Spring in Zurich feels like a breath of fresh air after the cold winter. Average daytime temperatures climb from around 45°F (7°C) in March to about 69°F (20°C) by late May, so it’s honestly one of the nicest times to get out and see the city. Mornings stay cool, afternoons get warmer, and daylight stretches out until evening.
Clouds often hang around, but as spring moves on, you’ll notice more clear skies. Rain picks up in May, though snow mostly disappears after early spring. This mix turns Zurich’s parks and lakeside paths green, and the mountain views get better and better.
If you like being outside, spring really delivers. Longer days, pleasant humidity, and gentle breezes make it easy to stroll by the lake or head into the hills. With a little planning, you can catch Zurich’s spring climate at its best—before summer crowds arrive and the weather gets less predictable.
Overview of Zurich’s Spring Climate
Spring in Zurich means warmer weather, more daylight, and a shift from snow to regular rainfall. Expect chilly mornings, milder afternoons, and a back-and-forth between cloudy and sunny days.
Typical Temperature Ranges
Temperatures rise pretty fast from March to May. In March, highs usually hit 7°C (45°F), and lows can drop to -1°C (30°F). By May, highs often reach 20°C (68°F), and nights feel milder at around 10°C (50°F).
You might still get a cold snap in March, with nights near freezing. By May, evenings stay comfortable. Snow barely shows up after March, but rain becomes more common.
Daylight really stretches out. Early March starts with just over 11 hours of light, and by late May, you get more than 15 hours. This extra daylight makes it easier to spend time outdoors as spring goes on.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Clouds stick around, with Zurich skies overcast or mostly cloudy about 57% of the time. Early March can feel damp and gray. May usually brings brighter days, even though showers still pop up.
Rainfall ramps up as spring progresses. March sees about 54 mm, but May nearly doubles that with over 110 mm. Most of the time, rain falls as gentle showers, not big storms.
Snow doesn’t matter much after March. Mixed snow and rain almost vanish by late spring. Winds blow in from the west, but they’re usually light and don’t mess with outdoor plans.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Spring feels much softer than winter, which brings regular snow from December through February. By April, snow fades out, and rain takes over.
Summer gets warmer, with highs between 24–28°C (75–82°F) and more sun. Spring stays cooler and a bit wetter, so outdoor plans sometimes need flexibility.
Autumn matches spring’s temperatures—10–20°C (50–68°F)—but daylight shrinks instead of growing. Spring feels fresher, with flowers blooming and everything waking up, while autumn hints at winter’s return.
Monthly Breakdown: March, April, and May
Spring in Zurich moves quickly from chilly, damp days to longer, milder ones. Temperatures climb, rain picks up, and there’s more sunshine, making it easier to get outside as the weeks go by.
March Weather Details
March in Zurich still feels pretty cold. Average temperatures run from 2°C at night up to about 10°C during the day, with a mean around 6°C. Frost can still show up, and on some nights, it dips below freezing.
Rain falls about 70 mm over 10 days, so expect some wet periods. Snow shows up less often but can still appear early in the month.
Daylight stretches to about 12 hours per day. You’ll notice the days getting longer compared to winter. Sunshine averages 4–5 hours daily, giving you a third of the day with at least some clear skies.
Humidity stays close to 72%, making mornings feel damp. Winds are light to moderate, about 9 kph, so walking around stays comfortable.
April Weather Details
April feels milder, with average temperatures between 5°C at night and 15°C during the day. You might catch a chilly morning, but afternoons often just need a light jacket.
Rain jumps to about 80 mm across 11 days, usually as showers. Thunderstorms can pop up, but they’re short-lived.
Daylight reaches 13 hours and 40 minutes, and sunshine averages 6 hours each day. You get a decent mix of rain and sun, so April feels like a real turning point for outdoor plans.
Humidity drops to about 67%, so the air isn’t as damp as in March. Winds stay light, around 8 kph, keeping things steady.
May Weather Details
May feels like spring in full swing. Temperatures average around 9°C at night and 19°C during the day—sometimes afternoons hit the mid-20s. Warm spells come and go, but nights can still cool off.
Rain increases, averaging 130 mm over 13 days, making May one of the wettest months. Showers are frequent, but they usually move on quickly and leave fresh air behind.
Daylight hits 15 hours, so you get long days to explore. Sunshine averages 6 hours daily, though clouds and rain can cut into that.
Humidity sits near 70%, and winds stay light at about 8 kph. With mild weather, long days, and everything green, May is honestly one of the best times to be outside in Zurich.
Precipitation and Rainfall Trends
Spring in Zurich means steady rain that keeps the city and riverbanks green. Showers happen often, though some months get more rain than others. You won’t find long dry spells, and the even rainfall helps keep temperatures pleasant and the air crisp.
Average Rainfall by Month
Spring rainfall in Zurich stays pretty consistent, with March, April, and May each getting between 90 mm and 120 mm. April may be a bit wetter, and May tends to top the list.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~95 mm | Mix of rain and late snow |
| April | ~110 mm | Frequent showers |
| May | ~120 mm | Wetter, longer days |
Unlike places with a dry season, Zurich gets rain year-round. Showers can be light or steady, and in early March, you might still see some snow. By May, rain usually comes with warmer air, so you’ll notice trees and gardens bursting into bloom.
Rainy Days and Storms
Plan on 12 to 15 rainy days each month in spring. Most showers don’t last all day—they’re usually short and move on. It’s smart to carry an umbrella or a light rain jacket if you’re out in Zurich’s old town or along the river.
