General Information » Environment » Climate

Switzerland’s geographically central position in Europe means that its climate has oceanic, northern, Mediterranean and continental influences. These, along with the differences in altitude, result in a number of regional and local microclimates. Although average precipitation (rain and snow) may be higher than in other European countries it is distributed very unevenly. Montreux had an average yearly precipitation of 138 cm between 1961 and 1990 while 270 cm was recorded on the Säntis (2,503 metres) for the same period. Temperatures also vary widely depending on altitude, wind exposure and hours of sunlight. The climate in Southern Switzerland is mild year round with subtropical vegetation.

On the whole however, Switzerland has a moderate climate with well defined seasons. In summer the average temperature in Geneva is 23 degrees Celsius, while the average winter temperature falls to around ten degrees. Temperatures have been known to reach the high 30s in summer, or dip below zero in winter. The temperature in spring and autumn ranges between ten and 20 degrees. It is not unusual to have flurries of snow in Geneva at any time from November to April, although it is most common in December, January and February. Aside from the odd freak snowfall, it is rare to get more than a few centimetres of snow in Geneva.

There are no extremes in humidity although the air in Geneva tends to be fairly dry which results in a lot of static electricity, particularly in winter.