Switzerland Weather in February: Travel Tips for First-Timers

February is cold at the low elevations and very cold at the ski resort areas. There is good weather for winter sports, and you could tour the cities.

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

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• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Wear

Switzerland Weather in February: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: -2–6°C (29–42°F)
• Total rain/snow: 6 cm (2 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 9
• Humidity: 77%
• Sunshine hours/day: 3 hours

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

In February, the main cities have weather that is generally just above or below freezing. There are about 3 hours of sunshine per day, and most of the 10½ hours of daylight are cloudy. Winter sports enthusiasts enjoy good snow conditions, the longer days, and relatively more sunlight than earlier in winter.

Lower altitude: Below about 500 meters (1,600 feet) where the big cities such as Zürich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne are, the average nightly lows are approximately -2˚C (29˚F), and the daily highs reach an average of 7˚C (45˚F). The days may be cold and wet.

Higher altitude: Above 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) where the ski resort towns and villages such as Zermatt are, there is almost always snow on the ground, and the average nightly lows are -5˚C (23˚F) and the average daytime highs are 5˚C (41˚F). The higher the elevation, the lower the temperatures.

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The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in February

Switzerland is popular to tour in winter. In February, tourists arrive from around the world for winter sports and to stay in the resorts in the high mountains. As tourists pass through the main cities, they enjoy the urban historical sights, the culture, and the food.

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1. Zürich — See the Historic Sites Comfortably

Zürich is the largest city and the natural starting point to explore the rest of the region. Zürich International Airport is the largest in the country, and the railway hub station is conveniently underneath. Though it is cold, using the public transportation allows you to see the sights comfortably.

The average daily highs are 5˚C (41˚F), and the nightly lows are -1˚C (30˚F). There are 9 days of rain or snow, so snow usually is not on the ground. The city has an extensive network of trains, trams, and buses that makes tourism and sightseeing easier and convenient.

The train and tram conveniently run from the airport to Zürich Main Station in the city center. From there, you could walk a minute or two to the Swiss National Museum. The station conveniently borders the Old Town with pedestrian streets and historic buildings such as the Fraumünster Church.

Winter festival: A highlight of Lent is the ZüriCarneval that is on different dates each year depending on the dates for Lent. In 2024, it will be held February 16-18. It is a city festival spanning 3 days that includes cultural events, concerts, parades, bands, a river show, an air show, and more.

2. Zermatt — Experience Europe's Top Ski Resorts for Winter Sports in Ideal Weather

For skiing and snowboarding, the high elevation slopes around Zermatt are among the best in Switzerland. The longest ski run is rated red (advanced intermediate) and variously rated the first or second longest in the world covering 20 km (13 miles).

Zermatt has about the most adventurous skiing in Switzerland including lofty heli-skiing on good snow. The ski slopes extend up to 3,899 meters (12,795 feet) on the Matterhorn. The skiing is better than earlier in winter because there are 4 hours of sunshine and 10½ hours of daylight.

Zermatt's elevation is 1,620 meters (5,310 feet). There is pristine air, and the average daily high temperature is about -5°C (23°F). The nightly lows are about -13°C (9°F).

A ban on cars keeps the sky pristine and makes it better for walking and enjoyment of the sharp snowy peaks. The are a variety of luxury hotels, and prices per day are about the highest in Switzerland. Zürich Airport is about a 3½-hour drive away.

3. St. Moritz — Get More Sunshine, Geothermal Warmth, and Italian Gourmet Cuisine

St. Moritz is in the southeast of Switzerland near Italy, and since it is on the south side of the high Alps, it gets the benefit of about 4 hours of sunshine and warmer Mediterranean breezes. The sun, hot springs, and a beautiful Alpine lake are natural highlights.

The daily highs are an average of about -5°C (23°F). It gets very cold at night dropping to -15°C (5°F). There are about 18 days with low snowfall. The elevation is 1,782 meters (5,846 feet). It is the most luxurious of the Swiss resort towns.

Italian cuisine is one of the cultural highlights with gourmet Italian restaurants. The thermal spas are places to heal and relax. There are plenty of other gourmet restaurants and luxury shops. Nearby towns such as St. Moritz Bad and Celerina have their own attractions and culture.

White Turf: There is a winter carnival in February on the frozen lake with horse racing, music, and gourmet catering as the highlights.

4. Bernese Oberland — Explore High Mountain Towns and Villages and Do Winter Sports

St. Moritz and Zermatt are luxury ski resort areas, but Bernese Oberland is a middle-budget area renowned by backpackers for great natural beauty and also known for good winter sports. These are mountains and valleys above Bern, about 45 minutes away.

The towns, villages, scenic areas, and resorts of the Bernese Oberland are well connected by trams and trains. People generally do not drive in this area. They take the public transportation. Interlaken is the gateway town to the valleys and peaks. Take the train to Interlaken first, then there are many options in February.

Interlaken has daily highs averaging about 5°C (41°F) and lows of -3°C (27°F) with about 7 days of low rainfall/snowfall. From there, you could go to the scenic towns of Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald and then continue into the mountains to the ski resorts.

Travel by train: The Bernese Oberland is nicely centrally located. Zürich and Zermatt are 2½ hours away from Interlaken. Lucerne is almost two hours away. Geneva is almost three hours away.

For more about Interlaken, see: visiting Switzerland in January.

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Crowds and Costs for Traveling in February

While in southern Europe it is low season, high in the Swiss Alps, it is a peak tourism season for visitors from around the world who flock to the ski fields and resorts. Conditions at higher altitudes are mostly snowy and frozen. Prices peak at the Alpine resort areas such as Bernese Oberland.

Conversely, there is moderate or even low tourism at low elevations. The cities that have the travel hubs have the high tourism. Statistics are confusing, but February is the highest priced month of the year for a vacation.

However, the price of international airline tickets are lower compared to the summer high tourism season. The reason for the disparity might be because most travelers arrive from European countries by land.

Since it takes time to acclimate comfortably for the high elevations, consider staying at low altitude tourist base towns and cities such as Interlaken, Bern, and Zürich.

There are no national public holidays in February.

Fasnacht: The various cities have a winter or spring carnival that depends on the date of Easter. In Zürich, it is the ZüriCarneval (see above). The dates for the carnival are different for the various cities.

What to Wear in February

Take a thick coat and rain/snow gear. Along with your coat, for convenient touring and stepping in and out of buildings, dress in layers for comfort. Wear heavier winter clothes for the mountains.

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

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

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Switzerland

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Next month: Switzerland in March