Zurich Holiday Weather Overview
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and has a reputation to match. Long known as the financial hub of Switzerland and boasting the world’s fourth biggest stock exchange, it is becoming quickly a very trend conscious city.
Located next to a picturesque lake and possessing a skyline broken up by church steeples and spectacular mountain scenery, Zurich is an arty and vibrant city.
Things to do and see in Zurich
The most important sights in Zurich are all based within walking distance in the town centre. The Grossmünster, the famous landmark of the city, the Fraumünster and St. Peter’s Church, with the largest clock face in Europe offer a whistle-stop to Zurich’s religious history as well as being impressive architecture.
However, if you are going to Zurich with limited knowledge and history about the grand city, consider going on a Free Walking Tour. Learn about Zurich’s religious heritage, its episodes of turmoil and the challenges facing the modern city today. There are also pub tours and wine seminars available.
For a DIY introduction to Switzerland as a whole, visit the National Swiss Museum for an extensive history about the interesting country.
More culture can be found at the city's Museum of Fine Arts, which houses one of Europe's most extensive collections from 15th century religious iconography to the modern art works of Dali, Monet, and Picasso.
Zurich as a perfect place for shopping as the city has number of high class shops located on Bahnhofstrasse which is also known as shopper’s paradise, which is probably one of the most beautiful shopping streets in the world.
Try and coincide your visit with Europe’s largest annual street party, Street Parade, which Zurich plays host to. The streets of the city are filled with electronic music and art for one weekend in August, with DJS on moving floats taking the party to the people. More importantly, it is all free and lasts all day!
In the summer months, public pools open their doors alongside the lake. Seebad Enge also offers classic massages and yoga courses.
Not far from the city, is Uetliberg – Zurich’s very own ‘mountain’ where you have panoramic views of the city, lake and even a glimpse of the Alps! It is particularly popular in the winter months as hiking trails are converted into sledding runs.
Best food and places to eat in Zurich
Switzerland is country with a farming heritage so traditional food tends to focus around potatoes and cheese. Rösti is a popular potato dish that is eaten all over Switzerland and no one needs to be reminded about the high quality Swiss cheese and chocolate. Zürcher-Geschnetzeltes, sliced veal Zurich style, is a local delicacy.
Zurich provides international cuisine with a high quality standard. There are many restaurants on Bahnhofstrasse and in the fashionable Zurich-West.
Restaurant Gmüetliberg is located on Uetliberg and is predominately a fondue restaurant. Pizzeria Atrio offers true Italian atmosphere and pizzas are freshly prepared by a pizzaiolo.
Au Premier is in Zurich’s Main Railway Station and its menu changes depending on the season but in the summer it features a legendary smorgasbord buffet. Brasserie Lipp is a French brasserie with market-fresh seafood and fine wines served here.
What languages are spoken in Zurich?
Swiss German is spoken in Zurich. Most institutions in Switzerland teach English as a second language, therefore there should be a good understanding but if you would like to impress the locals, try and learn a few basic phrases.
What currency is used in Zurich?
The Swiss Franc is the currency of Switzerland.
Money can be exchanged at banks in Zurich but, for the best exchange rates, try and have your money prepared before you travel.
Top hotels in Zurich
Enjoy your stay in Zurich high above the rooftops at Hotel Uto Kulm, which has a Mouton wine cellar and spa, only 30 minutes from the main train station.
If you fancy something different, visit Camping Fischers Fritz Zürich which is centrally located camp site with 10 fully furnished safari tents and one cottage, all alongside the lakeside.
Hotel Europe is the one for you if you have sophisticated tastes, located in the heart of the lively Seefeld district.
Have no fear if you are planning on visiting Zurich as part of an inter-railing trip, there are plenty of hostels for budget stays, including City Backpacker.
When is the best month to visit Zurich?
Most tourists decide to visit Zurich in summer. This is because various evening celebrations and parties can take place in the increased daylight hours. As the climate in both September and October remains reasonably warm, this is also a good time to visit the city.
Climate in Zurich
Spring is a fantastic time to visit Zurich. The parks are filled with colourful flowers and the temperatures tend to be between 15°C and 20°C. Night-time temperatures remain cold and the wind often makes daytime temperatures feel much cooler.
Rainfall increases the end of spring yet this period generally remains clear and sunny.
Summer in Zurich
Summer in Zurich lasts approximately from June to September and offers the most enjoyable climate for outdoor pursuits. The average temperatures usually stand between 16°C and 30°C in Zurich in the summer. Surprisingly, as well as the sun summer tends to bring the most rain. Nevertheless, it is the best season for outdoor activities in Zurich.
Autumn in Zurich
Autumn comes in early September and lasts till mid-October. It comes early in the mountains and offers a very comfortable climate for the tourists. Autumn months witness the highest rainfall of the year but downpours are usually short
Winter in Zurich
The winter weather in Zurich is cold and snowy; the average maximum temperatures stand just above 0°C. The coldest month is January when the temperature ranges between -10°C and 5°C. Snow can occur at this time of the year, while the climate soon begins to warm up and reaches as high as 8°C or more by the time March arrives.
What to pack and wear in Zurich?
As the winter in Zurich is cold and often snowy, if you are travelling during this period you should dress to combat the cold. Bring warm clothing such as coat, hat, scarf, gloves and boots. If you are planning on going skiing, check whether the resort rents out the relevant equipment.
Remember rain showers can be expected in the summer, so prepare for any sudden bursts of rain with an umbrella or raincoat. Shorts and t-shirts are suitable for the summer heat. The lake provides the perfect swimming opportunities, so don’t forget bathing clothes!
The restaurants and nightlife can be quite sophisticated so feel free to dress to impress!
Best months to visit Zurich?
July and August are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Zurich. The weather averages gathered from Zurich weather forecast and Zurich weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 25°c and average of 212 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Zurich?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around -2°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Zurich?
May and June receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 127.21mm.
Travelling to Zurich? Check out our Weather averages of Zurich to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Zurich section.