Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfb, indicating a temperate oceanic climate. The region experiences a wide temperature range, with winter lows plunging to a frigid -23°C (-9°F) in January, while summer highs can reach up to a warm 33°C (91°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around a moderate 9°C (48°F), providing a unique environment that supports diverse ecosystems and offers residents and visitors a blend of seasonal variations that are distinctly characteristic of this beautiful Swiss region.
In Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm that transitions from the deep cold of winter to the warmth of summer. January and February experience the harshest temperatures, with minimums plummeting to around -23°C (-9°F) and -18°C (0°F), respectively, while maximums slowly rise from 14°C (57°F) to 18°C (65°F) as spring approaches. March begins to warm slightly, showcasing an average temperature of 4°C (40°F) and nearing a maximum of 19°C (67°F). As the region advances into April and May, temperatures continue to rise sharply, with averages reaching 8°C (47°F) and 12°C (54°F), respectively, and maximums soaring as high as 30°C (85°F). By June, summer is in full swing, with maximums consistently hitting 33°C (91°F) from July through August, alongside pleasant averages around 18°C (64°F). The transition to autumn in September sees a gradual cooling, with temperatures declining to an average of 14°C (57°F), followed by October's crisp air at 10°C (50°F) and November's return to chilly conditions. December wraps the year up with colder temperatures once again, with minimums dropping to -17°C (2°F), marking the return of winter's grip on this picturesque Swiss landscape.
Teufen and Heiden both experience a minimum temperature of -16°C (3°F) in January and a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in August, showcasing their similar climate patterns. In contrast, Herisau registers a slightly warmer minimum of -14°C (7°F) in January, with the same peak temperature of 33°C (91°F) in July. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can visit monthly temperatures in Teufen, monthly temperatures in Heiden, and monthly temperatures in Herisau.
Appenzell Ausserrhoden experiences a dynamic precipitation pattern that varies significantly throughout the year. The winter months, particularly January and March, bring substantial rainfall, with January receiving 123 mm (4.8 in) across an average of 12 days. As the region transitions into spring, precipitation remains fairly consistent; March records 113 mm (4.4 in), while April sees a slight decrease to 91 mm (3.6 in). However, May marks a notable increase, with rainfall climbing to 166 mm (6.5 in) as vegetation begins to flourish, setting the stage for the wetter months that follow.
Summer in Appenzell Ausserrhoden is characterized by the highest precipitation, reaching a peak in August with 216 mm (8.5 in) over approximately 17 days, making it the wettest month of the year. June and July also contribute significantly to this trend, with 180 mm (7.1 in) and 189 mm (7.4 in), respectively. The autumn season sees a decline in precipitation, particularly in November, when only 80 mm (3.2 in) is recorded. Overall, the annual precipitation cycle reflects a pattern of increased rainfall in the warmer months, ensuring lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems throughout the region.
In Appenzell Ausserrhoden, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the cold, dim days of winter to the vibrant brightness of summer. Starting with 160 hours of sunshine in January, the region begins to awaken as February sees an increase to 226 hours. By March and April, the daylight hours continue to expand significantly, reaching 296 hours and 352 hours, respectively, as spring brings longer days and clearer skies. The anticipation of summer culminates in May, where the sunshine duration peaks at 362 hours, providing the perfect lead-in to the sunniest months of the year.
The summer months, particularly July, shine the brightest, boasting an impressive 407 hours of sunlight, making it the pinnacle of solar exposure in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. This abundance of sunshine begins to taper off in August with 374 hours, followed by a gradual decline through September at 315 hours and October at 276 hours. As the year transitions into late autumn and winter, the sunshine diminishes sharply, dropping to 213 hours in November and 181 hours in December. This seasonal variation underscores the region's remarkable ability to enjoy an extensive range of daylight, making summer the ultimate time for outdoor endeavors while winter calls for cozy indoor activities during the shorter, darker days.
The UV Index in Appenzell Ausserrhoden varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the changing intensity of solar radiation. In the winter months, particularly January and December, the UV Index is relatively low at 2, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As the seasons shift toward spring, February sees a moderate increase to a UV Index of 4, allowing for 30 minutes of safe exposure before the risk escalates. The onset of spring and summer brings the UV Index to higher levels, peaking in May and June, where it measures 8 and 10, respectively, necessitating precautions due to the very high risk of skin damage with burn times dropping to just 15 minutes.
During the peak summer months of July and August, the UV Index remains elevated at 10 and 8, where prolonged unprotected exposure can lead to adverse effects within a mere 15 minutes. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases, signaling a return to more moderate levels. By October, the Index drops to 5, and in November it settles back to 3, with burn times extending to 30 minutes. Overall, understanding these UV Index trends is essential for residents and visitors of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during the higher exposure months, particularly from late spring through summer.
