The climate of Geneva
Located in the heart of Western Europe,
Geneva enjoys a Marine west coast climate as identified by the Köppen climate classification. Observing the year-round weather conditions, it is evident that this city is characterized by a mix of cool winters and pleasantly warm summers. Not to forget, the region receives quite significant rainfall throughout the year.
Month to month variations are noticeable in terms of temperature and precipitation. While the average monthly high temperature ranges from 4.5°C (40.1°F) in
January to a peak of 26.5°C (79.7°F) in
July, the lows vary between -1.3°C (29.7°F) in January and 14.4°C (57.9°F) in July. Meanwhile, the rainfall also oscillates, stretching from 68mm (2.68") in
February to 105mm (4.13") in
October, typically marking October as the wettest month.
Unexpected climatic patterns to be observed in Geneva include the absence of snowfall from
May to
November and the impressive number of rainfall days in October, which adds up to about 10.1 days. Furthermore, daylight hours gradually increase from 9.1 hours in January to a substantial 15.7 hours in
June, shedding ample sunlight for various activities.
The best time to visit Geneva
Taking into account the temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours, the ideal time to visit
Geneva would arguably be between
May and
September. With high temperatures ranging from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F) and low humidity levels between 65% to 69%, this time of the year embraces warm, comfortable conditions. Moreover, daylight hours are longest in this timeframe, specifically in
June, with 15.7 hours registered on average.
The worst time to visit Geneva
In contrast, the period from late Autumn to early Spring,
November through
March, might not be the best time to visit
Geneva unless cold weather and snow are desired. The temperatures during these months dip to average lows of 2.4°C (36.3°F) to 0.1°C (32.2°F), accompanied by an 81% relative humidity in
December, creating a chilly atmosphere. Additionally, the snowfall is substantial with 108mm (4.25") recorded in
January and 74mm (2.91") in December, piling the city streets and roofs with white blankets.
Spring weather in Geneva
The onset of Spring signals gradually warming weather in
Geneva. With the arrival of
March, the average high temperatures escalate from 11.2°C (52.2°F) to 14.9°C (58.8°F) in
April and further to 19.7°C (67.5°F) in
May, while the low temperatures increase from 1.6°C (34.9°F) to 9.1°C (48.4°F). Rainfall too sees an upwards trend with 70mm (2.76") in March, 72mm (2.83") in April, and 84mm (3.31") in May. Sunshine hours also increase, providing 5 hours in March and up to 6.4 hours in May.
Summer weather in Geneva
Coming to the summer months from
June to
August,
Geneva experiences the warmest conditions of the year. High temperatures hover around 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 26.5°C (79.7°F) while the low temperatures vary from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F). Despite the heat, the city sees bountiful rainfall with 92mm (3.62") in June and 82mm (3.23") in August. Yet, the region also enjoys the most sunshine with a scorching 7.8 hours in June, extending up to 8.5 in
July.
Autumn weather in Geneva
Autumn in
Geneva is marked by cool, moist weather.
September witnesses high temperatures of 20.9°C (69.6°F) which drop to 15.4°C (59.7°F) by
October, falling further to 8.8°C (47.8°F) towards
November. Meanwhile, low temperatures also drop from 10.8°C (51.4°F) in September to 2.4°C (36.3°F) in November. Rainfall escalates in this period as well, with 100mm (3.94") in September, peaking at 105mm (4.13") in October before descending to 88mm (3.46") in November. Decreasing sunshine hours parallel the cooler conditions, falling from 6.2 hours in September to a mere 2.2 hours by November.
Winter weather in Geneva
Weather in
Geneva during Winter,
December to
February, is typically cold. Average high temperatures range from 5.3°C (41.5°F) to 6.3°C (43.3°F) while the lows dip from 0.1°C (32.2°F) to -1°C (30.2°F). Additionally, December and
January witness the highest relative humidity levels at 81%, contributing to the winter chill. This period is also characterized by ample snowfall with 108mm (4.25") in January and 81mm (3.19") in February. Despite scarce sunshine duration, just 1.6 hours in December and 1.9 hours in January, the snowy landscape offers a pristine view of this winter wonderland.
Weather in January
Typically,
January in
Geneva,
Switzerland, presents a colder climate with the likelihood of experiencing snowy conditions. A high humidity average of 81% brings a dampness in the air, combined with an average high of 4.5°C (40.1°F) and a chilly low of -1.3°C (29.7°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February rolls in, the after-effects of
January's winter gusts remain, albeit slightly less intense. Notably, milder temperatures make an appearance, with the mercury peeking to 6.3°C (43.3°F) and not falling below -1°C (30.2°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March presents a notable seasonal shift in
Geneva as the chilly whispers of winter fade and mark the onset of spring. The city becomes warmer with an average high of 11.2°C (52.2°F) and a low of 1.6°C (34.9°F). March offers longer daylight hours, allowing residents and tourists to indulge more in outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Aprils in
Geneva are defined by an increase in temperature and daylight hours. The temperature gradually climbs to peaks around 14.9°C (58.8°F) and does not drop below 4.8°C (40.6°F). This incremental rise signals the proper uptake of the spring season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
With
May commencing,
Geneva greets with promising warmth and sunshine. Swiss landscapes mature in sync with a notable rise in temperature levels reaching an enticing high of 19.7°C (67.5°F). Rainfall continues its moderately high run, feeding the already-blossoming gardens and parks, while maintaining the city's alluring green facade.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The Swiss city of
Geneva ushers in the summer season with
June, displaying a notable improvement in warmth as the temperatures often escalate to a balmy 23.5°C (74.3°F). By this time, the harsh snow showers experienced earlier in the year are but a distant memory.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July gifts
Geneva with the warmest weather conditions, with temperatures rising to a peak of around 26.5°C (79.7°F), stemming the heat’s summer charm. It provides the most amount of sunshine in the year, enhancing the outdoor spirit of the city's inhabitants.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Geneva remains in the grip of the summer's heat, albeit a slight dip in temperatures to a high of around 25.8°C (78.4°F). Despite the city experiencing less sunshine hours than in
July, it still stands as one of the most sunshine-filled months.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September rings in autumn, bringing slight chilliness back in the air, as temperatures drop to highs of approximately 20.9°C (69.6°F). Despite this, the city remains charming with adequate sunshine bolstering the fabulous views.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October engulfs
Geneva in true autumn spirit, as a chillier wind whistles through the city, mirroring temperatures dipping to an average high of 15.4°C (59.7°F). The rainfall graph trends higher than previous months, leaving the city drenched more frequently.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November embraces
Geneva with a pronounced drop in temperature, the city witnessing averages falling between 8.8°C (47.8°F) and 2.4°C (36.3°F). With gentle gusts and noticeably less sunshine, the city starts preparing for the winter season ahead.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the last month of the year approaches,
Geneva gets swathed in a distinct winter ambiance. Temperatures take a dive to an average high of 5.3°C (41.5°F), resurfacing memories of biting winds and snowfalls.
December marks the return of architecturally brilliant cityscapes cloaked under the snowy semblance.
Weather in December »