Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bern, Switzerland

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The leafy landscape, beautiful blue waters, and the city buildings of Bern, Switzerland
The leafy landscape, beautiful blue waters, and the city buildings of Bern, Switzerland

The climate of Bern

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland is Bern, the country's panoramic capital city. Deemed to be within the Cfb category of the Köppen climate classification, the city experiences a marine west coast climate. The elements shaping Bern's climate are principally influenced by its geographic positioning nestled between mountain ranges to the north and south.

Marking itself is a distinctive year-round weather pattern, Bern's climate exhibits reasonable subtleties across all parameters. Monthly temperatures swing from lows of -3.6°C (25.5°F) in winter to peak highs of 24.3°C (75.7°F) in the warm summer months. A ubiquitous presence is the humidity that remains relatively high throughout the year, with average values hovering between a minimum of 71% and a maximum of 85%.

Precipitation is abundant as implied by the marine climate classification, with the city receiving rainfall ranging from 55mm (2.17") to 119mm (4.69") per month. Snowfall is another critical dimension to Bern's weather. The city experiences significant snowfall totalling 128mm (5.04") in January and 133mm (5.24") in December. Bern receives plenty of daylight year-round, generally varying between 8.6 to 15.8 hours per day, while sunshine duration varies from a meagre 1.6 hours in December to glorious 7.6 hours per day in July.

The best time to visit Bern

Planning a trip to Bern ideally lies from June to August, during the summer months. With average temperatures hovering between highs of 21.6°C (70.9°F) and 24.3°C (75.7°F) and lows barely descending beyond 10.5°C (50.9°F), the weather remains comfortably warm. Sunshine duration remarkably extends up to 6.8 to 7.6 hours per day, allowing tourists ample time to explore the city's historic charm and cultural richness. It's important to note, however, that summer also brings the most considerable rainfall, varying from 106mm (4.17") in July to 116mm (4.57") in August.

The worst time to visit Bern

The chilly months from December to February could pose challenges for tourists, especially those unfamiliar with biting cold conditions. Winter in Bern is a time of freezing temperatures that average between -2.3°C (27.9°F) to 2.8°C (37°F), coupled with significant snowfall of up to 128mm (5.04") in January and 133mm (5.24") in December.

Spring weather in Bern

During spring, from March to May, Bern experiences a gradual warming trend with temperatures ranging from a mere 0.2°C (32.4°F) right up to 18.2°C (64.8°F). Daily sunshine duration also improves, starting from 4.4 hours in March to 5.9 hours in May. Rainfall steadily rises from 73mm (2.87") in March to 119mm (4.69") in May, signalling the onset of wetter months ahead.

Summer weather in Bern

Bern's summer is a blend of pleasant daily highs, ranging between 18.2°C (64.8°F) and 24.3°C (75.7°F), and cosy nighttime lows that fall to 10.5°C (50.9°F) to 12.5°C (54.5°F). The daylight hours extend from 15.1 hours in May to a maximum of 15.8 hours in June, with a corresponding increase in sunshine hours, peaking at 7.6 hours in July. However, summer also brings a considerable amount of rain, with June and July receiving over 100mm (3.94") of precipitation.

Autumn weather in Bern

The Autumn months of September to November in Bern are characterised by a steady decay in temperature, starting with highs of 19.1°C (66.4°F) to lows of 7.3°C (45.1°F) in November. Correspondingly, daylight hours decrease from 12.6 hours in September to 9.4 hours in November. Rainfall tapers off during this period, resulting in somewhat drier conditions than the peak summer months.

Winter weather in Bern

Bern's winter, spanning December to February, showcases temperatures plunging to lows between -2.3°C (27.9°F) and 3.5°C (38.3°F). And the city becomes an exquisite winter wonderland, with mean snowfall reaching 128mm (5.04") in January and 133mm (5.24") in December. Daylight hours in these months are predictably shorter, yet the ethereal winter sun percolates up to 2.1 hours of sunshine a day, lending a magical aura to the cityscape. The UV index during this period remains at its lowest at around one, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Weather in January

The turn of the year in Bern, Switzerland sees fairly low temperatures. In comparison to December, temperatures drop slightly, with the chill intensified by the relative humidity of 84%. January records the high of 2.8°C (37°F) and a low of -3.6°C (25.5°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

In February, Bern eases into the year with similar weather conditions as January, but enjoys an added advantage of more daylight hours. While snowfall remains at peak, there is a slight increase in the temperature. February witnesses a high of 4.7°C (40.5°F) and a low of -3.1°C (26.4°F). Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Bern brings glimpses of spring. Observing a considerable rise in temperature from February with a high of 9.5°C (49.1°F) and a low of 0.2°C (32.4°F), it indicates a transition from the bleak winter. Snowfall starts receding paving the way to more rainfall days. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April sees a shift in weather patterns with the city experiencing fewer days of snowfall as the city moves into the heart of spring. This is also a time when there is an increased possibility of rain. The temperatures exhibit a noticeable leap from those in March with a high of 13.4°C (56.1°F) and a low of 3°C (37.4°F). Weather in April »

