Last updated: January 18, 2025
Saint Gallen, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse climate that falls under the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Cfb (oceanic) and ET (tundra). The region experiences a minimum temperature of -26°C (-15°F) in January, reflecting its chilly winters. In contrast, average temperatures hover around a mild 9°C (48°F), while the summer peaks reach a balmy 34°C (94°F) in August. This variability not only highlights the seasonal contrasts of the area but also underlines Saint Gallen's unique position within the Swiss climatic landscape.
Saint Gallen, Switzerland, exhibits a pronounced seasonal temperature pattern characterized by cold winters and warm summers. In the winter months of January and February, temperatures plummet to minima of -26°C (-15°F) and -21°C (-5°F), with average values lingering around -1°C (31°F) and 1°C (35°F), respectively. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April with an average of 8°C (47°F) and maxima reaching 25°C (77°F). The warmer months of June through August showcase significant temperature increases, with daytime highs reaching up to 34°C (93°F) or more, while average temperatures hover near 18°C (64°F). By September, a noticeable decline marks the transition into autumn, with average temperatures falling back to 14°C (57°F). This cyclical pattern, from frigid winters to warm summers, illustrates Saint Gallen's dynamic climate, making it a site of vibrant seasonal changes.
Sankt Gallen experiences a January minimum temperature of -14°C (7°F) and a July maximum of 33°C (91°F) monthly temperatures in Sankt Gallen. In contrast, Bad Ragaz records an even lower January minimum of -26°C (-15°F) with a slightly cooler June maximum of 29°C (85°F) monthly temperatures in Bad Ragaz. Rapperswil has a March minimum of -16°C (4°F) and shares the same July maximum as Sankt Gallen at 33°C (91°F) monthly temperatures in Rapperswil.
Saint Gallen experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with a notable concentration of rainfall during the summer months. The wettest period occurs in August, when the city records approximately 210 mm (8.3 in) of precipitation, followed closely by July and June with around 186 mm (7.3 in) and 185 mm (7.3 in), respectively. Spring tends to see increasing rainfall, particularly in May, which averages 168 mm (6.6 in), contributing to the lush landscapes typical of the region. In contrast, the winter months of January and February bring relatively lower totals, with January receiving 125 mm (4.9 in) and February 93 mm (3.7 in).
The frequency of rainy days also reflects the dynamic nature of Saint Gallen’s weather. While the winter months feature about 11 to 12 rainy days, March witnesses an uptick with 16 rainy days, signaling the arrival of spring. The summer months maintain a high number of rainy days, with July averaging 18 days of precipitation. As autumn approaches, September sees a slight decrease in rainfall days to 14, followed by a further reduction in November and December, where the counts drop to 11 and 18 days, respectively. This seasonal variability in both total precipitation and rainy days underscores the crisp character of Saint Gallen's climate and its ecological vibrancy.
In Saint Gallen, Switzerland, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend characterized by a steady increase from winter to summer. The year begins with a modest 159 hours of sunshine in January, representing the darkest days of winter. However, as spring approaches, the sun begins to make a more significant appearance, with February experiencing 225 hours and March seeing a notable jump to 296 hours. This upward trajectory continues through April and May, culminating in the sunniest months of June and July, where residents and visitors can enjoy 382 hours and 407 hours respectively. This period not only marks the peak of sunshine but also invites outdoor activities and vibrant community events in the warm summer months.
As summer gives way to autumn, the sunshine hours start to decline, falling to 375 hours in August and subsequently decreasing to 315 hours in September. This trend continues into October with 275 hours, leading to shorter, grayer days as winter approaches. The autumn months of November and December are notably less sunny, with just 210 hours and 180 hours, respectively. This pattern highlights the distinct contrast between the lush, sun-drenched summers and the muted, overcast winters, emphasizing how sunlight influences life and activities in Saint Gallen throughout the year.
