Switzerland Weather in March: Travel Tips for First-Timers

In Switzerland, March is cool at the low elevations and still very cold in the ski resort areas. There is low rain/snowfall. There are good conditions 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…

Switzerland Weather in March: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 2–11°C (35–52°F)
• Total rain/snow: 7 cm (3 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 10
• Humidity: 71%
• Sunshine hours/day: 5 hours

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

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Switzerland is cool during the day in March at the low elevations where the biggest cities are. The nights might still see a freeze. There are about 5 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of daylight. You could enjoy winter sports at high elevations and hike and tour at lower altitudes.

Lower altitude: Below about 500 meters (1,600 feet), where the big cities such as Zürich, Geneva, and Lausanne are, the average nightly lows are approximately 2˚C (36˚F). The daily highs reach an average of 11˚C (52˚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 still snow on the ground. It is still around freezing there with nightly lows averaging about -5˚C (23˚F) and daytime highs averaging 5˚C (41˚F). Temperatures decrease the higher the elevation.

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The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in March

Switzerland shifts into low tourism season in March. Tourists arrive for winter sports at the high altitudes and stay in the resorts in the high mountains. As they pass through the main cities, they enjoy the urban historical sights and culture and have the opportunity to hike.

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1.Zürich — See the Historical Sites and Nature Comfortably

Zürich is Switzerland's largest city and a natural starting point for exploring the region. Zürich International Airport is the country's largest, and the railway hub station is conveniently underneath. The weather becomes warm enough for comfortable touring in the sunshine, and you will enjoy low season's lower prices and crowds.

The average daily highs are 10˚C (50˚F), and the nightly lows are 2˚C (36˚F). There are 11 days of rain or snow, so the ground is usually not covered with snow. They days might feel wet and damp. Average humidity is high at 71%,

The weather is good for walking in the Old Town area that is conveniently located by Zürich Main Station. You could walk the pedestrian streets to see historic buildings. There are many parks to enjoy in the spring.

Blausee ('Blue Lake') in Zürich is lined with parks and promenades. There is an arboretum and botanical gardens to see the early blooming flowers, which are best seen in the sunshine, which averages 5 hours.

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

March is still high season in Zermatt because the ski slopes are the highest in Switzerland. They have about the best conditions for skiing. Prices are high, and there are a variety of luxurious resorts to choose from.

Zermatt has about the most adventurous skiing in Switzerland including lofty heli-skiing. The ski slopes extend up to 3,899 meters (12,795 feet) on the Matterhorn. The longest ski run on it is rated red (advanced intermediate) and is considered the first or second longest in the world. It covers 20 km (13 miles).

The skiing is actually better than earlier in winter because there are less skiers, 5 hours of sunshine, and 12 hours of daylight. The air is pristine, and the average daily high temperature is about 6°C (37°F). The nightly lows are about -4°C (23°F), and there is low snowfall.

3. Geneva — Enjoy Beautiful Lake Scenery, Hiking and Biking Paths, and French Cuisine

Geneva is Switzerland's second-most populated city with 177,500 French-speaking people. There is architectural and natural beauty. The elevation is low at 433 meters (1,421 feet), and this provides warmer weather for enjoying the spring sunshine, the blooming flowers, hiking in the mountains, biking, and boating on Lake Geneva.

The daily highs are an average of about 12°C (54°F). It gets cold at night dropping to 2°C (36°F). There are about 8 days of light rainfall or snowfall.

There are museums such as the Museum of Far Eastern Art and the high-tech Science Gateway, and you could learn about history at the Reformation Museum. You could wander in the Old Town area and enjoy restaurants featuring the finest French gourmet cuisine.

4. Lugano — Enjoy Ticino's Beautiful Mountain Scenery, Italian Culture, and Italian Food!

Lugano is the largest city in the little-known Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. It is the warmest big city in Switzerland in March, and Mediterranean warmth wafts up from Italy and the Adriatic in early spring. Along with enjoying French culture in Geneva, you could enjoy Italian cuisine and culture in Lugano.

Lugano is at a low elevation of 278 meters (912 feet) and it is on the Alps' southern facing slopes, so in March you could see wild flowers, and lifting your eyes you would see bright snow-capped mountain peaks in early spring glory.

Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano are deep-blue on sunny days, and it is one of the sunniest places in Switzerland getting 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. There are 5 or 6 hours of sunshine on average per day in March, and the daily highs reach an average of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall is low.

Along with fine Italian restaurants and cafes, you might be able to enjoy snow sports on nearby mountains, especially in the first half of March.

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Low Tourism Season: Touring Advice for March

The transition to spring provides a greater variety of things to do in Switzerland. You could enjoy the spring weather and perhaps hike at the lower elevations such as in Ticino or Geneva.

High in the Swiss Alps, the ski conditions are still good. There is moderate tourism, and it would be a good time to go for less crowding, good conditions, and lower prices for winter sports and resorts.

In the lower elevations, it is low tourism season. Prices for hotels are about the lowest in the year. The lower ski resorts close.

If you plan to go high into the mountains, since it takes time to acclimate comfortably for the high elevations, consider staying for a few days at low altitude tourist base towns and cities such as Interlaken, Geneva, and Zürich.

Public holidays in March:

Switzerland's various cantons set their own holidays and observances. If Good Friday is in March, the Friday is a day off work in most of the cantons.

Fasnacht or carnival: Various Swiss cities have a winter or spring carnival that depends on the date of Easter. The dates for a carnival are different for the various cities.

What to Wear in March

Take a thick coat and rain gear. Dress in layers since there is a big difference in day and nighttime temperatures, and the weather is unpredictable.

Here is a packing list for essentials in Switzerland:

• Warm hat
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Warm boots with good traction (you might 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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Next month: Switzerland in April