Thunderstorms start to show up in late spring, especially in May when warmer air moves in. These storms don’t stick around but can bring heavy rain for a while. Flooding almost never happens downtown, but river levels can rise fast, so you might spot a quicker current in the Limmat after a big rain.
All that rain keeps Zurich feeling fresh, and the showers are part of why the city’s parks and hills look so green.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Humidity
Spring in Zurich brings longer days, more daylight, and slowly rising humidity. The difference between early March and late May is obvious, and it can change how you plan your time around Lake Zurich or in the city.
Hours of Sunshine
March gives you about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine per day, though clouds often stick around. By April, you get 5 to 6 hours on average, so there’s more time for walks or boat rides. May brings the most sun, with 6 to 7 hours each day.
Daylight grows fast. Early March days last about 11 hours, and by late May, you’re close to 15 hours of daylight. Evenings feel brighter, which makes it easier to stay out late.
Clouds are common, especially at the start of spring. On average, Zurich skies are overcast or mostly cloudy more than half the time in March and April. May looks a bit better, though rain can still block the sun.
If you’re thinking about a lake trip, the longer evenings really help. You get more time for lakeside dinners, cycling, or quick cruises without rushing.
Humidity Levels
Humidity stays moderate in Zurich during spring, but it does change by the month. In March, average relative humidity sits around 75–80%, so cool days can feel damp, especially under thick clouds.
April feels fresher, with humidity dropping to 70–75%. Warmer air and more sun make it nice for walking the Old Town or the lakefront.
Humidity goes back up in May as rain increases. You’ll see averages around 75–78%, especially during wetter weeks. The extra moisture makes trees and gardens explode with color.
Lake Zurich, right on the city’s edge, affects the humidity a bit. Areas close to the water can feel more humid, but breezes from the lake balance things out. All in all, lakeside paths feel comfortable, even on warmer days.
Spring Activities and Outdoor Destinations
With mild weather and more daylight, it’s easy to get outside in Zurich during spring. The lake, local trails, and river walks all come alive as the city greens up.
Exploring Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich gets busier as temperatures rise. Passenger boats start running, so you can cruise to places like Rapperswil, the “Town of Roses.” Boat rides offer city views, vineyard hillsides, and the Alps in the background.
Walking paths hug most of the lake. Popular stops like Seefeld, Bürkliplatz, or the Arboretum Park make great picnic or flower-viewing spots. The air stays cool but pleasant, so a light jacket is usually fine.
If you want something simple, rent a paddleboat or just relax on the promenade with a coffee. The lake feels peaceful, even when the city gets busy.
Visiting Uetliberg
Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain, gives you sweeping views of the city and Alps. Trails open up as snow melts in spring, and hiking gets much easier than in winter. Most people start near the Triemli train station, but the Uetlibergbahn train can take you almost to the top.
At the summit, you’ll find an observation tower and the Planet Trail, a walk that shows the solar system at a scale of one to a billion. On clear spring days, you get big views across Lake Zurich and the hills.
Wildflowers pop up in April and May, adding color along the way. The trails are manageable for most, though waterproof shoes help after rain.
Strolling Along the Limmat River
The Limmat River flows out of Lake Zurich and winds through the city center. Walking its banks gives you a mix of old buildings, bridges, and lively riverside cafés. The area near Niederdorf buzzes with narrow streets and outdoor tables as the weather warms up.
Both sides of the river offer mostly flat paths, so it’s easy for a casual walk. You can cross at Rathausbrücke or Münsterbrücke to see both banks without going far.
In spring, blooming trees and longer daylight make the river especially pretty. It’s a relaxed way to soak up Zurich’s vibe without straying from the city center.
Travel Tips for Spring in Zurich
Spring in Zurich feels fresh and unpredictable. You might wake up to cool, misty mornings, then find yourself basking in warm sun by the afternoon. Sometimes, rain just sneaks up on you.
With the days getting longer and the crowds still manageable, it’s a great time to visit. Still, you’ve got to be ready for anything—sunny city walks or a sudden drizzle.
What to Pack
Temperatures can swing between 5°C and 19°C (41°F to 66°F), so you’ll want to pack smart. I always toss in a light waterproof jacket since April and May often bring surprise showers.
A warm sweater or a cozy fleece comes in handy for those chilly mornings or if you’re out late.
For your feet, comfortable walking shoes make a big difference, especially if you’re wandering wet streets or muddy paths near Lake Zurich. If you’re thinking about hiking the hills nearby, sturdier shoes definitely help.
Layering is the way to go. I’d bring a short-sleeve shirt, a long-sleeve top, and a light jacket, so you can peel things off or bundle up as the weather changes.
Don’t leave without an umbrella or a compact rain poncho. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
A few extras make life easier. Sunglasses are a must when the sun finally peeks out, and a small day bag lets you carry water or snacks while you’re out exploring.
Best Times for Sightseeing
Spring brings longer days, so by May you get 12 to 15 hours of daylight. That’s a lot of time to wander through the Old Town, stroll by the lake, or head up Uetliberg mountain without feeling rushed.
Mornings usually feel cooler and fewer people are out, so you can enjoy museums or take a quiet walk along Bahnhofstrasse. By afternoon, it warms up, but you might run into short rain showers, especially in May.
If you hope to catch clear views of the Alps, pick days just after it rains—the air feels so fresh. Parks like the Zurich Botanical Garden really come alive in April and May when the flowers start to bloom.
When you plan a day trip, go on a weekday. Trains and attractions tend to be less crowded, and you won’t have to deal with big tourist groups that show up later in the season.