Switzerland in March

Sunny spring skiing; cities quiet; lakes still cold.

March is rated good. These months rate higher:

• JuneGreatLifts reopen; wildflowers; high trails may still have snow until July. Art Basel mid-month.
• JulyGreatPeak hiking and lake swimming; Montreux Jazz Festival; book scenic trains and Zermatt early.
• AugustGreatNational Day on 1 August; Locarno Film Festival; river swimming in Bern, Basel and Zurich.
• SeptemberGreatClear, stable weather and fewer crowds; the best hiking month. Cattle come down from the pastures.

• Plateau cities · Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucernecool

  Fog (Hochnebel) can sit over the Plateau for days in November–February while the mountains are sunny — take a train up.

• Bernese and central Alps · Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Engelbergbest weather

  Skiing late December to early April ('best' in winter means snow); hiking late June to early October. Afternoon storms in July–August.

• Valais and Engadin · Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Verbier, St Moritzbest weather

  The sunniest and driest Alpine valleys; high resorts keep snow into April. Lifts close in May and November.

• Lake Geneva · Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Lavauxfine

  Mild; the bise wind makes winter days raw. Grape harvest in Lavaux late September–October.

• Ticino · Lugano, Locarno, Bellinzonafine

  Warmest region with palm trees; heavy rain possible in autumn. The Gotthard base tunnel puts it 2 h from Zurich.

• Bern Region: Bern / Solothurn / Biel · Mittelland plateau, 430–550 mfine

  Plateau summers reach 30 °C (86 °F)+; winter often sits near 0 °C (32 °F) with fog that clears above about 800 m. Rain falls year-round — pack a shell.Plateau summers reach 86 °F (30 °C)+; winter often sits near 32 °F (0 °C) with fog that clears above about 800 m. Rain falls year-round — pack a shell.

• Bernese Highlands: Valley floors (Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen) · 550–800 mfine

  Rain falls year-round; June–August afternoons can reach 30 °C (86 °F).Rain falls year-round; June–August afternoons can reach 86 °F (30 °C).

• Bernese Highlands: High villages and lifts (Wengen, Mürren, Jungfraujoch) · 1,000–3,500 msnow

  Snow above about 2,000 m from November to May; the Jungfraujoch is below freezing most of the year.

• Central Switzerland: Lucerne and the lake · Vierwaldstättersee shore, 430–500 mfine

  Lake-effect cloud and afternoon thunderstorms in July–August; Föhn winds can push spring temperatures up fast.

• Central Switzerland: Engelberg and Titlis · 1,000–3,000 msnow

  Snow on the glacier year-round; the village sees reliable snow December–March.

• Eastern Switzerland: Lake Constance shore (Romanshorn, Stein am Rhein) · lake level, 400 mfine

  Mild and often foggy in November–January; summer thunderstorms build in the afternoon.

• Eastern Switzerland: Appenzell and Glarus hills · 700–1,200 mcold

  Higher and wetter than the lake; snow can sit on the upper trails into April.

• Graubünden: Chur / Rhine valley · Canton capital and the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein valleysfine

  Lowest and mildest part of the canton; valley heat in July–August, snow rare on the floor.

• Graubünden: Engadin / St. Moritz · High valley in the south-east, 1,800 m and upcold

  High and dry; cold nights even in summer, reliable snow December–March, long sunny days.

• Graubünden: Davos / Prättigau · North-east valleyscold

  Ski season December–April; summer hiking from June; afternoon storms in July–August.

• Northwestern Switzerland: Basel and the Rhine valley · city and river plainfine

  Warmest corner of Switzerland in summer, with 30 °C (86 °F)+ days in July–August; rain spread through the year. The Jura foothills above Liestal run a few degrees cooler and can hold snow into spring.Warmest corner of Switzerland in summer, with 86 °F (30 °C)+ days in July–August; rain spread through the year. The Jura foothills above Liestal run a few degrees cooler and can hold snow into spring.

• Ticino: Lakes (Lugano, Locarno, Ascona) · Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore shoresfine

  Mildest part of Switzerland; April–June and September–October are the sweet spots. August is hot and busy, especially around the Locarno film festival.

• Ticino: Valleys and mountains (Verzasca, Maggia, Monte San Giorgio) · Inland valleys and higher groundfine

  Higher trails open roughly May–October; snow and closed passes in winter.

• Valais: Rhone valley (Sion) · Valley floor, about 480 mfine

  One of the driest, sunniest parts of Switzerland; summer can hit 35 °C (95 °F), and long dry spells bring forest fires every few years.One of the driest, sunniest parts of Switzerland; summer can hit 95 °F (35 °C), and long dry spells bring forest fires every few years.