Weather in May

With the beginning of May, Bern makes a definite move towards summer, leaving behind any lingering coolness of the spring. The weather remains pleasing with a marked decrease in snowfall and rain. Capturing the essence of the city, May records a significant rise in temperature levels with a maximum of 18.2°C (64.8°F) and a minimum of 7.4°C (45.3°F). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the commencement of summer in Bern. It carries forward the warmth from May, intensifying it a bit more but keeps the climate pleasant. Temperatures show an upward curve with a high of 21.6°C (70.9°F) and a low of 10.5°C (50.9°F). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July stands as the warmest month in Bern with highest temperatures hovering around 24.3°C (75.7°F) and a minimum at 12.5°C (54.5°F). It carries forward the elevated sunshine measures of June, lending a festive summer charm to the city. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August brings a delightful blend of warm and pleasant weather, with a slight dip in temperatures from July. The city preserves the summer spell with temperatures hovering between a high of 23.7°C (74.7°F) and a minimal 12.3°C (54.1°F). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Bern transits from the summer's warmth to autumn's coolness. While the temperature switches to a noticeable drop compared to August, it does not compromise on the city's weather appeal. With a maximum temperature of 19.1°C (66.4°F) and a minimum of 8.9°C (48°F), the climate remains tolerable. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October immerses Bern completely into the charm of autumn. While retaining similarities in temperature and rainfall as in September, it paves the way for the upcoming wintry months. October sees a discernible decrease in temperature with a high of 13.8°C (56.8°F) and a low of 5.4°C (41.7°F). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November witnesses a transition in Bern's weather from the vibrant shades of autumn to the serene palette of winter. With a significant drop in temperatures from October, manifesting in a high of 7.3°C (45.1°F) and a low of 0.4°C (32.7°F), the month brings a chilly ambiance. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Bern welcomes winter in all its grandeur. With the lowest recorded temperatures in the year, with a high of 3.5°C (38.3°F) and a low of -2.3°C (27.9°F), December truly portrays a winter wonderland. Snowfall returns, adorning the city in a white blanket, while daylight hours shrink to their shortest span. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year in Bern?

January, on average, is the coldest month in Bern, registering a high temperature of 2.8°C (37°F) and a low of -3.6°C (25.5°F).

How much does it rain in Bern?

In Bern, Switzerland, during the entire year, the rain falls for 124.2 days and collects up to 1059mm (41.69") of precipitation.

When does it snow in Bern?

Months with snowfall are January through April, October through December.

How much does it snow in Bern?

In Bern, Switzerland, during the entire year, snow falls for 14.1 days and aggregates up to 526mm (20.71") of snow.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Bern?

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Bern, Switzerland.

What is the driest month in Bern?

February is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 9 days and accumulates 55mm (2.17") of precipitation.

What is the least humid month in Bern?

The months with the lowest humidity in Bern, Switzerland, are April, June and July, with an average relative humidity of 71%.

What is the wettest month in Bern?

May is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 12.6 days and accumulates 119mm (4.69") of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Bern?

In Bern, Switzerland, snow does not fall in May through September.

When are the longest days in Bern?

The month with the longest days in Bern, Switzerland, is June, with an average of 15h and 48min of daylight.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Bern?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 8, are months with the highest UV index.

What part of the year is the hottest in Bern?

Bern's July weather reaches an average high of 24.3°C (75.7°F) and an average low of 12.5°C (54.5°F), making it the warmest month.

What month has the most sunshine in Bern?

July has the most sunshine of the year in Bern, Switzerland, with an average of 7.6h of sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Bern?

On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 03:00, Daylight Saving Time ends, and the time zone changes from CEST to CET. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 30. March 2025, at 02:00, and the time zone reverts from CET to CEST.

What are the most humid months in Bern?

The months with the highest humidity in Bern are November and December, with an average relative humidity of 85%.

What is the snowiest month in Bern?

December is the month with the most snowfall in Bern. Snow falls for 3.1 days and accumulates 133mm (5.24") of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Bern?

The month with the shortest days in Bern, Switzerland, is December, with an average of 8h and 36min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Bern?

The month with the least sunshine in Bern is December, with an average of 1.6h of sunshine.

Average humidity
Bern, Switzerland

Average humidity - Bern, Switzerland

The months with the highest relative humidity are November and December (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April, June and July (71%).

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Average rainfall
Bern, Switzerland

Average rainfall - Bern, Switzerland

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (119mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (55mm).

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Average rainfall days
Bern, Switzerland

Average rainfall days - Bern, Switzerland

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (12.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is September (8.9 days).

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Average snowfall
Bern, Switzerland

Average snowfall - Bern, Switzerland

The month with the highest snowfall is December (133mm).
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0mm).

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Average snowfall days
Bern, Switzerland

Average snowfall days - Bern, Switzerland

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (4.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bern, Switzerland

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Bern, Switzerland

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 36min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 7h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 1h and 36min).

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Average UV index
Bern, Switzerland

Average UV index - Bern, Switzerland

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 8).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).

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Bern, Switzerland

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