Fall in Zurich really changes the mood of the city. Days get shorter, the sky turns cloudier, and that crisp air hints that winter’s just around the corner.
Usually, daytime highs drop from the low 20s °C in early September to about 5°C by late November. Nights cool down too, sometimes dipping close to freezing as autumn rolls on.
Rain shows up pretty often, but by the end of November, you’ll start seeing the first signs of snow. Cloud cover keeps building, so those bright sunny days get rarer as the season moves ahead.
Still, you get a nice mix—mild weather at the start, much cooler by the end. The shift feels gradual, but you’ll notice it.
If you’re thinking about outdoor plans, September gives you comfortable walking weather. By November, you’ll want a coat for sure.
It’s an interesting season, honestly, whether you’re wandering by the lake under changing leaves or getting ready for the first snowfall in Switzerland’s biggest city.
Typical Fall Weather in Zurich
Fall in Zurich means dropping temperatures, shifting rain patterns, and much shorter days. Mornings get chilly, early autumn brings wetter spells, and by late November, daylight feels scarce.
Average Temperatures in September, October, and November
In September, you’ll see daytime highs around 21°C (70°F) and nights cooling to about 12°C (54°F). Early September can even surprise you with a bit of leftover summer warmth.
By October, highs settle closer to 14°C (57°F), with lows near 7°C (45°F). Mornings feel crisp, evenings get cooler, and you’ll want to layer up when you’re out and about.
In November, expect highs around 8°C (46°F) and nighttime temps near 1°C (34°F). Frost isn’t unusual, and sometimes snow mixes in with the rain, especially as the month ends.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | Mild, comfortable |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | Cool, crisp |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | 1°C / 34°F | Cold, chance of frost |
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation Levels
You’ll notice rain sticks around in Zurich during fall, but it gets less frequent as the months go by. In early September, the chance of a wet day sits at about 37%, dropping to around 32% by late November.
Rainfall totals drop too, from about 96 mm (3.8 in) in September to roughly 66 mm (2.6 in) by November. Most showers are light or moderate, but don’t rule out a heavy downpour now and then.
Snowfall? Not much in September or October, but November sometimes brings a dusting—on average, maybe 5 cm (2 in) of snow, though it really depends on the year. Most of the wet stuff still falls as rain.
Sunlight Hours and Daylight Changes
Daylight disappears fast in Zurich during fall. On September 1, you get about 13 hours and 20 minutes of daylight.
By November 30, you’re down to less than 9 hours. Sunrise shifts from around 6:45 AM in early September to almost 8:00 AM by late October.
When daylight saving ends, mornings get brighter, but evenings turn dark much earlier. Sunset changes a lot too, from 8:00 PM in early September to 4:40 PM by late November.
This quick loss of light can mess with your outdoor plans, so it’s smart to do your sightseeing earlier in the day. With more clouds and overcast days, you’ll see a sharp drop in sunshine hours.
Month-by-Month Fall Weather Breakdown
Zurich cools off steadily through fall, daylight shrinks, and rain shifts from late-summer showers to hints of snow. The weather can swing quite a bit from September to November, so when you visit really matters.
September Weather Overview
September still feels pretty mild. Daytime highs hover around 21°C (70°F) at the start, dropping closer to 16°C (61°F) by the end.
Nights cool to 10–12°C (50–54°F), so a light jacket after sunset isn’t a bad idea. Rain sticks around, with about 95–100 mm for the month.
Showers usually don’t last long, but you’ll probably get a few wet days. Early September brings clearer skies and more sunshine than later in the season.
At the beginning of the month, you get over 13 hours of daylight. By late September, that’s down to about 11.5 hours.
September is honestly one of the best fall months for sightseeing. You get cool mornings, pleasant afternoons, and those first pops of color in the parks and along Lake Zurich.
October Weather Highlights
October feels like a real turning point. Highs average 14–15°C (57–59°F) at the start and fall to about 10°C (50°F) by the end.
Nights drop to 5°C (41°F), and you might notice frost in the suburbs or higher spots. Rainfall drops a little, averaging around 85–90 mm, but clouds show up more often and sunshine gets scarce.
Daylight drops from about 11 hours in early October to 10 hours by the end. Standard time returns, which means sunsets come sooner—kind of a bummer if you like being outside.
You might spot the first snow on nearby mountains, but in the city, it’s mostly just rain. October’s definitely a month for layers.