• Valais: High resorts and passes · Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Great St Bernardsnow

  Snow from November to April; the Great St Bernard Pass sits near 2,470 m and is a winter route by ski or helicopter only.

• Western Switzerland: Lake Geneva shore (Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux) · Lakeside plateau, 370–400 mfine

  Mild and the driest part of the region; lake breezes temper July heat. Vineyard terraces are best walked April–October.

• Western Switzerland: Jura (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle, Delémont) · Jura mountains, 700–1,100 mcold

  About 5 °C (9 °F) cooler than the lakeshore and snowbound December–March; watch-town visits work year-round but winter days are short.About 9 °F (5 °C) cooler than the lakeshore and snowbound December–March; watch-town visits work year-round but winter days are short.

• Western Switzerland: Fribourg Alps (Gruyères, Château-d'Œx) · Pre-Alps, 750–1,500 mcold

  Hiking June–September; ski stations in the Vaud Alps run December–March.

• Zurich Region: Zurich city and lake · Canton of Zurich, lake basinfine

  Lake swimming peaks July–August; foehn winds can push winter days above 10 °C (50 °F), then drop back below freezing.Lake swimming peaks July–August; foehn winds can push winter days above 50 °F (10 °C), then drop back below freezing.

• Zurich Region: Aargau and Zug lowlands · Aare and Zug lake valleysfine

  Slightly warmer and less windy than the city; similar rain pattern.

