The climate of Zermatt
Geographically nestled in the mountains of
Switzerland,
Zermatt has a distinctive predominate climate of the Tundra, according to the Köppen climate classification. This classification, labeled as ET, comes with an array of weather characteristics that shape this area’s unique climate. The temperature oscillates significantly through the year, ranging from winter lows below freezing, around minus 13.5°C (56.3°F), to more accommodating summer highs, up to 13.5°C (56.3°F).
Throughout the year, Zermatt receives an exceptional amount of precipitation, manifesting either as rainfall or snowfall. A substantial quantity of snowfall graces the location from late autumn through early spring, peaking in
December with 867mm (34.13"). On the contrary, rainfall is relatively evenly distributed through the year, with minor fluctuations, varying from 30mm (1.18") in
January to 137mm (5.39") in
November.
One constant in Zermatt's weather, however, is the high relative humidity, which spans from 82% in
July to 92% in
March. The barometric pressure throughout the year averages around 1016.6mb, while typical wind speed measures between 6.4km/h (4mph) and 10.3km/h (6.4mph), reaching a gusting pinnacle of 18.2km/h (11.3mph) in December.
The best time to visit Zermatt
For visitors who are not accustomed to the polar-like cold, the prime time to visit
Zermatt stretches from
June to
August. During this period, the average temperature rises from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F). The lowest humidity of the year is observed in these months, yet not falling below the 82% mark. Moreover, this time of the year also offers the longest days with 15.3 hours of daylight at its peak in June, equating to ample time for exploration, hikes, and various outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Zermatt
January and
February prove to be particularly inhospitable for tourists unaccustomed to extreme cold. With average temperatures plunging to minus 4.8°C (40.6°F) and hitting low of minus 13.5°C (56.3°F), it is a time best suited for polar bear habitation. Moreover, these cold months also bear witness to a relatively high precipitation level, with up to 278mm (10.94") of snowfall, further intensifying the bitter winter chill.
Spring weather in Zermatt
Spring in
Zermatt begins with freezing temperatures, transitioning gradually towards milder climes.
March sees an average temperature of minus 2°C (35.6°F), which steadily rises to 1.7°C (35.1°F) by
April and progresses to 4.8°C (40.6°F) in
May. Despite being known for its harsh winters, abundant rainfall in this season is common, with precipitation increasing from 54mm (2.13") in March to a significant 122mm (4.8") in May. Furthermore, snowfall remains prevalent in early spring, dropping rapidly from 401mm (15.79") in March to 22mm (0.87") by May.
Summer weather in Zermatt
Lasting from
June to
August, the summer in
Zermatt displays the warmest conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F). However, the summer season is far from dry. Rainfall levels remain high, ranging from 88mm (3.46") in August to 101mm (3.98") in June. Humidity tends to dip slightly compared to the rest of the year, while daylight hours extend to their maximum, providing visitors ample time to enjoy the pleasant summer weather.
Autumn weather in Zermatt
September ushers in the autumn season, characterized by a decline in temperature and a rise in precipitation. September starts off relatively warm with an average temperature of 9.6°C (49.3°F), cooling to 4.5°C (40.1°F) in
October and dipping to minus 0.9°C (33.6°F) in
November. The rainfall level varies in this season, peaking at 137mm (5.39") in November.
Winter weather in Zermatt
Winter, stretching from
December through
February, is predominantly frigid with temperatures seldom straying above the freezing point, plunging as low as minus 12°C (53.6°F) in some months. The most noteworthy feature of winters in
Zermatt, however, is the snowfall. The levels dramatically rise from December, recording up to 867mm (34.13") in December, which gradually lessens throughout the season. Despite the bitter cold, the winter months provide a unique opportunity for snow sports enthusiasts to enjoy the abundant snowfall.
Weather in January
January in
Zermatt,
Switzerland, is characterized by cold temperatures with an average high of -4.8°C (23.4°F) and a low of -13.5°C (7.7°F). Snowfall remains a persistent forecast feature with a substantial amount of 220mm (8.66") falling.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following the
January freeze,
February brings slightly less bitter temperatures with the average high reaching -4.6°C (23.7°F). A major difference comes in the form of snowfall, which, at 278mm (10.94"), is noticeably higher than January's.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds a subtle transition from the peak winter conditions of the previous months. The temperature begins to rise, and the snowfall reduces to 401mm (15.79") from
February's records. The onset of spring is still some way off, but subtle changes in the weather pattern can be felt.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Zermatt witnesses a notable shift in weather conditions. The city experiences its highest rainfall at 113mm (4.45"), signaling the onset of a more mild season. Temperatures rise steadily throughout the month, providing some respite from the long spell of winter cold.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May continues the warming trend begun in
April, with temperatures climbing and the snowy landscapes diminishing. This break from the winter chill paves the way for the blossoming of flora, lending vibrancy to the city's scenic beauty.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is characterized by a comfortable average high temperature of 10.4°C (50.7°F), indicating the midway point of the year and the transition towards warmer weather.
Zermatt enjoys maximum sunshine hours (15.7 hours per day) as the city steps into a pleasant summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
Zermatt,
July is the warmest month of the year featuring the temperature highs climbing to 13.5°C (56.3°F). As temperatures rise, the city dons a lively summer ambiance, attracting tourists with its stunning landscapes under clear skies.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the modest warmth of the summer season with temperatures hovering around the
July range. However, a slight increase in the soaking invigorates the lush natural surroundings even further. Despite the persistent rain showers, the city's appeal doesn't dwindle.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September rolls in, the mercury begins a gradual descent, signaling the arrival of autumn. Despite a decrease in the average high temperature, the weather remains pleasant and inviting. The landscape of
Zermatt changes dramatically, with leaves turning from green to various shades of gold and red.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees a swift transition towards cooler weather conditions. The city witnesses an increased level of rainfall compared to
September, leading to a distinct chill in the air. As the month progresses, the foliage deepens into brilliant hues of orange and red, enhancing the backdrop of the rugged mountain peaks.
Weather in October » Weather in November
By
November,
Zermatt is firmly in the grip of autumn, experiencing temperature lows of -7.5°C (18.5°F). The notable event, however, is the surge in snowfall to 867mm (34.13"). The city starts gearing up for the approaching winter with snow starting to blanket the alpine scenery, transforming it into a winter wonderland again.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the arrival of full-fledged winter in
Zermatt. Conditions become even colder with the average high dropping down to -3.5°C (25.7°F). Significantly, snowfall reaches 296mm (11.65"), making this the month with the third highest snowfall.
Weather in December »