Last updated: January 18, 2025
Bern, Switzerland, exhibits a varied climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger climate classes Cfb, Dfc, and ET. The city experiences a wide range of temperatures, with an extreme minimum dipping to a frigid -26°C (-15°F) in March, reflecting the potential for severe winter conditions. Conversely, summer months can soar to a sweltering maximum of 36°C (97°F) in July, contributing to a significant annual average temperature of 9°C (48°F). This distinct climatic diversity influences both the natural environment and the urban lifestyle in Bern, offering a unique blend of seasonal experiences.
The temperature patterns in Bern, Switzerland, reveal a significant seasonal variation reflective of the city's temperate climate. Winter months, particularly January through March, are marked by extreme lows, with minimum temperatures plunging to -26°C (-15°F), while average temperatures gradually rise from -1°C (31°F) in January to 4°C (40°F) in March. As spring approaches, temperatures begin to warm, with April and May showcasing a noticeable increase, reaching average highs of 12°C (53°F) by late May. The summer months of June and July experience the most warmth, peaking with maximums of 34°C (94°F) and 36°C (97°F) respectively, while also maintaining average temperatures in the comfortable teens. As autumn sets in, temperatures gradually dip, culminating in November's average of just 4°C (39°F), before the winter chill returns in December, bringing a full cycle back to the extreme lows experienced at the year's start. This pattern highlights Bern’s distinct transition through the seasons, each characterized by its own unique temperature profile.
In March, Interlaken experiences a minimum temperature of -23°C (-9°F), while Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen dip to -26°C (-15°F). As summer approaches, temperatures rise significantly, with Interlaken reaching a maximum of 29°C (85°F) in June, and both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen peaking at 25°C (77°F) during the same month. For more details on the climate, check monthly temperatures in Interlaken, monthly temperatures in Grindelwald, and monthly temperatures in Lauterbrunnen.
Precipitation in Bern, Switzerland, exhibits a characteristic annual pattern influenced by seasonal changes. The winter months of January and February bring substantial rainfall, with January receiving approximately 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days and February slightly lower at 88 mm (3.5 in) across 11 days. As spring unfolds, March sees a notable spike in precipitation, matching January's levels at 108 mm (4.2 in), while April experiences a decrease to 74 mm (2.9 in). However, the onset of late spring and summer marks a dramatic rise in precipitation, peaking in July with 158 mm (6.2 in) over 16 days, indicating the city’s transition to wetter weather.
The summer months remain consistently damp, with June and August also receiving significant rainfall, at 149 mm (5.9 in) and 149 mm (5.9 in), respectively. As autumn approaches, September and October bring a reduction in precipitation, with amounts of 89 mm (3.5 in) and 113 mm (4.5 in), while November sees another drop to 84 mm (3.3 in). December marks the end of the year with high precipitation levels returning to 150 mm (5.9 in). This seasonal distribution of rainfall not only shapes Bern's landscape but also influences its biodiversity and water resources throughout the year.
In Bern, Switzerland, sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal progression, beginning with the cold winter months. January experiences a modest 164 hours of sun, gradually increasing to 227 hours in February. As spring emerges, the trend continues upward with March bringing 298 hours and April reaching 357 hours. This upward trajectory sets the stage for the warmer months, where May enjoys 367 hours of sunshine, marking a transition toward brighter days.
The summer months are particularly noteworthy, with July standing out as the sunniest month, boasting an impressive 417 hours. Although August remains highly favorable with 386 hours, a slight decrease occurs as the city transitions back to autumn. September retains a substantial 325 hours, followed by a drop in October to 283 hours and November's 225 hours, culminating in December with only 188 hours of sunshine. This cyclical pattern highlights not only the contrast between the sun-drenched summer and the subdued winter months but also Bern’s overall climatic vitality, nurturing a dynamic urban and natural landscape.
The UV Index in Bern, Switzerland, exhibits a pronounced seasonal variation, reflecting the changing intensity of sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, January and February have moderate UV Index values of 3 and 4 respectively, with recommended sun exposure times of 30 minutes. As spring rolls in, March sees a significant increase to a very high UV Index of 8, followed closely by April at 9. This upward trend continues into May, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 10, prompting outdoor enthusiasts to take greater precautions in the sun.
The summer months present the most intense UV exposure, with June recording an extreme UV Index of 11, where a mere 10 minutes of sun can cause skin damage. July slightly decreases to 10, while August remains at a very high level of 9. As autumn approaches, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 7 in September and 6 in October, indicating high exposure but still requiring sun protection, with burn times extending to 25 minutes. By November, the UV Index falls back to moderate levels at 3, further dipping to 2 in December, which signals a low risk of harm from sun exposure. This annual cycle emphasizes the importance of sun safety measures, particularly in the spring and summer months when UV radiation is most potent.
