Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Valais, Switzerland, is characterized by a diverse and dynamic range of conditions, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as ET (Tundra), Cfb (Temperate oceanic), and Dfc (Subarctic). The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with record lows plunging to -30°C (-22°F) in December, while average temperatures hover around a mild 3°C (38°F). In stark contrast, summer months can soar to maximums of 34°C (94°F) in July, highlighting the area's unique climatic diversity. This variety not only shapes the local ecosystems but also influences the lifestyle and agricultural practices of its inhabitants.
Valais, Switzerland, exhibits distinct temperature patterns throughout the year, reflecting the region's alpine climate. Winter months, particularly January and December, experience extreme cold with minimum temperatures dropping to -30°C (-22°F) and average lows around -8°C (17°F), while maximums remain modest, peaking at only 14°C (57°F). As the spring months approach, temperatures gradually rise, with March showing a notable increase, reaching a maximum of 20°C (68°F). By the time April and May arrive, warmer conditions prevail, with highs climbing to 24°C (76°F) and 27°C (81°F) respectively. The summer season peaks in July, which showcases the region's warmest temperatures, hitting a maximum of 34°C (94°F). As autumn rolls in, temperatures begin to decline again, with September seeing pleasant highs of 27°C (81°F), while November ushers in cooler temperatures back down to -2°C (29°F) on average. This cyclical rhythm of temperature change highlights the region's characteristic seasonal transitions, making Valais a unique climate zone in Switzerland.
Verbier experiences a minimum temperature of -29°C (-20°F) in January and peaks at 25°C (77°F) in June, while Zermatt records a similar minimum of -29°C (-19°F) in March, with a maximum of 23°C (74°F) in June. Saas-Fee has a slightly higher minimum of -26°C (-15°F) in March and also reaches a maximum of 25°C (77°F) in June. For more details, visit the temperature links for monthly temperatures in Verbier, monthly temperatures in Zermatt, and monthly temperatures in Saas-Fee.
Valais, Switzerland, experiences a diverse precipitation pattern throughout the year, reflecting its unique geographical and climatic features. The winter months of January and February see notable rainfall, with January averaging 132 mm (5.2 in) over about 10 days, while February experiences slightly less at 96 mm (3.8 in) across 11 days. As spring arrives, March presents a jump in precipitation to 124 mm (4.9 in) over 15 days, followed by a decline in April with 90 mm (3.6 in) over 11 days.
The onset of summer brings a notable increase in rainfall, peaking in May with 173 mm (6.8 in) during approximately 20 days, indicating the onset of the wetter season. June and July maintain substantial precipitation levels at 159 mm (6.3 in) and 149 mm (5.9 in) respectively, typically spanning 17 to 18 days of rainfall. The late summer and early autumn months, including August and September, also remain consistent with 152 mm (6.0 in) and 103 mm (4.0 in). Notably, December stands out with the highest precipitation of the year at 193 mm (7.6 in) over 16 days, completing a year marked by a rich tapestry of rainfall across varying seasons.
The sunshine duration in Valais, Switzerland, reveals striking seasonal trends, showcasing a significant increase from winter to summer. In the winter months, January receives only 175 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises to 202 hours in December. However, February marks a notable uptick, with a substantial 235 hours, indicating the gradual return of sunnier days as daylight increases and winter transitions towards spring. This upward trend continues through the spring months, where March averages 303 hours and April brings in 354 hours, signaling the arrival of longer and more vibrant daylight as the landscape begins to awaken from its winter slumber.
As summer approaches, Valais basks in abundant sunshine, peaking in July with an impressive 418 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year. August follows closely behind with 385 hours, and September retains a generous 326 hours, ensuring the sunshine persists well into the autumn season. However, as October and November roll in, sunlight begins to wane, with October offering 289 hours and November dipping further to 231 hours. This gradual decline underscores the stark contrast between the vibrant summer months and the diminishing light of late autumn, illuminating Valais's dynamic climatic character.