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In Appenzell Ausserrhoden, daylight duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal variation that mirrors the shifting rhythms of the year. Starting with only 8 hours of daylight in January, residents gradually welcome more light as February brings 10 hours and March further extends it to 11 hours. The onset of spring in April marks a noteworthy increase to 13 hours, and by May, daylight peaks at 15 hours, effectively enhancing outdoor activities and revitalizing the natural landscape. This extended duration continues through June and July, where the consistent 15 hours provides ample time for sunlit endeavors and community gatherings.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight begins to wane. August sees a slight decrease to 14 hours, followed by September with 12 hours, illustrating the gradual shift toward shorter days. The decline continues in October to 10 hours, and November further reduces it to 9 hours. Finally, December returns to 8 hours, echoing the winter solstice's diminishing light. This cyclical pattern not only affects the quality of life in Appenzell Ausserrhoden but also highlights the importance of adapting to the natural changes in daylight as seasons change.
Buhler, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from -23°C to a maximum of 11°C, while July sees averages around 17°C with highs reaching 31°C. Precipitation is substantial, peaking in the summer months of June (191 mm) and July (211 mm), contributing to lush surroundings. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July receiving up to 409 hours. For more detailed information, visit the Buhler climate.
Gais, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -23°C to 11°C, while July has milder averages of 7°C to 31°C. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, particularly in July and August, with over 200 mm of rainfall. The region enjoys a fair amount of sunshine, reaching its highest in July with 409 hours. For more details, visit Gais climate.
Heiden, Switzerland, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February have minimum temperatures plunging to -16°C (3°F) and -13°C (9°F) respectively, while July and August peak at around 33°C (91°F). Precipitation is highest in the summer months, with August receiving 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, complementing the lengthy sunshine hours, especially in July with 405 hours of sunshine. Overall, the region enjoys an average of 276 sunny hours in October, making it a beautiful destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Heiden climate.
Herisau, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plunge to -14°C (7°F), while July reaches highs of 33°C (91°F). The region sees significant rainfall, particularly in the summer months, with August recording 194 mm (7.7 in) of precipitation. Sunshine hours peak in July at 404 hours, contributing to pleasant weather during the summer. For more detailed information, visit Herisau climate.
Hundwil, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -20°C, while July reaches highs of 31°C. Precipitation peaks in July and August, averaging around 275 mm, contributing to lush landscapes. The region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in summer, with July boasting up to 408 hours of sun. For more details on the climate, visit Hundwil climate.
Rehetobel, Switzerland, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C to a maximum of 13°C, while July offers a moderate warm average of 19°C and peaks at 32°C. Precipitation is notably heaviest in the summer months, particularly August, with 175 mm recorded. The region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in June and July, averaging over 400 hours. For more detailed information, visit Rehetobel climate.
Schwellbrunn, Switzerland, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -20°C to 11°C, with significant snowfall, while summer months like July and August boast averages around 16°C and highs of 31°C. Precipitation peaks in the summer, particularly in July and August with over 250 mm monthly, contrasted by drier winter months. Sunshine hours are abundant from March to August, with May and June witnessing nearly 400 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Schwellbrunn climate.
Speicher, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -16°C (3°F) in January, while summer months see highs reaching 33°C (91°F) in June and August. Precipitation peaks in summer, particularly in August with 175 mm (6.9 in), yet the region enjoys substantial sunshine, especially in July with 405 hours. The climate is characterized by a mix of cold winters and warm summers, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities year-round. For more detailed information, visit Speicher climate.
Teufen, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -16°C to 13°C, while July sees highs of 32°C. Precipitation is relatively abundant, peaking in August at 175 mm, with an annual distribution typical of a temperate climate. Sunshine hours are plentiful from April to July, with June receiving 381 hours of sunlight. Overall, Teufen offers a charming mix of seasonal weather; for more details, visit Teufen climate.
Trogen, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winter months, particularly January and February, are cold with average temperatures around 0°C (33°F) and significant precipitation, peaking in January at 109 mm. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, reaching averages of 9°C (49°F) in April, and during summer, July and August can see highs of 32°C (90°F) to 33°C (91°F) with ample sunshine. Rainfall is notably higher in the summer, especially in August, making the region lush and vibrant. For more detailed information, visit Trogen climate.
Urnasch, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -20°C to 11°C, while July enjoys higher temperatures between 7°C and 31°C. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, with August receiving an average of 275 mm. Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer, reaching up to 408 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Urnasch climate.
Waldstatt, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate, with January temperatures ranging from -20°C to 11°C and a significant annual temperature range peaking in the summer months. The city sees the highest precipitation from June to August, with July receiving approximately 251 mm (9.9 in). Conversely, it enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July boasting around 408 hours of sun. For more detailed climate information, visit Waldstatt climate.
Walzenhausen, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from -16°C to 13°C, while July boasts the warmest conditions, with a range of 11°C to 32°C. Precipitation peaks in August at 175 mm, contributing to the overall lushness of the region. The sun shines most during the summer months, reaching 405 hours in July, and gradually decreases to 154 hours in January. For more details, visit Walzenhausen climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental characteristics of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, reveal a captivating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight. From the frigid temperatures of winter to the warm, sun-drenched days of summer, the region experiences significant seasonal variations that shape both the landscape and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. With abundant precipitation supporting lush ecosystems, and UV exposure reaching critical levels during summer months, understanding these dynamics is essential for promoting awareness and encouraging responsible outdoor practices. Overall, Appenzell Ausserrhoden's diverse climate not only enhances its natural beauty but also offers an exceptional backdrop for a variety of recreational activities year-round.