in Montreux
As autumn beckons,
Montreux sees a gradual drop in average temperatures from 16°C (60.8°F) in
September to 2°C (35.6°F) in
November. Rainfall during this season is relatively lower, declining from 54mm (2.13") in September to 73mm (2.87") in
October before increasing to 94mm (3.7") in November. Despite decreasing daylight hours from 12.5 to 9.4, the colourful autumn foliage adds a magical charm to the cityscape.
Winter weather in Montreux
Winter temperatures in
Montreux shoot down drastically, with average highs falling from 5.9°C (42.6°F) in
November to 0.6°C (33.1°F) by
January. The city wraps itself in a blanket of snow that increases thickly from 40mm (1.57") in November to 148mm (5.83") in January. While days are markedly shorter, with daylight hours receding to an average of 8.7, the winter sun does make an appearance for an average of 5.5 hours per day, offering moments of respite in the chilly season.
Weather in January
During
January,
Montreux,
Switzerland, often experiences the cold embrace of winter with a reported highest temperature of 0.6°C (33.1°F) and lowest of -6.9°C (19.6°F). Compared to
December, these frigid temperatures tend to persist, requiring residents and visitors alike to bundle up against the chill.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January to
February,
Montreux inches closer to spring, albeit at a snail's pace. Temperature variations are miniscule, maintaining the frosty conditions prevalent throughout the city. In comparison to subsequent months, February counts as one of the coldest in the year, not the friendliest of conditions for spring flowers yearning to bloom.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings significant changes in weather conditions to
Montreux. The highest temperature increases to a slightly milder 4.5°C (40.1°F) delineating a shift from the winter chill observed in
February. Despite the modest increase in temperature, snowfall decreases, indicating a dynamic shift in the city's weather patterns.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April paints a differently tinted picture on the canvas of
Montreux's weather. With the highest temperature reaching up to 9.9°C (49.8°F), the city warmly welcomes the first substantial hints of a delightful spring, a marked transition from the cooler
March temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
An ambiance of rebirth and warmth characterizes
May in
Montreux. The considerable jump in temperature, with the highest average of 12.8°C (55°F), sets it apart from the preceding
April. The escalating warm temperatures combined with the continued decrease in snowfall, further accentuates the springtime feel.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June provides the highly-awaited introduction to the summer season in
Montreux. Remarkably, the average highest temperature escalates to 17.5°C (63.5°F), establishing a pleasant warmth in comparison to
May's lukewarm conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the pinnacle of summer in
Montreux with the city bathed in an average high of 19.8°C (67.6°F). Compared to
June, this increase further propagates the vibrant summer feel for locals and tourists visiting the city. During this month, Montreux is typically livelier as people flock to the lakeside to enjoy summer festivities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August retains the same toasty weather experienced in
July, with the high temperature steadfast at 19.8°C (67.6°F). This continuation of sunny conditions draws a multitude of tourists to
Montreux and its captivating sceneries.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the beginning of fall in
Montreux, a tangible switch from
August's summer warmth. The trend of cooling begins with the highest average temperature dipping to 16°C (60.8°F). The fall ushers in an exceptional change as the city begins to dress in rich autumnal hues.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Montreux is characterized by the continuing fall season with its delightful mosaic of autumn leaves. The decrease in warmth is more noticeable now with the month's highest temperature averaging to 11.7°C (53.1°F), a sizeable plummet from
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees
Montreux further descending into winter. The average highest temperature recedes to a chilly 5.9°C (42.6°F), a stark contrast to
October's moderately warmer conditions. As November progresses, the once vibrant autumn hues shift to a more winter-oriented palette.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December speaks volumes of
Montreux's winter allure with the average highest temperature falling to 2°C (35.6°F) and the lowest to -4.7°C (23.5°F). As the year approaches its end, the city witnesses a substantial increase in snowfall compared to
November, immersing Montreux in truly majestic winter scenery.
Weather in December » [Resources]