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In Bern, Switzerland, the duration of daylight varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the city's location in the Northern Hemisphere. January and December each experience just 8 hours of daylight, which can create a sense of winter dormancy. As February arrives, the situation begins to improve with 10 hours, steadily increasing to 11 hours in March. This gradual rise indicates the approach of spring, culminating in April with 13 hours of daylight, and then further extending into May, where longer days reach 15 hours of light.
The summer months maintain this peak daylight duration, with June, July, and August all enjoying 15 hours, fostering a vibrant outdoor culture. As the year transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to wane, with daylight decreasing to 14 hours in August and tapering off to 12 hours by September. October and November further experience reductions to 10 and 9 hours respectively, as winter approaches once again. This cyclical pattern of daylight not only influences the city's lifestyle and activities throughout the seasons but also reflects the natural rhythms of the environment.
Adelboden, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with significant seasonal variation. Winter months are characterized by cold temperatures, with January averages around -7°C (20°F) and heavy snowfall, receiving 174 mm of precipitation. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking at around 18°C (64°F) in April, accompanied by a decrease in precipitation. Summers are mild, with July temperatures averaging 13°C (56°F) and plenty of sunshine, reaching up to 416 hours. For more detailed information on the climate, visit Adelboden climate.
Beatenberg, Switzerland, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop to -19°C (a minimum), while July sees averages around 15°C and maximums reaching 29°C. Precipitation peaks in June with 225 mm, contributing to the area's lush landscape, while sunshine hours are most abundant in July, totaling 416 hours. Visitors can expect a significant variation in temperature and weather throughout the year. For more details, visit Beatenberg climate.
Bern, Switzerland experiences a varied climate with distinct seasonal changes. Winters can be cold, with January temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (6°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), while summers are warmer, with July highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is fairly spread throughout the year, peaking in May at 126 mm (5.0 in), while sunshine hours are most abundant in July, totaling 417 hours. This pleasant mix of weather phenomena makes Bern an inviting destination year-round. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Bern climate.
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -14°C (8°F), with an average around 1°C (33°F), while July sees highs of up to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation is heavily skewed towards the summer months, peaking at 156 mm (6.1 in) in May, with ample sunshine hours from June to August, reaching up to 418 hours in July. For more detailed insights, visit Biel/Bienne climate.
The climate in Brienz, Switzerland, features cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -19°C to 7°C, with significant snowfall and 136 mm of precipitation. Conversely, July enjoys milder conditions, averaging 14°C with a maximum of 27°C and a high of 415 hours of sunshine. Rainfall peaks in June at 258 mm, while May experiences the most overall precipitation throughout the year. For more details, visit Brienz climate.
Frutigen, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and December are the coldest months, featuring average temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and -9°C (16°F) respectively. Precipitation is highest in December at 241 mm (9.5 in) and lowest in April with 94 mm (3.7 in), while sunshine peaks in July with 416 hours. The region sees significant rainfall from May to August, contributing to its lush landscapes. For more details, visit Frutigen climate.
Grindelwald, Switzerland experiences a cold alpine climate with significant variations throughout the year. Winter months, especially January and February, see minimum temperatures plummeting to as low as -25°C (-12°F) and substantial snowfall, with January receiving 168 mm of precipitation. Summers are milder, with average temperatures in July reaching around 10°C (51°F) and maximums of 24°C (75°F), accompanied by periods of sunshine peaking at 417 hours. Rainfall is common, particularly in summer months like July and August, which see approximately 197 mm and 195 mm, respectively. For more detailed climate information, visit Grindelwald climate.
Gstaad, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate, with cold winters and pleasant summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -24°C to 8°C, while July boasts milder temperatures between 3°C and 30°C. Precipitation is highest in December, with 226 mm, and sunshine peaks in July at 416 hours. The transition from winter to summer involves notable changes in both temperature and sunshine, making it an attractive destination year-round. For more details, visit Gstaad climate.
Interlaken, Switzerland experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with winter temperatures ranging from -23°C in March to a mild 9°C in January. Average temperatures rise significantly in the summer months, reaching up to 15°C in July and 14°C in June. Precipitation is highest in June (225 mm) and lowest in April (94 mm), while sunshine hours peak in July with 416 hours of sunlight. The overall climate is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, making it a beautiful destination year-round. For more details, visit Interlaken climate.
