Best Time to Visit Switzerland: A Guide to Each Season

Whether you are a fan of 90s Bollywood songs or not, you will have seen the magnificent Swiss mountains and landscapes on a screen. The lush green fields, the snow-clad mountains, the enchanting houses… the charms of Switzerland are many. Switzerland experiences four seasons throughout the year. Each season has its beauty and can offer something unique to the traveller. To know which season would be ideal for you, read on.

Swiss Seasons - A Guide for Travellers

Before planning your trip to Switzerland, note down the major seasons as explained below:

1. June to August - Spring and Summer/ Peak Season

In a cold country like Switzerland, summer means warm sunshine and cool nights. As the white snow melts off the Swiss landscape, the greens and yellows emerge sparkling into the sun. The days get longer, which is great because you can pack in more experiences! What to Visit and Do:

1. Trek to the Via Alpina through the Northern Alps of Switzerland
2. Gaze at the amazing views over the Bernese Alps
3. Stroll along Lake Zurich
4. Visit Lausanne to experience the best of Fete de la Musique (World Music Day)
5. Experience the best of Jazz at the Montreux Jazz Festival
6. Head to Geneva to see the famous Swiss watch factories in action.

Important tip: This is also the peak tourist season as the summer holidays are on. So, remember to book well in advance.

2. September to November - Autumn/ Shoulder season

As September rolls in, summer bids goodbye and welcomes the Autumn chill in Switzerland. The green and yellow landscape turns to orange and soon to gold, giving it a fairy-tale look. The days will start getting shorter as November ends, so at the end of the day, you can relax with a warm beverage and cosy up with your loved ones. What to Visit and Do:

1. Experience colours and art at the Grape Harvest Festival
2. Go chestnut-picking in Ticino
3. Explore milkmaid factories in Vevey
4. Participate in the Lugano Autumn Festival
5. Indulge in some cheesy fun at the Lucerne Cheese Festival
6. Enjoy the best of cinema at the Geneva International Film Festival.

3. December to February - Winter/ Peak season 

As winter returns to Switzerland, a new swarm of tourists come, looking to ski and seek fun in the snowy mountains. The Alps get covered in snow once again, making them even more appealing and adventurous. This is the perfect time to engage in adventure activities during the day and cosy up in a Swiss chalet in the evenings. What to Visit and Do:

1. Participate in the joy and fun of festivities at Christmas markets across the country
2. Go on a toboggan ride!
3. Experience the Alps with skiing and snowboarding adventure activities
4. Visit the World Snow Festival in Grindelwald
5. Get high with the International Hot Air Balloon Festival at Château-d'Oex
6. Go hiking and trekking in Engadin and Matter Valley
7. Fall in love with Swiss culture at the Lucerne Carnival.

4. March to May - Spring/ Off-season

Spring is in the air! Switzerland in Spring is another destination altogether. The landscape takes on a green and colourful hue, taking a break from its white cast. If you prefer less crowds when you are travelling, this period is the ideal one for you. What to Visit and Do:

1. Take in the spring scenery with the Bernina Express train
2. Visit Heidi’s village in Maienfeld
3. Welcome spring with the Tulip Festival in Morges
4. Plan a picnic at the many lakes in Switzerland
5. Delight at the Cheese Market in Gruyere
6. Experience some Alpine yodelling at Appenzell.

Since it is off-season, you can expect more affordable rates when it comes to flight and hotel bookings. While Switzerland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, there is still a chance that you may experience an unfortunate event. For instance, you may lose your checked-in baggage at the airport. In situations like these, an international travel insurance plan can help.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy.

Travel Insurance for Switzerland - Benefits and More

Firstly, it is important to note that Switzerland belongs to the Schengen area. To travel to a country within the Schengen area, buying  travel insurance is mandatory. These are some benefits you can enjoy with travel insurance for Switzerland:

Financial compensation for a wide variety of events*

It is not just loss of checked-in baggage, but also loss of passport, trip delay/cancellation/curtailment, personal liability cover, hijack cover, and more, that is covered under travel insurance for Europe.

Coverage for family and senior members*

Whether you are travelling on a honeymoon with your spouse or are taking your elderly parents for a vacation, multiple members can be covered under international travel insurance plans. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy. Hence, just like you would ensure to have a Switzerland visa for Indians, remember to buy a travel insurance plan too. *Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.