Fall in Geneva, Switzerland always brings a noticeable shift in the air as the summer warmth fades. You’ll see temperatures steadily drop from the mid-70s °F (around 24°C) in early September to the mid-40s °F (about 7°C) by late November.
This change makes autumn one of the most dynamic times to experience the city.
Clouds roll in more often as the season goes on, and while rainfall doesn’t really spike, you might catch a hint of light snow near November. Daylight hours shrink fast, which changes the city’s rhythm and gives the streets, parks, and lakeside a different vibe.
If you’re planning to spend time in Geneva during autumn, knowing what’s coming helps you prepare for both outdoor adventures and cozy indoor escapes. From lakeside walks under golden leaves to the first hints of winter’s chill, the season really shows off Switzerland’s transitional climate.
Overview of Fall Weather in Geneva
During autumn in Geneva, temperatures cool off steadily. Rain becomes a bit more frequent, and daylight fades fast.
The season marks a clear shift from late summer warmth to an early taste of winter, with changes in both weather and daylight.
Typical Temperature Ranges in Autumn
You’ll notice a pretty wide temperature drop through fall in Geneva. Early September often feels mild, with daytime highs near 74°F (23°C) and lows around 55°F (13°C).
By late November, highs average closer to 44°F (7°C), and lows drop near 34°F (1°C).
Nights cool off faster than the days, and frost shows up more often toward the end of the season. Temperatures rarely go above 83°F (28°C), but they can slide below 32°F (0°C) by late November.
You might start with light clothing in September, but by November, you’ll want heavier layers and a good coat. The shift is gradual, but you’ll definitely feel it—autumn’s a tricky time to pack for.
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation
Rainfall in Geneva during fall stays pretty steady, averaging about 3.3 inches (84 mm) per month. Wet days make up roughly 30% of the season, and the chance of rain ticks up a little from September to November.
Most of the precipitation comes as rain, but by late autumn, you might see a mix of rain and snow. The odds of snow-only days stay low, around 1%, but a dusting of snow gets more likely near the end of November.
Heavy downpours don’t happen much, but showers can last a while. It’s smart to keep an umbrella or waterproof jacket handy, since rain often shows up without much warning.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Changes
Daylight in Geneva drops off quickly in the fall. On September 1, you’ll get about 13 hours 18 minutes of daylight, but by November 30, that shrinks to just 8 hours 55 minutes.
That’s a loss of over 4 hours in just three months.
Sunrise creeps from around 6:56 AM in early September to after 8:00 AM by late October. Sunset shifts too, from about 8:13 PM in early September to 4:51 PM at the end of November.
Clouds take over more often, and by November, skies stay overcast or mostly cloudy more than half the time. September still gives you a shot at clear skies, but those days get rare as the season goes on.
Monthly Breakdown: September, October, and November
Fall in Geneva means steady cooling, shorter days, and more frequent rain. You’ll notice a real change from the mild, late-summer feel of September to the damp, gray conditions by November.
Sunshine hours drop fast, and rain becomes something you factor into any outdoor plans.
September Weather Highlights
September still feels pleasant in Geneva, with daytime highs around 20–22°C (68–72°F). Nights cool to about 11–13°C (52–55°F), so you’ll want a light jacket after sunset.
Rainfall bumps up a bit compared to summer, but you still get plenty of clear days.
You can enjoy about 6–7 hours of sunshine each day, enough for outdoor walks or lake activities. Humidity stays moderate, and the air feels crisp but not too cold.
Winds from the north, called the Bise, sometimes bring cooler spells, though they’re less common than later in the season. Early September is usually comfortable for sightseeing, while the month’s second half feels more autumnal.
October Weather Highlights
By October, temperatures drop more, with daytime highs near 14–16°C (57–61°F) and nighttime lows around 7–8°C (45–46°F). Rain falls more often, with totals averaging 100–120 mm for the month.
Sunshine dips to about 4–5 hours per day, and cloud cover becomes more consistent. The air feels damp, especially in the mornings, when fog sometimes lingers over Lake Geneva.
This month feels like a real transition. You might get both mild afternoons and chilly, wet days in the same week. It’s wise to pack layers, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella.
November Weather Highlights
November is the wettest and darkest fall month in Geneva. Average highs reach only 8–10°C (46–50°F), and lows fall to 2–4°C (36–39°F). Frost can show up, especially overnight.
Rain keeps coming, but you might see snow in the hills around the city. Snow in Geneva itself is rare, but not impossible late in the month.
