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

In the low elevations, there is mostly cool weather and moderate rainfall. The beginning of the month is mild or cool, and the end is decidedly cool. The whole country has short daytime hours and mostly overcast skies. You could nevertheless have comfortable tours and hikes in Switzerland's low season.

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

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Switzerland Weather in October: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 7–15°C (44–58°F)
• Total rain/snow: 9 cm (4 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 10
• Humidity: 83%
• Sunshine hours/day: 3 hours

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

Switzerland's weather is usually cool during the day in October at the low elevations where the biggest cities are. There are an average of 3 hours of sunshine and 11 hours of daylight. It might feel gloomy. It is low tourism season with relatively smaller crowds and lower prices.

Lower altitude: The big cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, and Zürich are below about 500 meters (1,600 feet). In them you can expect daily highs averaging 20°C (68°F). You will feel warm when the sun shines. The average nightly lows are approximately 15°C (59°F). There is moderate rainfall.

Higher altitude: Above 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) where the ski resort towns such as Zermatt are, the average daily highs are about 11°C (52°F), and the lows are slightly above freezing. There is both rain and snow, low total precipitation, and a daily average of 4½ hours of sunshine.

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The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in October

Touring in October has the benefits of moderate to low tourism and mild weather, especially at the beginning of the month. There is great natural beauty and no snow at the low elevations plus an amazing display of fall colors. You could enjoy the cities, ski, and hike amid beautiful scenery.

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1. Zürich — See the Historical Sites in Beautiful Fall Scenery

Zürich is Switzerland's largest city. The cultural attractions and the natural scenery attract many tourists. Others arrive there and transit through because it's Switzerland's main travel hub with the main international airport and train hub. October has low-to-moderate tourism, mild weather, fall foliage, relatively low prices and smaller crowds.

There are an average of only about 3 hours of sunshine daily and about 10 days of moderate rain in October. There is damp cool weather with 84% humidity. The average daily high is 14°C (57°F). When the weather is good, you could stroll along the river or the lake or hike in nearby mountains.

When the weather is inclement, shopping, touring the Old City, and seeing the Swiss National Museum or other museums are options.

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

2. Lugano — Enjoy More Sun, Warmer Weather, and Hot Italian Cuisine amid Alpine Scenery

If you want to get away from tourist crowds and into warmer weather in a Swiss city, then Lugano is an option along the Italian border. You enjoy a combination of Italian culture, language, and climate and beautiful Swiss Alpine scenery. Lugano's average daily high in October is 17°C (63°F).

The low elevation of 278 meters (912 feet) and a big lake keeps the climate mild. There is more sun than in the north with a daily average of 4½ hours of sunshine. The days are often warm and comfortable. There is moderate rainfall spread across about 9 days in October.

The better weather and sunshine make Lugano a good location for a family tour, biking, or hiking. You could take a cruise on Lake Lugano or Lake Maggiore. San Salvatore is nearby and provides a panoramic view of Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains. A trail there goes along the ridge to Morcote — "one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland".

For more about things to do in Lugano, see visiting Lugano in May.

3. Geneva — Enjoy Warmer Weather and More Sun

Zürich has German culture, Lugano has Italian culture, and for Swiss French culture, you could go to Geneva. It is Switzerland's second-largest city. There are fine French restaurants and luxury shopping opportunities in relatively warmer fall weather. The average high is a mild 16°C (61°F).

It can get cold at night since the lows are 5°C (41°F). However, 4 hours of sunshine brightens the region up, and you might enjoy the produce of the grape and apple harvests such as grape juice and apple cider. Lake Geneva helps to warm the city in October.

Taking a cruise on Lake Geneva or the Rhône are options. You might also enjoy strolling in the countryside and walking past the vineyards and orchards during harvest season and buying some of the products. Vineyards stretch along Lake Geneva. You could also buy fresh apples and honey.

4. Interlaken — Enjoy Hiking and Biking in the Lower Elevations of the Jungfrau Valleys

Interlaken is situated between two beautiful lakes — Thun and Brienz, and since it is at a low elevation, it stays warmer when the famous nearby scenic valleys, Lauterbrunnen and Lütschental, get cold. The hiking season in the higher valley areas is between the end of May and mid-October.

This is when most of the gondolas and trains operate to take hikers to high elevation trails. However, when they stop operating, some hikers simply hike to the higher elevations, and vehicles are permitted in some areas. In October, you can hike around Interlaken in mild or cool weather.

The daily highs are 14°C (57°F). There is moderate rainfall, and there are 3 hours of sunshine daily on average. It is a great base for exploring the region since there are large supermarkets, stores, and many restaurants and a range of accommodations.

• For information about Interlaken and travel there, see visiting Switzerland in January.
• For information about Grindelwald, see visiting Switzerland in July.
• For information about the adjacent Lauterbrunnen Valley, see visiting Switzerland in June.

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Crowds and Costs for Traveling in October

Switzerland is a beautiful country to visit in October. The lower elevation cities and the mountainsides are dressed with beautiful fall colors. The changing colors of the leaves create changing landscapes with vibrant shifting shades of red, orange, and yellow creating beautiful panoramas.

The northern cities are somewhat gloomy with little sunshine. They generally have damp, cool weather. So, for more warm sunshine, you could go to the southern low-lying Geneva and Lugano regions. You might enjoy tasting the fresh grape produce and other crops and watching the herds descend from high pastures.

Smaller crowds and relatively less expensive touring costs make the end of October and November a time for travel deals. You may find discounted accommodations, flights, and activities with fewer other visitors. Many facilities in the mountains such as trains and trams stop service in the fall.

There are no public holidays providing a day off from work in October. Each canton has its own holidays and observances.

What to Wear in October

There is a big difference of daytime and nighttime temperatures. The mountains begin to freeze at night and have low rainfall, and the cities have moderate rainfall and mild temperatures. You can be prepared for every circumstance by taking a coat and winter clothes, summer clothes, and rain gear.

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

• Warm hat
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Warm waterproof boots with good traction. You might wear them in-flight to travel lightly.
• Winter coat
• Swimwear
• Some summer clothes
• Cardigans or thermals
• Universal adapter

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Switzerland

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