Last updated: January 18, 2025
Geneva, Switzerland, exhibits a Cfb (Temperate-oceanic) climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm summers. Temperature fluctuations are notable, with January experiencing a minimum of -13°C (8°F), while the average annual temperature hovers around 10°C (51°F). The peak summer month, August, can see temperatures soar to a maximum of 35°C (95°F). This climatic variability significantly influences local ecology and human activities, making Geneva a unique case study for understanding temperate climate patterns in a rapidly changing world.
In Geneva, Switzerland, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends, with sharply contrasting winter and summer characteristics. The coldest months, January and February, see minimum temperatures dipping to around -13°C (8°F) and -12°C (10°F), accompanied by average highs of 14°C (58°F) in January and 19°C (66°F) in February. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, culminating in an average of 10°C (50°F) and maximums reaching up to 25°C (77°F) by April. The warmth intensifies through summer, peaking in August with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and maximums soaring to 35°C (95°F). As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to decline again, with September showing a mild average of 15°C (59°F), while December sees a return to colder conditions, with average temperatures dropping to 3°C (37°F). This cyclical temperature variation underscores Geneva's climate diversity, making it a fascinating region for seasonal observation.
Bellevue, Geneve, and Carouge experience similar temperature ranges throughout the year, with a minimum of -13°C (8°F) in January and a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in July. For detailed insights into the climate of each location, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Bellevue, monthly temperatures in Geneve, and monthly temperatures in Carouge.
Geneva, Switzerland, experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with significant rainfall particularly during the winter and early spring months. January starts off with 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 11 days, while February sees a slight decrease to 98 mm (3.9 in) over the same number of days. March brings an increase to 142 mm (5.6 in), marking the transition to spring. The spring months of April and May showcase a noticeable uptick in rainfall, with May reaching a peak of 173 mm (6.8 in) despite having 16 days of precipitation, illustrating a trend where early summer showers frequently occur.
As summer arrives, June experiences 125 mm (4.9 in) over 14 rainy days, with July and August maintaining similar levels of precipitation at 113 mm (4.5 in) and 4.4 in, respectively, while the number of rainy days remains consistent. Autumn sees a gradual decline in overall precipitation, with October contributing 120 mm (4.7 in) and November adding 114 mm (4.5 in). Notably, December concludes the year with the highest monthly total, boasting 212 mm (8.4 in) over 18 days, highlighting the significance of winter storms in Geneva’s climate. This annual cycle of precipitation emphasizes the city’s temperate climate, affording diverse ecological conditions and influencing local water resources.
Geneva, Switzerland, showcases a distinct seasonal rhythm in sunshine duration, with notable fluctuations from winter to summer. January begins the year with a modest 152 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing as February brings 221 hours and March sees a more significant leap to 286 hours. The arrival of spring heralds a robust climb in sunlight, culminating in April and May, where sunshine hours peak at 348 hours and 351 hours, respectively. This trend reflects the strengthening sunlight as the days grow longer and warmer, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities and the blossoming flora.
The summer months continue this upward trajectory, with June hitting 393 hours, July peaking at 412 hours, and August observing a slight reduction to 381 hours. Even as summer transitions to autumn, sunlight remains plentiful, particularly in September with 323 hours. However, October marks a noticeable decline to 275 hours, and November falls further to 209 hours, leading into the darker winter months, where December offers just 177 hours. This annual cycle not only highlights the contrast between the vibrant summer and the subdued winter but also reflects the important role of sunshine in shaping daily life and seasonal activities in Geneva.
The UV Index in Geneva, Switzerland, reveals a clear seasonal pattern that indicates varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. In the winter months, January and December present a low UV Index of 2, allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes without significant risk of sunburn. As February arrives, the UV Index rises to 3, categorized as moderate, with a shorter burn time of 30 minutes. The transition into spring sees a sharper increase, with March registering a UV Index of 6 and April reaching 7, both considered high, emphasizing the need for sun protection as burn times decrease to 25 minutes.
The summer months exhibit the highest UV levels, with May peaking at an index of 8 and June reaching a maximum of 10, both labeled as very high, where burn times drop significantly to just 15 minutes. July and August also maintain elevated indexes of 9 and 8, respectively, highlighting a consistent risk during the warmest months. As autumn rolls in, the UV Index again declines, falling to 5 in October and 3 in November, before heading back to low levels in December. This seasonal variability underscores the importance of sun safety measures during the sunniest months, particularly in Geneva’s vibrant summer season.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Geneva, Switzerland, varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the natural cycles of the seasons. January begins with a modest 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February. By March, daylight extends further to 11 hours, signaling the approach of spring. The trend continues in April and May, where the length of the day reaches 13 hours and 14 hours, respectively, allowing residents to enjoy an increasing amount of outdoor activities as warmer weather sets in.
The longest days occur during the summer months of June and July, where daylight stretches to 15 hours, providing ample time for sunlight-filled adventures. As summer wanes in August, daylight starts to decline, dropping to 14 hours. September sees a further reduction to 12 hours, as autumn begins to set in. This decrease continues into October with 10 hours, and November and December see the shortest days, measuring 9 hours and 8 hours of daylight, respectively. This pattern highlights the dramatic seasonal shifts that impact daily life and activities in Geneva throughout the year.
The climate in Bellevue, Switzerland, features cold winters and warm summers, with January bringing average temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and July peaking at 19°C (67°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest month being December at 203 mm (8.0 in) and a notable peak in May with 172 mm (6.8 in). The region enjoys substantial sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July seeing up to 414 hours of sun. Overall, Bellevue experiences a diverse climate that supports both winter sports and summer activities. For more information, visit Bellevue climate.
Carouge, Switzerland experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with January bringing cold temperatures ranging from -13°C (8°F) to 14°C (58°F) and significant precipitation of 116 mm (4.6 in). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually increase, peaking in July and August at an average of 19°C (67°F) and max highs of 34°C (93°F), alongside moderate rainfall. Notably, the region enjoys the most sunshine in summer, with July recording 414 hours. In contrast, December sees the coldest weather and the highest precipitation of 203 mm (8.0 in). For more detailed information, visit Carouge climate.
The climate in Geneva, Switzerland, exhibits a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year, with January's minimum dipping to -13°C (8°F) and July's maximum reaching 34°C (93°F). Precipitation is highest in May and December, with 172 mm (6.8 in) and 203 mm (8.0 in) respectively, while the summer months receive moderate rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in July at 414 hours, contributing to a pleasant summer atmosphere. For more detailed information, visit Geneve climate.
In conclusion, Geneva, Switzerland, presents a dynamic interplay of climate characteristics, including temperature variations, precipitation patterns, sunshine duration, UV Index fluctuations, and daylight length throughout the year. From the sharp contrast of cold, shorter days in winter to the warm, sun-drenched summer months, each season offers unique opportunities and challenges for residents and visitors. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for making informed decisions regarding outdoor activities, sun safety, and efficient resource management, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant city. As global climate changes continue to unfold, the ability to adapt to these patterns will be crucial for both the community and the environment in Geneva.