November Weather Trends
November? It’s cold, no way around it. Highs drop to 7–8°C (45–46°F), and lows hang near 2°C (36°F).
Freezing nights become normal, and snow might mix with rain, especially as November wraps up. Rainfall averages 80–85 mm, but now you’ll start seeing snow pile up a bit, maybe 4–5 cm (1–2 inches) by late November.
Clouds are everywhere, and clear days feel rare. Daylight gets really short—less than 9 hours by the month’s end.
Sunsets hit before 5:00 PM, so evenings stretch out dark and long. If you’re visiting in November, expect damp, chilly air.
Warm coats, waterproof shoes, and gloves actually come in handy, especially if you’re exploring Zurich’s old town or walking near the lake.
Comparing Zurich’s Fall Weather to Other Swiss Cities
Switzerland’s fall weather isn’t the same everywhere. Geography, elevation, and big lakes all play a part.
When you compare Zurich to other big Swiss cities, you’ll spot real differences in temperature, rainfall, and cloudiness.
Basel
Basel sits lower than Zurich, so its fall climate feels a touch milder. In September, daytime highs often reach the low 20s °C, then November cools down to single digits.
Nights are warmer than Zurich, so frost shows up later. Rain falls steadily during fall, but Basel usually gets a bit less than Zurich.
The Rhine River helps even out temperature swings, so things feel more stable. Basel gets more sunshine too.
Clouds increase into November, but there are fewer foggy mornings compared to Zurich, which gets more fog thanks to Lake Zurich and the hills.
Geneva
Geneva’s fall weather takes its cues from Lake Geneva and its spot near France. September often feels warmer than Zurich, with highs around 22–23 °C, while November averages closer to 9–10 °C.
The lake keeps evenings mild well into October. Rainfall patterns aren’t quite like Zurich’s—Geneva gets frequent showers, but the total is a bit less.
Storms can hit harder sometimes because of the lake. Winds matter more here too.
The bise, a cold northeasterly wind, can drop temperatures fast. Sunshine? It’s hit or miss, with clear days swapping places with heavy clouds.
Lausanne
Lausanne, also on Lake Geneva, is similar to Geneva but has its own quirks. Average highs in September sit around 20–21 °C, dropping to about 8 °C by November.
Nights can feel cooler than Geneva, thanks to Lausanne’s hillside setting. Rain falls often in fall, with totals close to Zurich’s.
The lake keeps things mild, but Lausanne gets more foggy mornings than Geneva, especially in October and November. Sunshine isn’t as reliable here as in Basel or Zurich.
You’ll get some long stretches of gray, but when it clears, the views across the lake and Alps can be amazing.
Regional Climate Influences on Zurich’s Fall Weather
Zurich’s fall weather owes a lot to its spot near the Alps and the big weather systems sweeping across Europe. These factors explain the mix of cooling temps, frequent clouds, and shifting rain you’ll notice in autumn.
Impact of the Alps and Topography
The Alps pack a punch when it comes to Zurich’s weather. Zurich sits at about 429 meters above sea level, so it’s lower than the big mountains but still gets their cooling effect as fall moves on.
Cold air likes to settle in the valleys, which means chilly mornings even if the afternoons stay nice. Moist air from the west hits the mountains, gets pushed up, and brings more clouds and rain.
Zurich doesn’t get it as bad as alpine towns like Zermatt, but you’ll still notice more gray days than in flatter parts of Switzerland.
Local geography creates little microclimates too. Closer to Lake Zurich, it feels a bit milder and more humid.
Higher hills cool off faster. Sometimes you’ll see fog over the lake while the nearby neighborhoods stay clear.
Atlantic and Mediterranean Weather Patterns
Big weather systems shape Zurich’s fall. Westerly winds from the Atlantic bring in moist, mild air, which means more clouds and light rain.
That’s why October and November feel so gray. Sometimes, Mediterranean air pushes north and gives Zurich a short warm spell, especially early in fall.
These periods tend to be drier and sunnier, a nice break from the usual dampness. The tug-of-war between Atlantic lows and Mediterranean highs creates the changeable weather you notice in Zurich’s autumn.
One week might feel wet and unsettled, the next could be calm and sunny, but overall, things cool down as winter approaches.