Kandersteg, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -26°C (-15°F), while July sees averages around 12°C (53°F). Precipitation is highest in December and July, with 241 mm (9.5 in) and 195 mm (7.7 in) respectively, contributing to the region's lush landscapes. Sunshine hours peak in June and July, making these months particularly enjoyable for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Kandersteg climate.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland experiences a cold, alpine climate with January temperatures ranging from -24°C (-11°F) to a maximum of 5°C (41°F) and July being the warmest month with averages around 10°C (51°F). Precipitation is significant throughout the year, peaking in December with 229 mm (9.0 in), while summer months see relatively higher rainfall, especially in July and August. Sunshine is abundant in the summer, reaching up to 417 hours in July, while winter months have fewer sunny days, with January seeing only 181 hours. For a more detailed overview, visit Lauterbrunnen climate.
Lenk, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F), while July sees averages around 13°C (56°F) and peaks at 28°C (83°F). The region receives considerable precipitation, peaking at 248 mm (9.8 in) in December, and enjoys ample sunshine during summer months, with July receiving up to 416 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Lenk climate.
Magglingen, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January's temperatures range from -14°C to 15°C, while July sees highs up to 35°C. Precipitation peaks in May with 156 mm, and the sunniest months are typically July and August with over 400 hours of sunshine. The annual average temperature and varied conditions make it a unique destination for all seasons. For more details, visit Magglingen climate.
Meiringen, Switzerland, experiences a dramatic climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -22°C (-6°F), while July peaks at 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is substantial, particularly in summer months, with July and August averaging over 250 mm (10 in) of rainfall. The town enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in summer, with July receiving up to 414 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Meiringen climate.
Saanen, Switzerland experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are particularly frigid, with average temperatures around -5°C (24°F) to -1°C (30°F) and significant snowfall. As spring arrives, temperatures rise, peaking in July at an average of 15°C (60°F) with July experiencing the highest sunshine hours at 416. Precipitation is abundant, especially in May and December, with the latter seeing over 226 mm (8.9 in) of rainfall. For a detailed overview, visit Saanen climate.
Sigriswil, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -19°C (-1°F), while summer months like July see averages around 15°C (60°F). Precipitation is highest during the summer, peaking at 225 mm (8.9 in) in June, while sunshine hours reach their maximum at 416 in July. This seasonal variation creates a picturesque landscape throughout the year, making Sigriswil climate an intriguing topic for weather enthusiasts.
Spiez, Switzerland experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees lows of -19°C and significant precipitation (123 mm), while July enjoys milder temperatures with a max of 29°C and the highest sunshine hours at 416. Rainfall peaks in June (225 mm) and tapers off by November, maintaining a balance of sunny and rainy days throughout the year. For more detailed climate information, visit Spiez climate.
Thun, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -19°C to a maximum of 11°C, while July sees warmer conditions with averages around 17°C and highs reaching 31°C. Precipitation is highest in late spring and summer, peaking in May and June with around 182 mm and 197 mm respectively. Sunlight is abundant in the summer months, especially in July, which enjoys about 416 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Thun climate.
Unterseen, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -19°C to a maximum of 9°C, while July sees much warmer averages around 15°C. Precipitation is highest in June and July, reaching over 200 mm, accompanied by significant sunshine hours peaking at 416 hours in July. The overall climate is marked by a blend of chilly and sunny periods, making it an attractive spot for outdoor activities throughout the year. For more details, visit Unterseen climate.
Wilderswil, Switzerland, experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from a low of -19°C (-1°F) to a high of 9°C (48°F), with significant precipitation, often exceeding 120 mm. Summer months, particularly July and August, see pleasant averages around 15°C (60°F), with maximum temperatures reaching 29°C (84°F) and high sunshine hours peaking at 416 in July. Rainfall is abundant in June (225 mm) and very consistent throughout the year, notably in May. For more details, visit Wilderswil climate.
Zweisimmen, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with significant seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures dipping as low as -24°C and substantial snowfall, while summer months see averages around 15°C to 31°C, peaking in July. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with May and July being the wettest months, receiving 205 mm and 200 mm respectively. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in summer, with July boasting up to 416 hours of sunshine. For more detailed climate information, visit Zweisimmen climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Bern, Switzerland, is characterized by pronounced seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the frosty winters with limited sunlight to the vibrant summers filled with extended daylight and increased UV exposure, Bern's weather patterns significantly shape the lifestyle and outdoor activities of its residents. Understanding these climatic dynamics allows individuals to prepare for seasonal changes and embrace the beauty of each period, highlighting Bern’s rich climatic tapestry and its influence on the local environment and community life.