Climate and monthly weather forecast
Zermatt, Switzerland

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The climate of Zermatt

Geographically nestled in the mountains of Switzerland, Zermatt has a distinctive predominate climate of the Tundra, according to the Köppen climate classification. This classification, labeled as ET, comes with an array of weather characteristics that shape this area’s unique climate. The temperature oscillates significantly through the year, ranging from winter lows below freezing, around minus 13.5°C (56.3°F), to more accommodating summer highs, up to 13.5°C (56.3°F).

Throughout the year, Zermatt receives an exceptional amount of precipitation, manifesting either as rainfall or snowfall. A substantial quantity of snowfall graces the location from late autumn through early spring, peaking in December with 867mm (34.13"). On the contrary, rainfall is relatively evenly distributed through the year, with minor fluctuations, varying from 30mm (1.18") in January to 137mm (5.39") in November.

One constant in Zermatt's weather, however, is the high relative humidity, which spans from 82% in July to 92% in March. The barometric pressure throughout the year averages around 1016.6mb, while typical wind speed measures between 6.4km/h (4mph) and 10.3km/h (6.4mph), reaching a gusting pinnacle of 18.2km/h (11.3mph) in December.

The best time to visit Zermatt

For visitors who are not accustomed to the polar-like cold, the prime time to visit Zermatt stretches from June to August. During this period, the average temperature rises from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F). The lowest humidity of the year is observed in these months, yet not falling below the 82% mark. Moreover, this time of the year also offers the longest days with 15.3 hours of daylight at its peak in June, equating to ample time for exploration, hikes, and various outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Zermatt

January and February prove to be particularly inhospitable for tourists unaccustomed to extreme cold. With average temperatures plunging to minus 4.8°C (40.6°F) and hitting low of minus 13.5°C (56.3°F), it is a time best suited for polar bear habitation. Moreover, these cold months also bear witness to a relatively high precipitation level, with up to 278mm (10.94") of snowfall, further intensifying the bitter winter chill.

Spring weather in Zermatt

Spring in Zermatt begins with freezing temperatures, transitioning gradually towards milder climes. March sees an average temperature of minus 2°C (35.6°F), which steadily rises to 1.7°C (35.1°F) by April and progresses to 4.8°C (40.6°F) in May. Despite being known for its harsh winters, abundant rainfall in this season is common, with precipitation increasing from 54mm (2.13") in March to a significant 122mm (4.8") in May. Furthermore, snowfall remains prevalent in early spring, dropping rapidly from 401mm (15.79") in March to 22mm (0.87") by May.

Summer weather in Zermatt

Lasting from June to August, the summer in Zermatt displays the warmest conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F). However, the summer season is far from dry. Rainfall levels remain high, ranging from 88mm (3.46") in August to 101mm (3.98") in June. Humidity tends to dip slightly compared to the rest of the year, while daylight hours extend to their maximum, providing visitors ample time to enjoy the pleasant summer weather.

Autumn weather in Zermatt

September ushers in the autumn season, characterized by a decline in temperature and a rise in precipitation. September starts off relatively warm with an average temperature of 9.6°C (49.3°F), cooling to 4.5°C (40.1°F) in October and dipping to minus 0.9°C (33.6°F) in November. The rainfall level varies in this season, peaking at 137mm (5.39") in November.

Winter weather in Zermatt

Winter, stretching from December through February, is predominantly frigid with temperatures seldom straying above the freezing point, plunging as low as minus 12°C (53.6°F) in some months. The most noteworthy feature of winters in Zermatt, however, is the snowfall. The levels dramatically rise from December, recording up to 867mm (34.13") in December, which gradually lessens throughout the season. Despite the bitter cold, the winter months provide a unique opportunity for snow sports enthusiasts to enjoy the abundant snowfall.

Weather in January

January in Zermatt, Switzerland, is characterized by cold temperatures with an average high of -4.8°C (23.4°F) and a low of -13.5°C (7.7°F). Snowfall remains a persistent forecast feature with a substantial amount of 220mm (8.66") falling. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Following the January freeze, February brings slightly less bitter temperatures with the average high reaching -4.6°C (23.7°F). A major difference comes in the form of snowfall, which, at 278mm (10.94"), is noticeably higher than January's. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March heralds a subtle transition from the peak winter conditions of the previous months. The temperature begins to rise, and the snowfall reduces to 401mm (15.79") from February's records. The onset of spring is still some way off, but subtle changes in the weather pattern can be felt. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Zermatt witnesses a notable shift in weather conditions. The city experiences its highest rainfall at 113mm (4.45"), signaling the onset of a more mild season. Temperatures rise steadily throughout the month, providing some respite from the long spell of winter cold. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May continues the warming trend begun in April, with temperatures climbing and the snowy landscapes diminishing. This break from the winter chill paves the way for the blossoming of flora, lending vibrancy to the city's scenic beauty. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is characterized by a comfortable average high temperature of 10.4°C (50.7°F), indicating the midway point of the year and the transition towards warmer weather. Zermatt enjoys maximum sunshine hours (15.7 hours per day) as the city steps into a pleasant summer. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In Zermatt, July is the warmest month of the year featuring the temperature highs climbing to 13.5°C (56.3°F). As temperatures rise, the city dons a lively summer ambiance, attracting tourists with its stunning landscapes under clear skies. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the modest warmth of the summer season with temperatures hovering around the July range. However, a slight increase in the soaking invigorates the lush natural surroundings even further. Despite the persistent rain showers, the city's appeal doesn't dwindle. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As September rolls in, the mercury begins a gradual descent, signaling the arrival of autumn. Despite a decrease in the average high temperature, the weather remains pleasant and inviting. The landscape of Zermatt changes dramatically, with leaves turning from green to various shades of gold and red. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October sees a swift transition towards cooler weather conditions. The city witnesses an increased level of rainfall compared to September, leading to a distinct chill in the air. As the month progresses, the foliage deepens into brilliant hues of orange and red, enhancing the backdrop of the rugged mountain peaks. Weather in October »

