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 » [Resources]