Last updated: January 18, 2025
Lucerne, Switzerland, experiences a temperate oceanic climate classified as Cfb under the Köppen-Geiger system. Characterized by mild winters and pleasant summers, the city sees winter temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -19°C (-1°F) in February, while the average annual temperature hovers around 10°C (50°F). In contrast, the summer months can soar with maximum temperatures reaching 34°C (94°F) in July, offering a vibrant seasonal contrast that enhances Lucerne's picturesque landscapes and lively atmosphere.
In Lucerne, Switzerland, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal progression, transitioning from the chilling depths of winter to the warmth of summer. January and February are characterized by cold temperatures, with minimums dropping as low as -19°C (-1°F) and average highs barely reaching 18°C (65°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April and May with averages around 12°C (54°F) and maximums nearing 30°C (86°F), showcasing the onset of milder weather. The summer months of June and July bring warmth, with average temperatures soaring to 19°C (66°F) and maximums consistently hitting 34°C (93°F) or more. As summer transitions into autumn, September retains some warmth, but by October and November, coolness returns, with temperatures dipping back to averages around 5°C (41°F). This cyclical fluctuation emphasizes Lucerne's temperate climate, marked by a clear delineation of seasons that influences both the environment and lifestyle of its residents.
In Luzern, temperatures range from a minimum of -17°C (2°F) in February to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in June, while nearby Weggis experiences slightly colder lows at -19°C (-1°F) in February and a peak of 31°C (88°F) in June. Similarly, Vitznau shares the same minimum of -19°C (-1°F) in February and also reaches a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in June. For more details on the climate, visit monthly temperatures in Luzern, monthly temperatures in Weggis, and monthly temperatures in Vitznau.
Lucerne, Switzerland, experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, influenced by a temperate oceanic climate. The wettest months are typically June and July, with average precipitation levels reaching 163 mm (6.4 in) and 173 mm (6.8 in), respectively. Rainfall is fairly consistent during these summer months, with around 18 rainy days each, contributing to lush landscapes that are quintessential to the region. In contrast, the late autumn and winter months, specifically November and February, see reduced precipitation levels of 82 mm (3.2 in) and 93 mm (3.7 in), although December experiences a spike back up to 147 mm (5.8 in) following the drier spells.
Seasonal variation in rainfall also impacts the number of rainy days. The spring months of March and April see moderate precipitation levels, averaging 110 mm (4.3 in) and 84 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 16 and 11 days, respectively. May stands out as a particularly wet month, with the highest rainfall at 156 mm (6.1 in) and 18 rainy days. Overall, Lucerne's precipitation trends embody a clear seasonal rhythm, creating a dynamic climate that shapes both the natural environment and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Lucerne, Switzerland, showcases a distinct pattern of sunshine duration that evolves dramatically from one season to another. The year begins with relatively low sunshine in January, totaling just 165 hours, which gradually rises as winter gives way to spring. By March, Lucerne basks in 300 hours of sunshine, reflecting the transition to brighter days. This uplifting trend continues into the spring months, peaking in June with 386 hours before July reaches an impressive 416 hours. These summer months are the sunniest, providing residents and visitors ample opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities the region has to offer.
However, as summer wanes into autumn, the amount of sunshine begins to decline steadily. August still retains a healthy 385 hours, but by September, it drops to 322 hours, signaling the approach of shorter days. The trend continues through October and November, where sunshine durations diminish further to 281 hours and 220 hours, respectively. December marks the year's end with 186 hours of sunshine, making the winter months the least sunny. Overall, Lucerne’s sunshine duration data highlights a clear seasonal rhythm, with vibrant summers contrasted by the more subdued light of winter, emphasizing the climatic shifts that influence the region's distinct seasonal character.
The UV Index in Lucerne, Switzerland, exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, reflecting the fluctuation in solar radiation throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly in January and December, the UV Index remains low at 2, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes before skin damage may occur. As winter gives way to spring, the index gradually increases, reaching moderate levels of 3 in February and 5 in March, where the potential for sunburn begins to rise. April sees a significant jump to 6, categorizing the exposure as high, with a reduced burn time of only 25 minutes.
The most critical months for UV exposure in Lucerne occur during the summer, with the UV Index peaking at 9 in both June and July, categorized as very high risk, where skin can burn within just 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. August retains a similarly high index of 8, but as the season transitions into autumn, the index decreases to 6 in September, indicating a return to high risk but with a slightly longer burn time of 25 minutes. As temperatures drop heading into late autumn and winter, the UV Index again diminishes, signaling lower risk levels, evidenced by the moderate indices observed in October and November. This seasonal variation underscores the importance of sun protection measures during the peak summer months, while also highlighting the reduced UV exposure inherent in the colder seasons.
UV Risk Categories
In Lucerne, Switzerland, daylight duration undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the year, reflecting the natural rhythm of the seasons. January begins with only 8 hours of daylight, a figure that gradually increases as winter yields to spring. By February, daylight extends to 10 hours, and March sees an additional hour added, reaching 11 hours. The transition into April marks a significant leap to 13 hours, and by May, residents can enjoy 15 hours of daylight as the days warm and lengthen in the lead-up to summer.
As summer settles in, June, July, and August maintain the peak of 15 hours and 14 hours of daylight respectively, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration of the picturesque surroundings. However, as autumn approaches, daylight hours begin to decrease, dropping to 12 hours in September and falling further to 10 hours in October. The reduction continues into November with 9 hours of daylight, and December concludes the year with a return to 8 hours, mirroring the onset of winter. This cyclical pattern in daylight duration not only influences daily life in Lucerne but also underscores the interconnectedness of seasonal change.
Entlebuch, Switzerland experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from -13°C to 14°C, while July sees highs of up to 32°C. Precipitation is significant, peaking in the summer months, with July averaging 165 mm, and the area enjoys ample sunshine, especially in July with 417 hours. For more detailed information on weather patterns, visit Entlebuch climate.
Luzern, Switzerland, experiences a temperate climate with notable seasonal variations. Winter months like January and February see temperatures ranging from -17°C to 16°C, while summer peaks in July and August reach up to 31°C. Precipitation is highest in June and July, averaging around 200 mm, whereas November is relatively dry at 97 mm. The region enjoys abundant sunshine during the summer, with July boasting 415 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Luzern climate.
Vitznau, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with notable seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January and February temperatures ranging from -19°C to 14°C, accompanied by significant precipitation, peaking at 144 mm in January. As spring rolls in, temperatures gradually warm, reaching up to 22°C in April and averaging around 7°C. The summer months are warm and humid, with July and August seeing highs around 31°C and substantial rainfall, with August receiving 203 mm. For more details, visit Vitznau climate.
Weggis, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate throughout the year. Winters are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -1°C (30°F) in January to 1°C (33°F) in December, while summers are warm, peaking at around 31°C (88°F) in July and June. Precipitation is fairly high, particularly from June to August, with August receiving the most at 203 mm (8.0 in). The region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July boasting 415 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Weggis climate.
In summary, the climate of Lucerne, Switzerland, presents a captivating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours throughout the year. Its temperate oceanic climate is characterized by distinct seasons, from the festive chill of winter to the sun-soaked warmth of summer. The notable increase in sunshine and daylight hours during the warmer months encourages outdoor activities and enhances the natural beauty of the region. Conversely, understanding UV exposure and precipitation patterns serves as a reminder for residents and visitors to adapt their activities accordingly. As Lucerne continues to captivate with its scenic landscapes, the dynamic climate contributes significantly to the vibrant lifestyle and seasonal charm of this enchanting Swiss city.