Weather in November

By November, Zermatt is firmly in the grip of autumn, experiencing temperature lows of -7.5°C (18.5°F). The notable event, however, is the surge in snowfall to 867mm (34.13"). The city starts gearing up for the approaching winter with snow starting to blanket the alpine scenery, transforming it into a winter wonderland again. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the arrival of full-fledged winter in Zermatt. Conditions become even colder with the average high dropping down to -3.5°C (25.7°F). Significantly, snowfall reaches 296mm (11.65"), making this the month with the third highest snowfall. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year in Zermatt?

Zermatt, Switzerland, experiences its lowest temperatures in January, with an average peak of -4.8°C (23.4°F) and a low of -13.5°C (7.7°F).

What is the driest month in Zermatt?

The month with the least rainfall in Zermatt, Switzerland, is January, when the rain falls for 1.7 days and typically collects 30mm (1.18") of precipitation.

How much does it rain in Zermatt?

Throughout the year, in Zermatt, Switzerland, there are 146.2 rainfall days, and 991mm (39.02") of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Zermatt?

Months with snowfall are January through December.

How much does it snow in Zermatt?

Throughout the year, there are 113.3 snowfall days, and 3425mm (134.84") of snow is accumulated.

When is the lowest UV index in Zermatt?

The months with the lowest UV index are January through May, October and November, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What are the most humid months in Zermatt?

March and April, with an average relative humidity of 92%, are most humid months in Zermatt, Switzerland.

When are the longest days in Zermatt?

With an average of 15h and 42min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Zermatt.

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

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the highest UV index in Zermatt.

What is the hottest time of year in Zermatt?

Temperature readings reach their annual highs in July, averaging 13.5°C (56.3°F) and a minimum average of 4.6°C (40.3°F).

What are the least humid months in Zermatt?

July and August, with an average relative humidity of 82%, are the least humid months.

When it does not snow in Zermatt?

July is the month with the least snowfall. Snow falls for 0.2 days and accumulates 1mm (0.04") of snow.

What month has the most sunshine in Zermatt?

With an average of 9.3h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Zermatt?

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 is the wettest month in Zermatt?

November is the month with the most rainfall in Zermatt. Rain falls for 4.4 days and accumulates 137mm (5.39") of precipitation.

What is the snowiest month in Zermatt?

The month with the most snowfall in Zermatt is November, when snow falls for 15 days and typically aggregates up to 867mm (34.13") of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Zermatt?

With an average of 4h of sunshine, November has the least sunshine of the year in Zermatt.

What is the month with the shortest days in Zermatt?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 42min of daylight.

Average temperature
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average temperature - Zermatt, Switzerland

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (13.5°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-4.8°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (4.6°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-13.5°C).

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Average pressure
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average pressure - Zermatt, Switzerland

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is December (1020.8mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is April (1015mbar).

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Average wind speed
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average wind speed - Zermatt, Switzerland

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is December (10.3km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.4km/h).

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Average humidity
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average humidity - Zermatt, Switzerland

The months with the highest relative humidity are March and April (92%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (82%).

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Average rainfall
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average rainfall - Zermatt, Switzerland

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is November (137mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (30mm).

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Average rainfall days
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average rainfall days - Zermatt, Switzerland

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (24.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (1.7 days).

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Average snowfall
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average snowfall - Zermatt, Switzerland

The month with the highest snowfall is November (867mm).
The month with the least snowfall is July (1mm).

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Average snowfall days
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average snowfall days - Zermatt, Switzerland

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (19.2 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0.2 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Zermatt, Switzerland

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 9h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 4h and 0min).

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Average sunshine days
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average sunshine days - Zermatt, Switzerland

The month with the most sunshine days is December (18.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (4.6 days).

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Average UV index
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average UV index - Zermatt, Switzerland

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, October and November (UV index 1).

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Average visibility
Zermatt, Switzerland

Average visibility - Zermatt, Switzerland

The months with the highest visibility are July and August (8km).
The months with the lowest visibility are February, March, April, May and November (6km).

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Zermatt, Switzerland

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