Travel Tips for Visiting Zurich in Fall
Cooler temps, colorful scenery, and fewer crowds make autumn a pretty great time to explore Zurich and the surrounding areas.
You can hike, check out cultural events, and try seasonal foods, but the weather can go from mild in September to chilly by November, so pack for variety.
Best Time to Visit Switzerland for Fall Activities
September is the sweet spot. Mild days make it easy to walk up Uetliberg or hop on a boat on Lake Zurich.
Early fall usually brings clear skies, perfect for mountain views around Interlaken, Lucerne, and Zermatt. By October, the air gets crisper and the leaves hit their peak color.
It’s the best time for photos, wine tastings, and mushroom hunting in the woods. The Zurich Film Festival also happens in October, which is a nice bonus.
November turns colder, with more rain and short days. Hiking gets tricky, but you can always duck into museums, shop along Bahnhofstrasse, or relax in a cozy café.
If you want fewer tourists and lower prices, November is definitely the quietest month.
Recommended Packing List for Fall Weather
Fall in Zurich can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to dress in layers. Temperatures swing between warm afternoons and chilly evenings. Sometimes you’ll get away with just a light jacket in September. But by late October or November, you’ll probably reach for a heavier coat.
Essentials to pack include:
- Waterproof jacket or umbrella, since rain’s pretty common
- Comfortable walking shoes with decent grip
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Scarf, hat, and gloves if you’re visiting in late fall
- Reusable water bottle, especially if you’re hiking
If you’re heading up to higher places like Zermatt or Interlaken, bring insulated layers. Mountain weather cools down much faster than the city. For city days, casual but tidy outfits work well in Zurich’s restaurants and cultural spots.
Popular Fall Events and Activities
Autumn in Zurich offers both outdoor and indoor fun. In September, you might hike around Uetliberg or take a day trip to Lucerne for lakeside walks. October brings the Zurich Film Festival and menus full of game, cheese, and local wines.
Local markets sell fresh produce and roasted chestnuts. Vineyards near Zurich and along Lake Geneva often host tastings. Hiking trails in Zermatt and Interlaken show off amazing fall colors before the snow arrives.
By November, people focus more on nightlife and cultural events. You’ll notice live music, theater, and exhibitions all over the city. It’s honestly a great time to check out Zurich’s indoor attractions, especially when the weather turns cold.
Fall Weather in Zurich Versus Mountain Destinations
Zurich’s fall weather starts mild but gets chilly by late November. Mountain towns in Switzerland get cold faster and usually see snow before Zurich does. Higher elevations get more mixed precipitation, and shorter days make it feel even cooler.
Differences in Temperature and Precipitation
In Zurich, average highs drop from about 71°F (22°C) in early September to around 41°F (5°C) by late November. Lows fall from the mid-50s°F (12°C) to almost freezing. You’ll see plenty of rain early in fall, and by late season, light snow can show up.
Mountain regions cool off much faster. At elevations above 1,500 meters, expect daytime highs around 50°F (10°C) in September, but those drop below freezing by November. Nights usually dip well below freezing, so frost and snowfall arrive much earlier.
Precipitation changes with altitude too. Zurich gets about 2.5–3.5 inches of rain per month in fall. Mountain towns often see more because of orographic lift. Rain in the valleys can quickly become snow higher up, so you’ll find totally different weather just a short trip away.
Weather Considerations for Interlaken, Lucerne, and Zermatt
Interlaken sits between two lakes at about 570 meters. It usually feels cooler and wetter than Zurich, with fog rolling in pretty often during October and November.
You’ll notice more rainfall here, and sometimes snow dusts the mountain slopes while the town itself just gets rain until late fall.
Lucerne, at 435 meters, experiences weather similar to Zurich but usually gets a bit more precipitation. The lake and those surrounding hills can trap fog, so mornings might feel damp and a little gray.
Temperatures stay mild compared to the higher alpine resorts, but honestly, you should expect chilly evenings.
Zermatt sits much higher, at 1,600 meters, and it feels a lot colder. Snow often shows up by mid-October, and by late fall, daytime highs might not even climb above 40°F (4°C).
You’ll probably see more sunshine up here compared to valley towns, but the weather can turn quickly, and the winds really pick up.
If you travel between these spots, you’ll need to prepare for very different weather. A light rain jacket might do the trick in Zurich, but in Zermatt, you’ll probably want insulated layers and winter boots by November.