Switzerland Weather in May 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

The low elevations of Switzerland have mild weather and about 12 days of rain. The highest ski resorts still have conditions for skiing and other winter sports. The weather is suitable for comfortable touring, hiking, and enjoying some sun at the lower elevations.

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 May: Overview

Averages: 

• Temperature range: 9–19°C (48–67°F)
• Total rain/snow: 12 cm (5 inches)
• Days with rain: 12
• Humidity: 71%
• Sunshine hours/day: 6 hours

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

Swiss weather is mild in May at the low elevations where the biggest cities are. The nights might still freeze occasionally. There are approximately 6 hours of sunlight and 15 hours of daylight. During the longer days, you could sightsee, tour, and hike and also ski on the high peaks.

Lower altitude: Below about 500 meters (1,600 feet) where the big cities such as Zürich, Lausanne, and Geneva are, the days reach an average high of 19˚C (66˚F). It is comfortable in the sun. The average nightly lows are approximately 9˚C (48˚F).

Higher altitude: Above 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) where the ski villages and resort towns such as Zermatt are, the daytime highs average 14˚C (57˚F), and it usually doesn't freeze. Temperatures decrease the higher the elevation.

The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in May

Some tourists want to do winter sports at the highest elevations. Other tourists arrive to enjoy the spring weather at the low elevations and see the great scenic beauty and the urban areas. Tourism is low in some cities and moderate in others.

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

Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland, and it is a travel hub with the largest Swiss airport and a train hub station underneath. Its daily average highs reach 19˚C (66˚F). On average, there is sunshine about 6 hours a day. It feels nice when you walk in the sun in May.

In May, you could enjoy Zürich's moderate prices for accommodations and the lack of crowds. It is moderate tourism season. The weather turns temperate, and people swim by the end of the month in Lake Zürich.

However, it is a wet month with about 12 days of moderate rain. When it rains, you could visit one of the top museums such as the Swiss National Museum, see the May flowers in the highly-rated Chinese Garden, or tour the insides of historical buildings such as Fraumünster Church.

For more things to do, see visiting Switzerland in March.

2. Interlaken — Enjoy Hiking and Sightseeing in a Beautiful Swiss Valley

Interlaken is a resort town that is a backpackers haven in the pricey Swiss Alps. There is a variety of accommodations from hostels to luxury hotels in the area. It is called the winter sports capital because it is at the base of the renowned Jungfrau ski resort region.

In May, the whole valley area is warm and a great place for hikes. You could take the public transportation for sightseeing in the two valleys that Interlaken serves as a transport gateway. Its elevation is low, 568 meters (1,864 feet), and the daily highs average about 19°C (66°F).

There are about 13 days of low rainfall in May. An average of 6 hours of warm sunshine daily provides great weather for hikes and sightseeing in towns such as Gimmelwald that is perched on high cliffs in Lutschental Valley or Mürren that is on cliffs high above Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Vehicles: A ban on vehicles in several areas combined with excellent trams and trains makes it impractical to drive in the two valleys. For more about Interlaken transport, see visiting Switzerland in March.

3. Bern — See the Swiss Capital and View Historic Places

Bern is called the capital of Switzerland, but it is not usually thought of as a major tourist attraction. So, if you want to get away from tourist crowds in May, then Bern is an option about 90 minutes from Zürich. The highlights include historic buildings, museums, and excellent bike trails.

Bern is the fourth largest city with a population of 140,000. The elevation is 546 meters (1,791 feet). The average daily high temperature is 19°C (66°F). There are more than 6 hours of warm sunshine daily on average for walking in the famed Old Town or biking on cycling paths.

There are about 18 days of moderate rainfall on average in May. When it rains, you could shop in Europe's longest covered market. You could also visit one of the best museums such as the Natural History Museum of Bern. Its airport is the closest airport to Interlaken.

4. Ticino and Lugano — Experience the Mix of High Mountain Scenery, Mediterranean Breezes, and Italian Food

The southernmost canton is Ticino, and Lugano is the warmest city in Switzerland. It sits on a large lake that helps to moderate the temperature. The average daily highs of 21°C (70°F). There is high rainfall, and May is the rainiest month with 18 days of rain.

Ticino is a good location for a family tour. The warm weather is good for small children, and you could bike or hike and see scenic beauty. People love the authentic Italian food ranging from pizza to gelato (ice cream). You can take a cruise on Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano.

Children would probably enjoy the three castles of Bellinzona – Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. These castles were built in the 1500s. Another highlight is the Fossil Museum.

Crowds and Costs for Traveling in May

May is often bright and sunny, but the weather is unpredictable. Some tourists arrive to ski on the high-altitude glaciered mountains. Others come to enjoy warm weather at the low elevations and tour the cities and towns.

Visiting Switzerland in moderate tourism season has advantages. It is less expensive because deals can be found on flights and hotels. The heat and humidity is less intense than in high summer. You could enjoy the blossoming trees, mountain hiking on freshly opened trails, and the start of the swimming season.

People begin taking train tours, and you can enjoy more solitude and low crowding. Hotels and restaurants in mountain resort towns might shut for a break and maintenance after the ski season and before the summer season.

Public holidays in May:

The various cantons set their own holidays and observances.

• May 1, Labor Day is a day off in most cantons and a half of a day off in others.
• Ascension Day occurs 39 days after Easter Sunday and may be in May. They commemorate Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. It may be a day off for many.
• Pentecost: The date of Pentecost varies from year to year. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus who were gathered together 50 days after his resurrection in Israel.
• Pentecost Monday: The day after Pentecost is Pentecost Monday. If it occurs in May, then many people get a holiday from work, and businesses and schools may close.
• Corpus Christi (60 or 63 days after Easter) is usually around the end of May or the first half of June. It is a day off for many in the various cantons, and banks, businesses, and schools may close.

What to Wear in May

It would be good to bring clothing suitable for the various climates. The weather is unpredictable. Take a coat, rain gear and dress in layers to be ready for every circumstance.

Here are suggestions for a few essentials in Switzerland:

• Warm boots with good traction. You might wear them in-flight to travel lightly.
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Sunhat and warm hat
• Cardigans, thermals, or long underwear
• Water resistant gloves
• Polarized glasses to reduce the glare
• Universal adapter
• Summer clothing such as T-shirts
• Swimwear