Saint Gallen, Switzerland, experiences significant variations in UV Index throughout the year, reflective of seasonal changes and sun exposure. During the winter months, January and December maintain a low exposure category with UV Index values of 2, allowing for relatively safe outdoor activities without intense sun protection; however, the burn time can last up to 45 minutes. As the seasons progress into spring, February sees a rise in the UV Index to 4, indicating a moderate exposure, while March and April enter the high exposure category with values of 6 and 7 respectively, necessitating greater caution and shorter burn times of 25 minutes.
With the arrival of summer, UV Index levels peak dramatically, reaching 10 in both June and July, categorized as very high exposure; during this time, the recommended burn time drops to just 15 minutes, emphasizing the need for robust sun protection. Even in August, while the UV Index lowers to 8, it remains classified as very high. As summer fades into autumn, the UV Index decreases, with September returning to a high level of 7 and October dipping to a moderate 5. The transition to winter brings about lower UV levels once again, reinforcing the importance of adjusting sun safety measures according to the seasonal shifts in UV exposure in Saint Gallen.
UV Risk Categories
In Saint Gallen, Switzerland, daylight duration demonstrates a clear seasonal rhythm, beginning with just 8 hours in January and December. As winter transitions to spring, daylight gradually increases, reaching 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March. The arrival of spring brings even longer days, with daylight extending to 13 hours in April and peaking at 15 hours in both May and June. This increase not only enriches the vibrant life and activities in the region but also enhances the picturesque landscapes typical of warmer months.
As summer progresses, daylight remains consistent at 15 hours during July, before beginning a gradual decline in August, where it averages 14 hours. The descent into autumn sees daylight drop to 12 hours in September and further to 10 hours in October. November continues this trend with 9 hours, ultimately returning to the shorter daylight patterns of winter by December. This cyclical variation in daylight duration not only marks the passage of seasons but also impacts the lifestyle and daily rhythms of the inhabitants of Saint Gallen.
Amden, Switzerland experiences a varied climate with distinct seasonal changes. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -20°C to 11°C and precipitation peaking at 141 mm. Summers are mild to warm, especially in July, where temperatures can reach up to 31°C, accompanied by substantial rainfall averaging 251 mm. The region enjoys significant sunshine during summer months, peaking at 408 hours in July. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Amden climate.
Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -26°C to 7°C, while July enjoys milder conditions with averages around 14°C and maximums up to 29°C. Precipitation peaks in August with 239 mm, contributing to a lush landscape, whereas sunshine hours are highest in July at 409 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Bad Ragaz climate.
Rapperswil, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winter months, particularly January and February, can be quite cold, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -16°C (4°F), while precipitation peaks in May and June. Summers are warm, with average temperatures in July and August around 18°C (65°F) and maximums often hitting 33°C (91°F). The region also enjoys ample sunshine, with the highest hours recorded in July (410 hours). For more detailed data, visit Rapperswil climate.
Sankt Gallen, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a chilly -14°C to a mild 14°C, while July sees highs around 33°C. Precipitation is highest in the summer months, particularly August, with 194 mm, and the city enjoys the most sunshine in July, totaling 404 hours. Overall, the region's dynamic weather can be explored further at Sankt Gallen climate.
Wildhaus, Switzerland experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -20°C to 11°C, while July’s temperatures reach a maximum of 31°C. Precipitation peaks in July and August, with averages of 251 mm and 275 mm respectively, contributing to a lush summer landscape. Sunshine hours are highest during the summer months, with July receiving 408 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Wildhaus climate.
In conclusion, Saint Gallen's climate embodies a captivating blend of seasonal variations that influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. With its cold winters transitioning into warm summers, the region offers a dynamic environment where residents experience both the challenges and delights of each season. The notable increase in sunshine and decreased UV Index during summer underlines the importance of sun protection amidst outdoor enjoyment, while the gradual shifts in daylight duration provide a rhythm that shapes daily life throughout the year. Understanding these climatic factors not only enhances our appreciation of Saint Gallen's natural beauty but also equips individuals with the knowledge needed to adapt their lifestyle and activities accordingly.