Switzerland Weather in April: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Switzerland has mild weather in April at the low elevations and about 10 days of rain or snow. The highest ski resort areas still have conditions for skiing and other winter sports. The weather is fine for hiking, comfortable touring, and getting some sun at the low elevations.

Read on for our weather information and travel advice including average temperatures and rainfall, places to go, and travel tips…

Switzerland Weather in April: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 5–15°C (41–59°F)
• Total rain/snow: 8 cm (3 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 10
• Humidity: 67%
• Sunshine hours/day: 6 hours

April Climate Comparison (Averages) for Switzerland's Top Tourism Areas

Swiss weather is mild during the day in April at the low elevations where the biggest cities are. The nights might still freeze occasionally. There are approximately 6 hours of sunlight and 13½ hours of daylight for enjoying winter sports at high elevations and hiking and touring in lower areas.

Lower altitude: Below about 500 meters (1,600 feet), where the big cities such as Zürich, Lausanne, and Geneva are, the average nightly lows are approximately 5˚C (41˚F). The daily highs reach an average of 15˚C (59˚F). It is comfortable in the sun.

Higher altitude: Above 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) where the ski resort towns and villages such as Zermatt are, there is still snow on the ground. It is still frigid with the average nightly lows averaging about -5˚C (23˚F). The daytime highs average 5˚C (41˚F). Temperatures decrease the higher the elevation.

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The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in April

Switzerland shifts into low tourism season in April. Visitors still come for winter sports at the high altitudes and stay in the mountain resorts. Tourism is low in some cities and moderate in others. Travelers generally enjoy the urban historical sights, culture, and nature in spring.

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1.Zürich — See the Historic Sites and Nature in Spring

Zürich is the largest city and a natural starting point for exploring the region since it has the main airport for the country. The average daily highs of 15˚C (59˚F) feel nice and warm under the sun, and there is sunshine about 6 hours a day on average.

You could enjoy Zürich's low-tourism-season lower prices and visitor numbers. You could also take advantage of lower prices for flights to the city. For those who prefer it that way, the heat is less intense than in summer too. There is a fine arboretum for seeing the blooming trees. The botanical gardens have blooming flowers.

For more about Zürich's natural scenery and cultural highlights, see visiting Switzerland in March.

2. Zermatt — Experience Winter Sports and Unfrozen Nature in Spring

Zermatt still has suitable conditions for skiing in spring. The famous Matterhorn has a ski slope extending up to 3,899 meters (12,795 feet), and there is a glacier you can ski on. People can potentially ski year round above the snow line, but in April, there are good ski conditions with some fresh snowfall on the mountains.

Zermatt's elevation is 1,620 meters (5,310 feet). There is pristine air, and the average daily high temperature is about 10°C (50°F). The nightly lows average -1°C (31°F). The conditions are actually better than in winter because there are 4 hours of sunshine and 13½ hours of daylight.

There is more light for outdoor activities, and there are fewer skiers and more moderate prices at the luxury resorts. Along with winter sports, you could go hiking and biking on the paths and trails, and go out to see Lake Stellisee, and other scenic places or even camp out.

3. Ticino — Experience Ticino's Beautiful Mountain Scenery and Italian Food

For relaxation and some adventure in a warmer climate after winter sports in the freezing high mountains, you could go to the southernmost canton called Ticino. Lugano is its largest city, and it is the warmest Swiss city in April with average daily highs of 17°C (63°F). There is moderate rainfall.

Ticino is a good location for a family tour with mild weather, scenic beauty, and Italian culture. Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano are blue lakes with cruises and boating. There are hiking areas, high mountains surrounding the valley for excursions, and even some snow for family fun.

There are 6 hours of sunshine on average daily, and about 10 days of rain. On rainy days, you could dine in the cafés or restaurants. Polenta, a type of cornbread, is the local specialty. You could enjoy a gelato (ice cream) as you stroll the piazzas.

4. Basel — Rest and Recreate in a Low Key, Very Historic, Non-Touristy Small City

If you want to get away from tourist crowds and into warmer weather in a non-touristy Swiss city, then Basel is an option that is only about an hour from Zürich by train and car. It is out of the way since it is in northwestern Switzerland at the junction of France, Germany, and Switzerland.

It is a low-altitude city at around altitude 256 meters (840 feet), and this makes the temperature warmer, with average daily highs of 15°C (59°F). There is low humidity of 68% and an average of 5 hours of sunshine. There is low rainfall, and the rain brings a burst of lush growth in spring.

Basel has a scenic Rhine River setting, which you could walk along. You could also walk to museums such as Switzerland's largest art museum called the Kunstmuseum Basel. Basel is the arts capital of Switzerland, and there are several other notable art museums.

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Low/Moderate Tourism Season: Touring Advice for April

The middle of spring is bright and turning sunnier. Both the weather and tourism are changeable and somewhat unpredictable. In general, there are still many tourists traveling to ski, but others come to enjoy spring weather at the low elevations and tour the cities and towns.

Zürich is in low season, but other cities such as Geneva in the west and Lugano in the south experience moderate tourism as the warm weather and natural beauty attract people to come for a spring break. Geneva has events to attract people.

Lower prices are available for flights and hotels, and many prefer mild spring to hot summer heat. In April, there are blossoming trees, the beginning of the season that people start taking train tours, and more places you can hike for solitude.

Most ski resorts close for the season by the end of April.

Public holidays in April:

The various cantons set their own holidays and observances. If Good Friday is in April, there is a day off in most of the cantons.

Näfels Procession is a common Swiss holiday that is a day off for people in some cantons. It commemorates a day when hundreds of Swiss fought off an Austrian invasion in 1388. This helped to maintain Swiss independence. It is the first Thursday of April each year.

What to Wear in April

There is a big difference of daytime and nighttime temperatures, and the weather is unpredictable. Take a coat, rain gear and dress in layers to be ready for every circumstance.

Here is a packing list for a few essentials in Switzerland in April:

• Warm hat
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Warm boots with good traction (wear them in-flight to travel lighter)
• Cardigans, thermals, or long underwear
• Water resistant gloves
• Polarized glasses to reduce the glare
• Universal adapter

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Switzerland

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