Switzerland Weather - No Extremes, Always A Joy
If you are planning a trip to Switzerland weather will be a topic you'll want to know about. Switzerland's climate is considered moderate. What this means is there are no extremes of hot and cold. This makes Switzerland a good destination year round, depending on what activities you plan to do. Switzerland is full of mountains and valleys, which gives quite a varied climate. Most of the country receives moist, maritime air which cools in summer and warms in winter. The Alps create a barrier to this effect between the north and south. Southern Switzerland is affected by winds from the Mediterranean Sea, so it is even milder. Usually, the spring comes faster und the winter come later than in the rest of Switzerland. This part is known by most Swiss people as "Die Sonnenstube der Schweiz" which means "The Sun Room of Switzerland". The valleys in the central Alps are protected from moisture on both sides by the mountains, giving them a drier climate. There is less precipitation in this area. Switzerland weather is also affected by altitude. Higher altitudes have snow for several months of the year, and there are a few parts with an eternal snow cap while the lowlands, especially in the south, only rarely experience snow. If you like skiing and want to experience the famous Alps, traveling to Switzerland in the winter will give you the best opportunity to enjoy the snow cover. If you would rather do other activities, Switzerland weather in the summer is ideal for water sports, sightseeing, hiking and whatever else you'd like to do. The Lake Geneva area has a lot to offer in that respect. The cooler summer weather lets you enjoy yourself without worrying about it being uncomfortably hot. When To Go - What To PackSwitzerland is a country that offers a lot of beautiful scenery, no matter what time of year you visit. Switzerland weather in the spring is delightful if you pack a few sweaters. In the fall, the colors are exquisite, although the fog that can appear may be dismaying for some. Winter weather is pristine, cold and sparkling. One of the best things about vacationing in Switzerland is the diversity you can find in the mild climate. Just traveling within the country can give you the feeling you've traveled all over. Western Switzerland weather is moist and there is quite a bit of rainfall, reminiscent of a temperate rainforest. The eastern part of the country is much drier, being influenced by the continental air masses from Eastern Europe. The temperatures there are a bit lower as well. Southern Switzerland enjoys a climate that is very close to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean, with warmer temperatures and more precipitation. As you can see, Switzerland is a land of diverse climate and interesting changes in the weather. Be prepared for a mild climate, but you may want to pack clothing to accommodate colder weather if you plan to travel into the mountains. Warm weather clothing will also be appropriate if you plan to visit the southern portion of the country. Learn more about today's Switzerland weather at the site of MeteoSwiss. |