• Geneva12 °C (54 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 9 rain days54 °F (12 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 9 rain days
• Aarau9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 8 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 8 rain days
• Albinen5 °C (41 °F) / -2 °C (28 °F), 7 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 28 °F (-2 °C), 7 rain days
• Andermatt4 °C (39 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 6 rain days39 °F (4 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 6 rain days
• Appenzell9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Arosa4 °C (39 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 8 rain days39 °F (4 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 8 rain days
• Ascona13 °C (55 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 7 rain days55 °F (13 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 7 rain days
• Avenches9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 7 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 7 rain days
• Baden11 °C (52 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 11 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 11 rain days
• Basel12 °C (54 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 10 rain days54 °F (12 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 10 rain days
• Bellinzona13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 7 rain days55 °F (13 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 7 rain days
• Bern10 °C (50 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 11 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 11 rain days
• Biel10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 10 rain days
• Brig10 °C (50 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 8 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 8 rain days
• Brugg10 °C (50 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 9 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 9 rain days
• Brunnen9 °C (48 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 9 rain days
• Château-d'Œx7 °C (45 °F) / -2 °C (28 °F), 10 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 28 °F (-2 °C), 10 rain days
• Chur10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 10 rain days
• Crans-Montana5 °C (41 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 7 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 7 rain days
• Davos5 °C (41 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 9 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 9 rain days
• Delémont11 °C (52 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 10 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 10 rain days
• Disentis9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 6 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 6 rain days
• Engelberg6 °C (43 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 9 rain days43 °F (6 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 9 rain days
• Falera5 °C (41 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 9 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 9 rain days
• Fiesch9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 7 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 7 rain days
• Flims9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 8 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 8 rain days
• Flüelen9 °C (48 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 9 rain days
• Fribourg10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 10 rain days
• Frutigen9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Gimmelwald5 °C (41 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 11 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 11 rain days
• Glarus9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 7 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 7 rain days
• Goldau9 °C (48 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 7 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 7 rain days
• Grindelwald6 °C (43 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 11 rain days43 °F (6 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 11 rain days
• Gruyères9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Gstaad7 °C (45 °F) / -2 °C (28 °F), 9 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 28 °F (-2 °C), 9 rain days
• Hermance11 °C (52 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 7 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 7 rain days
• Horgen10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 11 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 11 rain days
• Ilanz9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 6 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 6 rain days
• Interlaken10 °C (50 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 11 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 11 rain days
• Kandersteg7 °C (45 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 11 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 11 rain days
• Klosters6 °C (43 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 11 rain days43 °F (6 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 11 rain days
• Küssnacht9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• La Chaux-de-Fonds12 °C (54 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 7 rain days54 °F (12 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 7 rain days
• Laax7 °C (45 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 9 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 9 rain days
• Lausanne10 °C (50 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 10 rain days
• Lauterbrunnen7 °C (45 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 11 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 11 rain days
• Le Locle9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 8 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 8 rain days
• Lenzerheide6 °C (43 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 8 rain days43 °F (6 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 8 rain days
• Les Diablerets12 °C (54 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 6 rain days54 °F (12 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 6 rain days
• Leukerbad9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 7 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 7 rain days
• Leysin5 °C (41 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 11 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 11 rain days
• Liestal11 °C (52 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Locarno14 °C (57 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 8 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 8 rain days
• Lucens10 °C (50 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 6 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 6 rain days
• Lucerne11 °C (52 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 11 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 11 rain days
• Lugano13 °C (55 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 8 rain days55 °F (13 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 8 rain days
• Martigny10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 9 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 9 rain days
• Meiringen9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 11 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 11 rain days
• Montreux11 °C (52 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 10 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 10 rain days
• Mürren5 °C (41 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 10 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 10 rain days
• Murten9 °C (48 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 9 rain days
• Neuchâtel10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 10 rain days
• Nyon11 °C (52 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 9 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 9 rain days
• Pfäffikon10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 11 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 11 rain days
• Pontresina5 °C (41 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 7 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 7 rain days
• Porrentruy10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 8 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 8 rain days
• Rapperswil10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 11 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 11 rain days
• Rheinfelden10 °C (50 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Riederalp-Bettmeralp5 °C (41 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 7 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 7 rain days
• Romanshorn9 °C (48 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 7 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 7 rain days
• Saas-Fee3 °C (37 °F) / -6 °C (21 °F), 9 rain days37 °F (3 °C) / 21 °F (-6 °C), 9 rain days
• Safiental9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 8 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 8 rain days
• Saint Gallen9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 11 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 11 rain days
• Saint-Maurice11 °C (52 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 9 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 9 rain days
• Saint-Ursanne10 °C (50 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Samedan10 °C (50 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 8 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 8 rain days
• Samnaun6 °C (43 °F) / -3 °C (27 °F), 6 rain days43 °F (6 °C) / 27 °F (-3 °C), 6 rain days
• Sargans10 °C (50 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 9 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 9 rain days
• Schaffhausen10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 10 rain days
• Schwyz9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 6 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 6 rain days
• Scuol5 °C (41 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 7 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 7 rain days
• Sierre12 °C (54 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 9 rain days54 °F (12 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 9 rain days
• Sion10 °C (50 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Solothurn10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 10 rain days
• Spiez9 °C (48 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 9 rain days
• St. Moritz3 °C (37 °F) / -7 °C (19 °F), 7 rain days37 °F (3 °C) / 19 °F (-7 °C), 7 rain days
• Stans9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 7 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 7 rain days
• Stein am Rhein9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Tenero12 °C (54 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 7 rain days54 °F (12 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 7 rain days
• Thun10 °C (50 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 10 rain days
• Tujetsch9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 6 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 6 rain days
• Uster11 °C (52 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 9 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 9 rain days
• Val Lumnezia9 °C (48 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 9 rain days
• Val Mesolcina9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 9 rain days
• Vals7 °C (45 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 7 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 7 rain days
• Verbier5 °C (41 °F) / -5 °C (23 °F), 9 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 23 °F (-5 °C), 9 rain days
• Vevey11 °C (52 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 9 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 9 rain days
• Villars-sur-Ollon9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 7 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 7 rain days
• Visp10 °C (50 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 8 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 8 rain days
• Weggis10 °C (50 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 12 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 12 rain days
• Wengen4 °C (39 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 11 rain days39 °F (4 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 11 rain days
• Winterthur10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 10 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 10 rain days
• Yverdon-les-Bains11 °C (52 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain days
• Zermatt5 °C (41 °F) / -4 °C (25 °F), 9 rain days41 °F (5 °C) / 25 °F (-4 °C), 9 rain days
• Zug10 °C (50 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 11 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 34 °F (1 °C), 11 rain days
• Zurich10 °C (50 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 11 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 11 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Easter big impact

  Good Friday – Easter Monday (26–29 Mar 2027)

  Shops closed Friday and Monday in most cantons; last big ski weekend.

Crowds · Switzerland

Medium

Prices · Switzerland

Medium

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Switzerland, side by side.

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Bernese and central Alps

  Best weather of the year (Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Engelberg)

• Valais and Engadin

  Best weather of the year (Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Verbier, St Moritz)

• Geneva

  Cool, improving.

• Andermatt

  Best months: Dec–Mar for skiing, Jun–Sep for hiking and mountain‑bike trails

• Arosa

  Best months: Dec–Mar (ski), Jun–Sep (hiking)

• Baden

  Best months: May–Sep for river swimming and terrace cafés; Dec–Mar for the baths in cold weather

• Brig

  Best months: Jun–Sep for hiking and the Aletsch cable cars; Dec–Mar for skiing

• Château-d'Œx

  Best months: Jun–Sep for walking; Jan–Mar for snow and skiing

• Chur

  Best months: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar

• Crans-Montana

  Best months: Dec–Mar for snow; Jun–Sep for hiking and golf

• Davos

  Best months: Dec–Mar (ski), Jul–Sep (hiking)

• Disentis

  Best months: Dec–Mar for ski; Jun–Sep for hiking