The climate of Schaffhausen
Designated by the Köppen climate classification system as Cfb,
Schaffhausen experiences a predominantly marine west coast climate with a warm summer. The city is located in
Switzerland, a country with varying geographical features that contribute to its distinct weather conditions. Throughout the year, the city showcases a remarkable change in various weather parameters that fabricate its signature climate.
The temperature spectrum in Schaffhausen registers a swing from as low as -3.4°C (25.9°F) to as high as 23.6°C (74.5°F). This swing aligns with the typical seasonal pattern, with summer months experiencing the warmest temperatures, whereas winter months deal with the coldest. The highest temperatures occur from
June to
August, with the highest average high temperature of 23.6°C (74.5°F) in
July coupled with the highest average low temperature of 11.8°C (53.2°F) in August. In contrast, the months between
December and
February grapple with the lowest temperatures.
January traces the lowest average low temperature of -3.4°C (25.9°F), and the lowest average high temperature of 3.5°C (38.3°F) in February.
Humidity in Schaffhausen maintains a fairly stable range across the year, with relative humidity values swaying between 78% to 90%. The highest humidity levels are observed in December and January, whereas the lowest corresponds to the month of
April. Regarding precipitation, the city receives rainfall throughout the year, although the quantity and frequency vary. Months from
May to August receive the highest rainfall, both in terms of volume ranging from 62mm (2.44") to 71mm (2.8"), and frequency with an average of 19.3 to 21.8 days. In contrast, February registers the least monthly rainfall of 29mm (1.14").
From
November to April, snowfall presents another pattern to watch for. December marks the highest snowfall volumes reaching up to 80mm (3.15"), coupled with the maximum snowfall frequency of 7.6 days. June to
September, however, go without any snowfall.
The best time to visit Schaffhausen
The ideal time to explore
Schaffhausen is between
June and
August. These months offer the most enjoyable weather with average high temperatures fluctuating between 21.6°C (70.9°F) and 23.6°C (74.5°F). Furthermore, these months offer maximum daylight hours, peaking at 15.9 hours in June, promising longer days for sightseeing.
The worse time to visit Schaffhausen
Travelers might want to avoid the months from
November to
March in
Schaffhausen. Not only do these months see the lowest average temperatures, but they also carry higher chances of snowfall, with
December and
January presenting the highest volumes. Moreover, these months see fewer daylight hours, as low as 8.5 hours in December, making sightseeing less practical.
Spring weather in Schaffhausen
The spring, from
March to
May, in
Schaffhausen is marked with gradually increasing temperatures, starting from an average high of 8.8°C (47.8°F) in March and reaching 17.5°C (63.5°F) by May. Daylight hours also increase during this period, offering more day time. Rainfall during this period varies, with May receiving the maximum rainfall volume of 62mm (2.44"), highlighting the beginning of the wet summer ahead.
Summer weather in Schaffhausen
The summer months from
June to
August offer the warmest temperatures with average highs of 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F). This period also boasts the longest daylight hours, reaching up to 15.9 hours in June. However, it’s also the wettest period of the year, with rainfall volumes spiking to 67mm (2.64") in
July.
Autumn weather in Schaffhausen
The autumn period from
September to
November witnesses a gradual decrease in temperatures, with an average high of 18.6°C (65.5°F) in September dropping to 7.8°C (46°F) in November. Rainfalls recede from 31mm (1.22") in September to 30mm (1.18") by November, and daylight hours drop from 12.6 hours to 9.3 hours during the same period.
Winter weather in Schaffhausen
Winter in
Schaffhausen sees a cold and snowy climate with temperatures dropping as far as -3.4°C (25.9°F) in
January. The months from
December to
March record snowfall, with December being the coldest and snowiest month. Daylight hours are also at their shortest, with as few as 8.5 hours in December.
Weather in January
Characterized by freezing conditions, precipitation fluctuates between both snow and rain. It's considered the coldest month, with average temperatures fluctuating from -3.4°C (25.9°F) to 2.6°C (36.7°F). Snowfall in
Schaffhausen is significant during this month contributing to Schaffhausen's beautiful winter landscapes.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Comparatively, the weather conditions in
February echo those seen in
January, despite the arrival of slightly warmer temperatures. Positioning as the month with the most snowfall, an average of 88mm (3.46") adds a pristine white to the city.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals a shift in weather patterns as the cold slowly loses its icy grip over
Schaffhausen. Snowfall decreases dramatically to 47mm (1.85"), paving the way for the spring thaw. Residents of Schaffhausen begin to witness a rebirth of flora and fauna in the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the weather becomes more unpredictable, distinguished by fluctuations between wet and dry periods. Rainfall takes center stage, marking this as the first of the wet season months with an average of 32mm (1.26"). April is a typical spring month in
Schaffhausen, with increased daylight hours and improving weather conditions.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May ascertains itself as the onset of mild temperatures and lengthy daylight periods. Uniquely, May stands out with average temperatures between 5.9°C (42.6°F) to 17.5°C (63.5°F), a clear departure from the crisp weather earlier in the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The weather in
June showcases seasonal transitions, with temperatures rising steadily. June's UV index peaks, reaching 5, indicating stronger sun intensity and potential sunburn.
Schaffhausen experiences the heat of summer, however, fresh winds aid in cooling the environment.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July embodies the height of summer, marked by the highest temperatures of the year. Notable high temperatures of 23.6°C (74.5°F) signify the warmest month in the city, with discernibly hot days. Simultaneously,
Schaffhausen also faces the highest pressure in July.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Schaffhausen remains within the realm of the warm season despite a slight dip in temperatures. An increase in humidity and rainfall reflects August's position as the height of the wet season, with precipitation rising to 71mm (2.8").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September heralds the beginning of autumn, an attractive season marked by falling leaves and moderate temperatures. There is no snowfall in September, a clear indication of autumn's arrival. Residents begin to feel the cool winds of autumn, replacing the earlier summer heat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, the city witnesses noticeable shifts in weather patterns, indicating the approach of winter. Although the city experiences a rise in snowfall to 3mm (0.12"), it's not severe enough to affect daily life. The pleasant autumn period comes to a close by the end of October.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees the advent of winter conditions, marked by plummeting temperatures and increased snowfall. Temperatures gradually drop, fluctuating between 1°C (33.8°F) to 7.8°C (46°F), and a significant rise in snowfall up to 27mm (1.06").
Weather in November » Weather in December
Belonging to the colder part of the year, snowy landscapes dominate
Schaffhausen throughout
December. Snowfall jumps to a considerable 80mm (3.15"), punctuating the city's transition into the depths of winter. Despite the chill, festive mood lightens the atmosphere as year-end celebrations commence.
Weather in December »