When to go · Zermatt
Zermatt in May
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Jul–Sep for hiking, Dec–Apr for skiing). Across Switzerland: Lakes and cities green and quiet; many mountain lifts closed for maintenance.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C) / 3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 12
- Crowds
- Low
- Switzerland overall
- Prices
- Low
- Switzerland overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Jul–Sep for hiking, Dec–Apr for skiing). Across Switzerland: Lakes and cities green and quiet; many mountain lifts closed for maintenance.
Is another month better than May?
May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- JulyGreatInside Zermatt's best window: Jul–Sep for hiking, Dec–Apr for skiing.
- AugustGreatInside Zermatt's best window: Jul–Sep for hiking, Dec–Apr for skiing.
- SeptemberGreatInside Zermatt's best window: Jul–Sep for hiking, Dec–Apr for skiing.
- DecemberGreatInside Zermatt's best window: Jul–Sep for hiking, Dec–Apr for skiing.
Weather in May
- ZermattHighs around 14 °C (57 °F), lows around 3 °C (37 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 57 °F (14 °C), lows around 37 °F (3 °C), rain on about 12 days
- Valais and Engadin, Switzerland · Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Verbier, St Moritzcool
The sunniest and driest Alpine valleys; high resorts keep snow into April. Lifts close in May and November.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Switzerland overall
- Low
- Prices · Switzerland overall
- Low
Switzerland overall: Lakes and cities green and quiet; many mountain lifts closed for maintenance.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Zermatt, side by side.
Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 14 °C (57 °F)57 °F (14 °C)
Jan: 0 °C (32 °F)32 °F (0 °C)
Night low
May: 3 °C (37 °F)37 °F (3 °C)
Jan: -7 °C (19 °F)19 °F (-7 °C)
Rain days
May: 12
Jan: 9 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: Medium
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 0
May: Outside the best window (Jul–Sep for hiking, Dec–Apr for skiing). Across Switzerland: Lakes and cities green and quiet; many mountain lifts closed for maintenance.
January: Inside Zermatt's best window: Jul–Sep for hiking, Dec–Apr for skiing.
Zermatt: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket