When to go · Geneva
Geneva in January
Mixed month. Cold, grey, bise wind.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) / 0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 9
- Crowds
- Medium
- Switzerland overall
- Prices
- High
- Switzerland overall
Verdict
Cold, grey, bise wind.
All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.
Is another month better than January?
January is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
Weather in January
- GenevaHighs around 5 °C (41 °F), lows around 0 °C (32 °F), rain on about 9 daysHighs around 41 °F (5 °C), lows around 32 °F (0 °C), rain on about 9 days
- Lake Geneva, Switzerland · Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Lavauxcool
Mild; the bise wind makes winter days raw. Grape harvest in Lavaux late September–October.
Winter season
Fondue, Christmas markets and the Escalade.
Watch: Cold, grey and the bise.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Switzerland overall
- Medium
- Prices · Switzerland overall
- High
Switzerland overall: Prime ski month with cold, clear days; Plateau cities foggy; WEF closes Davos mid-month.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Geneva, side by side.
Verdict
Jan: Mixed
May: Great (better)
Daytime high
Jan: 5 °C (41 °F)41 °F (5 °C)
May: 20 °C (68 °F)68 °F (20 °C)
Night low
Jan: 0 °C (32 °F)32 °F (0 °C)
May: 10 °C (50 °F)50 °F (10 °C)
Rain days
Jan: 9 (better)
May: 12
Crowds
Jan: Medium
May: Low
Prices
Jan: High
May: Low
Festivals listed
Jan: 0
May: 0
January: Cold, grey, bise wind.
May: Warm, long days.
Geneva: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket