Best Time to Visit Zurich

March to May: The city comes alive with gorgeous flowers and longer daylight hours during the spring season. The weather is lovely, ideal for a stroll through the Old Town, a walk in the Botanical Garden, or a boat trip on Lake Zurich. Another great thing about spring in Zurich is that it brings in the festive season, like the Sechseläuten Festival in April, a springtime festival where residents destroy the Böögg to forecast the summer weather. The pleasant weather conditions also make it the perfect time to climb up Uetliberg Mountain with its idyllic paths and stunning views of the city.

June to August: The city tends to be buzzing with open-air festivals, music festivals and active lakeside events that attract tourists from all over the world. You can also head to Lake Zurich, which has a variety of summer entertainment activities such as swimming, sailing, or simply relaxing at one of the many beach bars. The Zurich Street Parade in August is one of the globe's biggest electronic music festivals, and it draws thousands of partygoers. Since this is the peak season, ensure that you make your flight and accommodation bookings well in advance.

September to November: Autumn in Zurich offers a mix of crisp air, golden foliage and fewer tourists, making it one of the most pleasant seasons to visit. This is also the harvest season, making it an excellent time to go on Swiss wine tastings and try local delicacies at Zurich’s wine festivals. If you love to admire and immerse yourself in the native culture, then you will enjoy the Zurich Film Festival, which takes place in late September and early October and features international films. As the temperatures start to drop, tourists start to seek quaint cafes and snug restaurants to relish a mug of Swiss hot chocolate. For nature and adventure lovers, autumn is a great time to venture out into the surrounding Swiss Alps before the onset of winter.

December to February:  Winter brings exquisite beauty to Zurich, making it a great time to visit for those who enjoy festive markets, as the city is illuminated by Christmas lights and bustling with holiday festivities, wherein you can also enjoy cosy cafes and alpine skiing. The renowned Zurich Christmas Market, located at the main train station, is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. For winter sport lovers, Zurich serves as the perfect gateway to ski resorts like Flumserberg and Engelberg. Despite the cold temperatures, winter is also a great time to discover Zurich's cultural life, like visiting museums such as the Kunsthaus Zurich and the Swiss National Museum, which offer a cosy escape from the cold. If you are a fan of Swiss cuisine, then winter is the ideal time to enjoy rich and warm dishes like fondue and raclette.

December to February: Ensure to pack warm layers and waterproof boots to stroll through snowy or icy streets with ease. If you are skiing, pre-book your accommodation, as neighbouring resorts are packed during this time. Do not forget to treat yourself to Swiss winter delicacies such as fondue and raclette.

March to May: Spring is excellent for sightseeing with smaller crowds and blooming scenery. Pack layers because the temperature may fluctuate, and a raincoat for periodic spring showers. Make sure to go to local festivals such as Sechseläuten for an immersive cultural experience.

June to August: Summer is ideal for outdoor and open-air activities, but it is also the peak season, so ensure that you reserve hotels and accommodation early. Do not forget sunscreen and light clothing for sunny days and a light jacket for chilly nights. Enjoy Lake Zurich's watersports and experience the colourful Street Parade in August.

September to November: Autumn has pleasant weather and a relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists, making it ideal for wine tasting and hiking. Pack a mix of warm and light clothing, as it gets cold in the evenings and look out for the Zurich Film Festival for a rich cultural experience.