Last updated: January 18, 2025
Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is characterized by a Cfb climate under the Köppen-Geiger classification, indicating a temperate oceanic climate with no dry season. The region experiences a remarkable temperature range, with winter lows plunging to a frigid -16°C (4°F) in January, while summer peaks can reach a sweltering 36°C (97°F) in July. On average, the annual temperature hovers around a mild 10°C (50°F), contributing to a diverse and vibrant ecosystem that thrives in this temperate setting.
In Schaffhausen, Switzerland, temperature trends exhibit a distinct seasonal progression, beginning with harsh winter months where January and February see minimum temperatures drop to around -16°C (4°F) and -12°C (12°F), respectively. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise; March witnesses averages of 5°C (42°F), while April and May see averages ascend to 10°C (49°F) and 13°C (56°F), signaling a warmer approach with maximum temperatures reaching up to 30°C (87°F) by late May. The summer months of June and July peak with maximum temperatures soaring to 34°C (93°F) and 36°C (97°F), providing a stark contrast to the cooler seasons. As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to cool once again, with September enjoying mild averages of 15°C (59°F) but shifting towards colder readings in October and November, where temperatures can dip back to the low single digits. By December, the cycle completes as the region re-enters winter, characterized by average temperatures around 2°C (36°F) and minimums hovering near -8°C (18°F), thus highlighting the marked contrast between the seasons throughout the year.
Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen share identical temperature ranges, with minimums dropping to -13°C (8°F) in January and maximums soaring to 36°C (97°F) in July. For more detailed insights on the climate in each location, you can visit their respective links: monthly temperatures in Stein am Rhein and monthly temperatures in Schaffhausen.
Schaffhausen, Switzerland, experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with the wettest months typically falling in late spring and summer. May leads the way with 118 mm (4.7 in) of rainfall, closely followed by June, which records 122 mm (4.8 in), creating lush landscapes and vibrant flora. August also sees significant precipitation at 115 mm (4.5 in), showcasing consistent moisture during the warmer months. In contrast, the autumn and winter months tend to be drier, with November receiving only 60 mm (2.4 in), while April is the driest month at 56 mm (2.2 in).
The frequency of rainy days throughout the year adds another dimension to Schaffhausen’s precipitation profile. For instance, both January and February feature around 11 days of rain, while March sees an increase to 14 days, indicating a transition to wetter spring conditions. Interestingly, December records the highest number of rainy days at 17, despite significant precipitation amounts observed in summer. This seasonal variability paints a picture of a climate that nourishes lush greenery while also preparing for the drier aspects of winter and early spring.
In Schaffhausen, Switzerland, the sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, beginning with relatively limited sunlight during the winter months. January, for instance, records only 145 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 215 hours in February as the days grow longer. As spring unfolds, this upward trajectory continues, with March seeing 287 hours and April catching 354 hours of sunshine. The transition into summer marks a peak in sunshine hours, with June, July, and August standing out as the sunniest months, delivering 382 hours, 410 hours, and 378 hours, respectively. The extended daylight during these months not only enhances the outdoor experience but also contributes to a vibrant natural landscape.
As autumn approaches, the sunlight begins to wane once more, signaling a shift back to shorter days. September, while still relatively bright with 320 hours, is the beginning of a notable decrease, leading to 268 hours in October and dropping further to 197 hours by November. December completes the year with only 165 hours of sunshine, reinforcing the seasonal rhythm of Schaffhausen's climate. This pattern underscores the importance of light in shaping outdoor activities and seasonal experiences, as residents and visitors alike benefit from the long, sun-drenched days of summer and navigate the quieter, more subdued winter months.
In Schaffhausen, Switzerland, the UV Index displays clear seasonal variations that reflect the dynamic interplay between sunlight and atmospheric conditions. During the winter months, particularly January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low, with values of 2 and 3, respectively, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This trend continues into early spring, reaching a moderate 5 in March before climbing to a high 6 in April as the sun's intensity increases. The transition towards summer marks a significant rise in UV radiation, peaking in May and June with values of 8 and 9, categorized as very high, which drastically shortens the burn time to just 15 minutes for unprotected skin.
As summer progresses, the UV Index remains elevated, particularly in July, which shares the highest value of 9 alongside June. However, as August transitions into September, a downward trend begins, with the UV Index decreasing to 8 and then 6, indicating a gradual return to more moderate levels. This pattern continues into the fall, where October sees a UV Index of 4 and again lower values in November and December, dropping to 1, reinforcing the seasonal changes in sun exposure safety. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as they highlight the importance of sun protection strategies particularly during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Schaffhausen, Switzerland, daylight duration experiences a pronounced seasonal rhythm, beginning with the short days of winter. January and December each offer about 8 hours of daylight, creating a landscape characterized by long nights and limited opportunities for outdoor activities. February begins to show a significant increase, with daylight extending to 10 hours, and this upward trend continues into early spring. By March, the region enjoys around 11 hours of daylight, gradually welcoming the longer days of April, where sunlight increases to 13 hours.
As summer approaches, Schaffhausen reaches its peak daylight duration, with June, July, and August maintaining an impressive 15 hours of daylight, allowing residents to fully embrace outdoor pursuits and social activities. The transition into autumn sees a gradual reduction in daylight, with September offering 12 hours before falling back to 10 hours in October and 9 hours in November. This annual cycle highlights the natural ebb and flow of sunlight in Schaffhausen, significantly influencing daily life, leisure activities, and the region’s overall atmosphere throughout the year.
The climate in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -13°C to 15°C, while summers can be warm, with July averaging 20°C and maxing out at 36°C. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in May and June, with total annual rainfall around 1,100 mm. Sunshine hours increase from January’s 147 to a maximum of 406 in July, offering plenty of light during the warmest months. For more details, visit Schaffhausen climate.
Stein am Rhein, Switzerland, experiences a diverse climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winter months, particularly January and February, can be quite chilly with average temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and significant precipitation, while spring transitions bring warmer days peaking at around 26°C (80°F) in April. The summer sees the warmest temperatures, reaching up to 36°C (97°F) in July, accompanied by ample sunshine, particularly in June and July with over 400 hours of sunlight. In contrast, autumn begins to cool down by September with average temperatures of about 15°C (59°F) and less sunshine, leading into mild winters. For more detailed information, visit Stein am Rhein climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, showcases a fascinating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours, each contributing to the region's unique seasonal experiences. From the cold, short days of winter to the warm, sun-soaked summers, residents and visitors alike are offered a dynamic environment that encourages both indoor pursuits and outdoor adventures. Understanding these climatic patterns not only enhances our appreciation for the natural beauty of Schaffhausen but also underscores the importance of adapting to seasonal changes for health and recreation, particularly as the UV index rises during the summer months. Ultimately, Schaffhausen's climate invites exploration and enjoyment, echoing the rhythm of its diverse and vibrant landscape throughout the year.