Sunshine drops to just 2–3 hours per day, so most days feel gray and overcast.
Winds get sharper, and the Bise can bring a noticeable chill. You’ll want warm clothing, especially in the evenings, since the damp air makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Temperature Trends and Extremes in Fall
Fall in Geneva brings a steady drop in temperatures, shorter days, and cooler nights. You’ll definitely notice the shift from mild early September to near-winter cold by late November.
The season covers a wide range, from the occasional warm afternoon to nights that get close to freezing.
Average Highs and Lows
In September, daily highs usually hit the low to mid-70s °F (around 23°C) and lows stay near 55°F (13°C). By November, highs fall to the mid-40s °F (7°C) and lows drop to about 34°F (1°C).
That’s a temperature decrease of about 30°F (17°C) over the season. The change isn’t sudden, but you’ll feel it week by week.
Monthly averages in Geneva (approximate):
- September: High 23°C (73°F), Low 13°C (55°F)
- October: High 15°C (59°F), Low 8°C (46°F)
- November: High 7°C (45°F), Low 1°C (34°F)
These numbers show just how quickly things shift from comfortable early fall days to chilly late fall evenings.
Record Temperatures
Averages tell most of the story, but Geneva sometimes gets hit with extremes. Warm spells in early fall can push highs into the low 80s °F (27–28°C). That’s not common, but it happens when southern winds blow in warmer air.
Early frosts and cold snaps can show up by late October. Sometimes, lows dip below freezing even before November starts.
If you’re planning to be outside, these swings matter. A mild afternoon can turn cold quickly, so layering is a good idea. Geneva’s fall weather can go either way, so it pays to be ready for both.
Nighttime Cooling
Nights in Geneva cool off quickly after sunset, especially as fall goes on. In September, evenings stay mild, often above 50°F (10°C). By November, nights can get close to freezing and frost becomes pretty common.
Lake Geneva helps moderate the temperature a bit, but you’ll still notice sharp drops after dark. Clear skies make it colder, while clouds can hold in some warmth.
If you’re staying overnight, you’ll need heavier clothing by late fall. The gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures gets bigger as the season moves along, making evenings feel much colder than afternoons.
Rainfall and Humidity During Autumn
Autumn in Geneva brings steady rainfall and moderate humidity. Conditions shift gradually from the warmth of September to the cooler, wetter days of November.
You’ll get a mix of rainy days and damp air that can shape your comfort and outdoor plans.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Geneva during autumn stays pretty consistent, though the totals vary a bit by month. September usually gets 110–120 mm of precipitation. October bumps up to 120–130 mm. November often matches or slightly exceeds October, with 130–140 mm.
Each autumn month brings a similar amount of rain, but the cooler temperatures in late autumn make November’s rainfall feel heavier and more persistent.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 110–120 |
| October | 120–130 |
| November | 130–140 |
Geneva doesn’t have a sharp dry or wet period in fall. Instead, you’ll see a steady pattern of rain that can affect hiking, sightseeing, and lake activities.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain falls in Geneva on a regular basis during autumn, but not every day. In September, you’ll get about 10–11 rainy days. October brings 11–12 days, and November jumps to 12–13 days.
So, you’ll run into showers about a third of the month. Rain usually comes as light or moderate showers, not long, heavy storms.
- September: ~10–11 rainy days
- October: ~11–12 rainy days
- November: ~12–13 rainy days
If you’re planning outdoor activities, keep your schedule flexible. Showers are often short, so you might just need to adjust your timing rather than cancel plans altogether.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Geneva during autumn stays moderate to high. In September, relative humidity averages around 70%. By October, it’s closer to 75%. In November, it often hits 80% or higher, especially on those cool, damp days.
Rising humidity goes hand in hand with falling temperatures and more frequent rain. This combo can make the air feel colder than it actually is, especially in November.
Mornings and evenings often feel damp, while afternoons can be more comfortable. Indoors, heating systems help balance things out, but outside, you’ll want to be ready for a moist, sometimes chilly atmosphere.
Other Weather Factors in Fall
In Geneva, fall weather brings steady winds, the moderating effect of Lake Geneva, and frequent fog. These elements shape how cool it feels, how clear the skies stay, and how your outdoor plans might be affected.
Wind Patterns and Local Effects
During fall, average wind speeds hover around 5–6 mph, staying pretty steady from September through November. Early in the season, winds usually come from the north. Later on, you’ll notice more flow from the south.
