The climate of Saint Gallen
Saint Gallen, situated in
Switzerland, experiences a marine west coast climate with warm summers, classified as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate typically features mild variations in temperature, a high incidence of rainfall, and relatively wet winters.
Throughout the year, Saint Gallen reveals a basic trend of increasing temperatures from
January, reaching a pinnacle in the months of
July and
August. The maximum temperatures sway from 2.9°C (37.2°F) in January to 23.1°C (73.6°F) in July. On the other side, the minimum temperatures range from -2.9°C (26.8°F) in January to 12.6°C (54.7°F) between July and August.
As Marine west coast climates are generally known for their considerable rainfall, Saint Gallen is no exception. The rainfall over the year varies from 52mm (2.05") in
April to a highest of 126mm (4.96") in August. The rainfall is manifested in a relatively even spread across the months, albeit with a slightly increased intensity during the summer months of
May to August.
The relative humidity in Saint Gallen remains consistently high across the year, fluctuating from 75% in July to 85% in January. This factor, coupled with the substantial amount of rainfall, suggests a relatively wet and humid climate. The wind also maintains a constant speed, with minor fluctuations from 6.7km/h (4.2mph) in August to 9km/h (5.6mph) in
March, making Saint Gallen moderately breezy throughout the year.
A distinct feature of the weather pattern in Saint Gallen is the significant snowfall during the winter months, reaching a peak of 353mm (13.9") in January. This is accompanied by a reduction in daylight hours, dipping to a low of 9 hours in January.
The best time to visit Saint Gallen
Considering the prevalent climate conditions, the best time to visit
Saint Gallen would be during the late spring to early summer, specifically between
May and
June. During these months, the climate is fairly mild, with high temperatures reaching up to 16.9°C (62.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F) and minimum temperatures keeping at 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F). Rainfall is moderately high at 104mm (4.09") to 113mm (4.45"), offset by the increased daylight hours, which can give visitors more opportunities to explore the city in ample light.
The worst time to visit Saint Gallen
The least favorable time to visit
Saint Gallen would be during the winter months from
December to
February, when the lowest temperatures range from -2.9°C (26.8°F) to -1.4°C (29.5°F). Moreover, rainfall is high and snowfall is significantly abundant, reaching a peak of 353mm (13.9") in
January. Coupled with shorter daylight hours, these conditions could prove adverse for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Spring weather in Saint Gallen
During the spring months from
March to
May,
Saint Gallen witnesses a steady rise in temperatures. March starts with maximum temperatures of 8.3°C (46.9°F), escalating to 16.9°C (62.4°F) by May, with minimum temperatures also increasing from 0.2°C (32.4°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). Rainfall is moderate at an average of 78mm (3.07") in March, reducing to 52mm (2.05") in
April and then rising up to 113mm (4.45") in May. This is a substantial variation within the spring season itself, inviting travellers who appreciate diverse weather patterns.
Summer weather in Saint Gallen
Summer months from
June to
August in
Saint Gallen bring about the warmest temperatures of the year, with maximum temperatures extending from 21°C (69.8°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F) and minimums between 10.8°C (51.4°F) to 12.6°C (54.7°F). The level of rainfall is consistently high in this season, from 104mm (4.09") in June, peaking at 126mm (4.96") in August. However, the challenge of rain is compensated by longer daylight hours, reaching up to 15.9 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Saint Gallen
The autumn season from
September to
November experiences a gradual drop in temperatures, with maximums decreasing from 18.6°C (65.5°F) in September to 8.6°C (47.5°F) in November. Correspondingly, minimum temperatures shift from 8.6°C (47.5°F) down to 1.9°C (35.4°F). Rainfall is moderate throughout the autumn season, with a minimum of 57mm (2.24") in September, increasing moderately to 79mm (3.11") in
October, and then slightly reducing to 59mm (2.32") in November.
Winter weather in Saint Gallen
Winters in
Saint Gallen from
December to
February are characterized by low temperatures and substantial snowfall. Maximum temperatures plummet from 4.1°C (39.4°F) in December to 2.9°C (37.2°F) in
January and then rise slightly to 3.7°C (38.7°F) in February. Minimum temperatures also drop to as low as -2.9°C (26.8°F) during January. December witnesses the highest rainfall during winter at 97mm (3.82"). This season also features high levels of snowfall, with maximum amounts recorded in January at 353mm (13.9"), presenting a unique cold and snowy environment for snow enthusiasts.
Weather in January
As the first month of the year arrives,
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland experiences winter in its full splendor. Temperature fluctuations are apparent as the city witnesses highs of 2.9°C (37.2°F), combined with lows dipping to as chilling as -2.9°C (26.8°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
The
February climate in
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland continues the winter trend established in
January, but with subtle changes. Landscapes remain adorned by snow, but the tables gradually start turning as the month progresses. A retreat in the severity of winters begins to appear with temperatures beginning to display an upward trend compared to January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland brings a definitive end to the harshness of winter, bringing the onset of a more temperate and comfortable atmosphere. The transitioning season can be distinguished by the noticeable rise in temperatures compared to the preceding months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Relief from the extended period of cold sweeps over
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland as
April sets in. A significant rise in temperature becomes increasingly visible, becoming more comfortable compared to the dwindling winter of
March. A considerably decreased snowfall is observed due to the climb in temperatures.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
May approaches,
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland welcomes the arrival of warmer temperatures and a break from the chilly winter. The weather takes on a distinctly warmer feel, diverging significantly from the transitional
April. With a dramatic increase in rainfall of 113mm (4.45"), the city takes on a revitalized appearance.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces a truly summer-like weather in
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland. Enhancement in temperatures continues from
May, defining the full bloom of the warm season. The climate takes on the classical characteristics of a warm summer, devoid of any snowfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland experiences the peak of the summer season. Building on the warm foundation set by
June, temperatures reach the year's highest average of 23.1°C (73.6°F). It is distinguished by the absence of snow, making it a genuinely summery month.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August, maintaining a similar trend to
July, continues to provide a warm and inviting climate in
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland. However, the upcoming arrival of autumn starts to slightly bring down temperatures. The month continues to be devoid of snow, maintaining the summery atmosphere.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in October
October signifies a departure from the warmth of summer in
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland. The transition to chillier temperatures becomes more evident compared to the warmer
September. Signs of the incoming winter become unequivocal with the reoccurrence of snowfall after a six-month hiatus.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the continuation of the descent into winter in
Saint Gallen,
Switzerland. Temperatures show a significant drop compared to the mild
October, reflecting the definitive shift into the colder season. An increase in snowfall testifies to the favourable conditions for winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
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