The climate of Davos
Davos has a Tundra climate, according to the Köppen climate classification system. Often frigid throughout the year, the average temperatures here tend to fluctuate between a chilly -9.1°C (15.6°F) and a slightly warmer 18.1°C (64.6°F). This Alpine town positioned in the Swiss Alps, owing to high altitude, receives more snowfall compared to rainfall. Over the course of the year, precipitation lingers from 56mm (2.2") to 148mm (5.83"), but snowfall measurements can reach from 6mm (0.24") to a whopping 900mm (35.43"), particularly in winter.
It's worth noting that humidity stays partially high all year long, with the relative proportion oscillating between 70% and 78%. Sunshine hours cross the threshold of 3 hours, peaking at 6 hours from
June to
August, while daylight duration sees a remarkable difference; from the shortest days with just about 8.6 hours of daylight in
December to the longest ones with up to 15.8 hours in June. As for the number of rainfall days and snowfall days, the town records an average of 7.6 to 13.6 rainy days and 0.1 to 11.3 snowy days monthly. An exceptional weather characteristic in Davos is the impressive amount of snow during the winter months.
The best time to visit Davos
Travelers with a particular fondness for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding will find the period between
December to
February the most optimal time to visit
Davos. During these months, the snowfall is at its zenith, accumulating from 761mm (29.96") in December to 673mm (26.5") in February. The lower temperatures ranging from -9.1°C (15.6°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F) enhance the winter experience.
However, if one prefers slightly warmer weather, the period from
June to
August presents milder temperatures, thanks to the mercury rising up to an agreeable range of 15.5°C (59.9°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F). This time of year also boasts the most prolonged daylight intervals, rendering more time to explore the resplendent alpine surroundings.
The worst time to visit Davos
The seasons of autumn, specifically
October, and early spring, taking in the month of
March, could be considered less ideal times for a visit. The temperatures during these periods are in a somewhat awkward middle phase, neither convincingly cold enough for snow sports nor pleasantly warm for outdoor exploration. Besides, October is categorized by comparatively shorter days, reducing the amount of time available for sightseeing.
Spring weather in Davos
Springtime in
Davos kicks off with snowfall in
March amounting to 673mm (26.5"), gradually scaling down to 509mm (20.04") in
April and a swift drop to 134mm (5.28") in
May. Correspondingly, this season sees a rise in temperatures, initiating with an average high of 3.8°C (38.8°F) in March, progressing to 7.2°C (45°F) by April, and finally settling at a mild 12.4°C (54.3°F) in May. Humidity levels remain moderately stable, swaying within a margin from 71% to 73% through the months.
Summer weather in Davos
As summer strides in,
Davos witnesses a drastic reduction in snowfall, plummeting from 33mm (1.3") in
June to barely 6mm (0.24") in
July and rebounding slightly to 10mm (0.39") in
August. With temperatures peaking in these months, highs vary from 15.5°C (59.9°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F) and lows stay rather comfortable from 5.1°C (41.2°F) to 7.2°C (45°F). Despite witnessing maximum rainfall, the number of rainfall days marginally differs from spring, enabling visitors to enjoy the sunshine prevalent from 5.4 to 6 hours daily.
Autumn weather in Davos
With autumn, temperatures in
Davos take a downturn; highs shift from 14.1°C (57.4°F) in
September to 4.2°C (39.6°F) by
November and lows follow the same route, starting at 4°C (39.2°F) and sliding to -4.4°C (24.1°F). Snowfall increases progressively from 46mm (1.81") in September to 663mm (26.1") in November. The rain, however, remains steady, fluctuating minimally from 93mm (3.66") to 72mm (2.83"). Days become shorter, and sunshine hours correspondingly decrease.
Winter weather in Davos
Providing a perfect backdrop for winter sports,
Davos sees the most substantial snowfall between
December and
February, reaching from 761mm (29.96") to 900mm (35.43"). Correspondingly, temperatures plummet to their lowest during these months. High temperatures oscillate from -0.2°C (31.6°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F), while low temperature averages descend from -7.5°C (18.5°F) to -9.3°C (15.3°F). While the weather might be harsh, the joy of engaging in winter activities adds a silver lining to the cloud.
Weather in January
Davos,
Switzerland kickstarts the year under a blanket of snow with as much as 900mm (35.43") snowfall, making this the month with the highest snowfall. The weather in
January is especially cold and crisp, a typical winter month with chilliness experienced day and night.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, the winter conditions endure in
Davos,
Switzerland, but there is a noticeable decrease in snowfall from 900mm (35.43") in
January to 777mm (30.59"). This progressive transition from the extreme cold of January introduces slightly milder temperatures and longer daylight hours.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Davos,
Switzerland, sees a slight increase in temperature range, from -9.3°C (15.3°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F), signalling the beginning of a transition from winter to spring. The weather becomes more bearable compared to
February, with slightly warmer temperatures and increased daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Davos,
Switzerland, features a significant decrease in snowfall, from 673mm (26.5") in
March to 509mm (20.04"). It is a month characterized by the shift from winter to spring, with the weather conditions changing rapidly.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The conditions in
Davos,
Switzerland, change dramatically in
May with a notable jump in temperature, ranging from 2.1°C (35.8°F) to 12.4°C (54.3°F). The weather in May is appreciably different from that of
April, with a significant increase in temperature and decrease in snowfall.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Davos,
Switzerland, experiences an interesting transition in
June, as the rain reaches its zenith at 126mm (4.96"), signaling the peak of rainfall for the year. There is a tangible shift in weather during June as it bridges the cool and warm periods of the year, with temperatures consistently above freezing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Davos,
Switzerland, sees the highest temperatures of the year, ranging from 7.2°C (45°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F), indicating the peak of summer. In contrast to
June, rainfall decreases slightly in July but the days are warmer and longer, bringing more sunshine.
Weather in July » Weather in August
During
August in
Davos,
Switzerland, the weather remains relatively stable with temperatures from 7.2°C (45°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F). The atmosphere in August continues the warm, summer conditions experienced in
July. Although the temperature range of August is similar to July, the days are slightly shorter and humidity levels slightly higher.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
Davos,
Switzerland,
September features a decrease in temperatures, ranging from 4°C (39.2°F) to 14.1°C (57.4°F), a sign of the approaching autumn. Though a noticeable drop in temperature from
August, the weather in September remains comfortable with ample daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Weather in November
In
November,
Davos Switzerland enters the winter season, with snowfall rising dramatically from 172mm (6.77") in
October to 663mm (26.1"). The weather becomes noticeably colder compared to October, with the days becoming shorter and less sunlight available.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Davos,
Switzerland sees the return of the deep winter chill with temperatures fluctuating between -7.5°C (18.5°F) and 0.4°C (32.7°F). Compared to
November, December showcases a significant drop in temperature accompanied by high snowfall of 761mm (29.96").
Weather in December »