Geneva’s geography definitely matters. The Alps to the east and the Jura Mountains to the west create channels that funnel winds, making them feel stronger in some areas. This is most obvious in open valleys and near the lake.
Most of the time, wind speeds remain moderate, but sudden gusts can show up with passing weather systems. When cold air moves in, you’ll notice sharper, cooler winds, especially in exposed spots.
For most people, these winds aren’t a big problem, but they can make it feel colder than the numbers say. A wind-resistant jacket goes a long way if you’re exploring Geneva in fall.
Lake Geneva’s Influence on Climate
Lake Geneva plays a big role in shaping the city’s climate during fall. The lake stores summer heat and releases it slowly, which helps keep night temperatures milder compared to inland areas.
This delays the first frost, so plants keep growing later in the season. Early fall evenings often feel less chilly near the lake than farther away.
Moisture from the lake bumps up humidity, making cool days feel damper. At the same time, the lake can create localized breezes, especially when water and air temperatures don’t match. These breezes can shift quickly, so you might notice changing wind directions along the lakeshore.
Thanks to this moderating effect, Geneva’s fall climate feels less extreme than in many Swiss inland cities. The lake helps smooth out the transition from summer warmth to winter cold.
Fog and Mist Occurrence
Fog shows up a lot in Geneva during fall, especially in October and November. Cool nights roll in, and then calm mornings often lead to radiation fog. That happens when heat escapes from the ground, and the air near the surface cools down to its dew point.
Lake Geneva really bumps up the chances of mist and low cloud layers, especially close to the shoreline. In the mornings, fog sometimes gets so thick that it cuts visibility for drivers and even causes flight delays at Geneva Airport.
Usually, most fog lifts by midday because the sun warms things up. If the sky stays overcast, though, fog can hang around longer, leaving everything gray and damp.
If you’re traveling, it’s smart to plan for possible delays. Give yourself a bit of extra time to get around the city in the mornings.
On the bright side, fog makes for some pretty striking photos along the lake or in the Old Town.
Travel Tips and Seasonal Activities for Autumn
Geneva’s fall season brings mild to cool weather, shorter days, and those classic colorful landscapes. You can head out for walks, catch cultural festivals, or just enjoy the lake views.
But you’ll want to be ready for sudden rain showers and chilly evenings.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
In September, daytime temperatures usually reach the low 20s °C. By November, though, it drops closer to 10°C. Nights feel colder, so layering is a must.
A light jacket or fleece works for early fall, but you’ll want a warmer coat for late autumn.
Rain pops up pretty often, about 8 days each month. Carry a compact umbrella or a water-resistant jacket just in case.
Comfortable walking shoes are a lifesaver, especially if you plan to stroll by Lake Geneva or wander through hilly neighborhoods.
Pack some long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and scarves so you can layer up. If you’re thinking about hiking in the Alps or Jura mountains, bring sturdy boots and thermal layers.
By November, winds off the lake can feel sharp, so gloves and a hat come in handy.
Best Outdoor Activities
Autumn works well for hiking and walking tours. The Sentier du Rhône trail gives you river views and plenty of fall colors.
If you prefer something shorter, you can walk around Parc des Bastions or Parc La Grange to catch the changing leaves without leaving the city.
Lake Geneva’s still a highlight. You could hop on a boat cruise and see Mont Blanc framed by all those autumn colors.
Cycling paths around the lake quiet down after summer, making for a more relaxed ride.
Vineyards in places like Lavaux really shine in fall, with golden vines everywhere. Lots of people take day trips out there to see the scenery and try some local wines.
If you’re in the mood for something slower, Geneva’s cafés and tea rooms offer cozy spots to warm up after an outdoor walk.
Popular Autumn Events
Geneva comes alive with cultural events during the fall. In October, you’ll probably stumble across jazz festivals that bring together both local talent and international musicians.
These concerts usually happen in smaller venues, so you get this cozy, up-close vibe you just can’t find at bigger shows.
When November rolls around, the Concours de Genève draws in young classical performers who are eager to compete.
The Geneva International Film Festival also pops up in November, offering a lineup of indie films and digital art that’s always a bit unexpected.
By late autumn, markets and fairs start to dot the city. Stalls by the lake sell seasonal food, handmade crafts, and all sorts of gifts.
If you’re around, you’ll get a real taste of local specialties and soak up Geneva’s festive mood at these gatherings.