The UV Index in Valais, Switzerland, exhibits significant variations across the seasons, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation and the potential risk of skin damage associated with outdoor activities. During the winter months, the UV Index remains relatively low, with January recording a value of 3 and February reaching 5, indicating moderate exposure levels. As the sun begins to rise higher in the sky, March sees a dramatic increase to 8, moving into the very high category, which emphasizes the need for sun protection as burn times decrease to just 15 minutes.
The summer months bring the highest UV Index readings, peaking in June at a striking 11, classified as extreme, where individuals should limit their sun exposure to just 10 minutes to avoid skin damage. July follows closely with a very high index of 10, while August remains slightly lower at 9. As the season transitions to autumn, the UV Index gradually declines, with September and October recording values of 7 and 6, respectively, categorized as high. By the time November and December arrive, the levels drop significantly, ending the year with a low UV Index of 2 in December, allowing for longer exposure times without increased risk. These trends highlight the importance of sun safety awareness, particularly in the peak summer months when exposure risks are greatest.
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Daylight duration in Valais, Switzerland, showcases a clear seasonal pattern characterized by gradual increases and decreases throughout the year. In the winter months, January has approximately 9 hours of daylight, declining further to 8 hours by December, illustrating the shorter days typical of the winter season. February signals the beginning of longer days, with daylight extending to 10 hours, while March continues this trend with 11 hours, as the region transitions into spring and daylight begins to lengthen noticeably.
As Valais approaches the summer months, daylight hours peak, reaching a maximum of 15 hours in both June and July, allowing for extended outdoor activities under bright skies. Following the height of summer, daylight begins to recede, with August offering 14 hours, and September seeing a decline to 12 hours. By October, the daylight duration diminishes to 10 hours, rounding off the autumn season. The year concludes with November returning to 9 hours of daylight, underscoring the clear cycle of light and darkness that shapes life in this Alpine region.
The climate in Bagnes, Switzerland, is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -29°C to 5°C, with significant snowfall, averaging 137 mm of precipitation. As the year progresses, temperatures rise, peaking around 25°C in July, while May typically receives the highest rainfall at 153 mm. Sunshine hours vary throughout the year, with July boasting the most at 422 hours. For more detailed information, visit Bagnes climate.
Basse-Nendaz, Switzerland experiences a marked variation in climate throughout the year, with cold winters and mild summers. January can be particularly frigid, with average temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and substantial precipitation of 140 mm (5.5 in), whereas July temperatures peak at an average of 14°C (58°F) with 416 hours of sunshine. The region receives its highest rainfall in May (191 mm) and December (213 mm), yet the sun shines most in July and August. This combination of temperatures and precipitation creates a distinct Alpine environment ideal for winter sports and summer hiking. For more detailed climate information, visit Basse-Nendaz climate.
Brig, Switzerland, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -25°C to 4°C, while July enjoys warmer conditions with a range from 2°C to 24°C. Precipitation peaks in June with 173 mm, and sunshine hours are highest in July at 417 hours. Overall, the region has a balanced distribution of rainfall and ample sunshine, making it picturesque throughout the year. For more detailed climate information, visit Brig climate.
Champery, Switzerland experiences a temperate alpine climate with notable seasonal variations. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -19°C (-2°F) in January, with average highs around 9°C (48°F). Summer sees warmer conditions, with July and August averaging 16°C (61°F) and maxing out at 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is highest in late spring and summer months, peaking at 219 mm (8.6 in) in June, while sunshine hours are plentiful, especially from May to July, averaging over 350 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit Champery climate.
Evolène, Switzerland experiences a temperate alpine climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can dip to -30°C (-22°F), while July sees warmer averages around 10°C (51°F) to 23°C (73°F). The area receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with May being the wettest month at 137 mm (5.4 in). Sunshine hours peak in July at 425 hours, offering a bright respite from the cooler, cloudier winter months. For more detailed information, visit Evolene climate.
Fiesch, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see minimum temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F), accompanied by substantial snowfall, with January receiving about 155 mm of precipitation. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, reaching averages of 8°C (46°F) in June, while summer months like July can peak at 22°C (73°F). Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 415 hours in July, making Fiesch a scenic destination year-round. For more detailed weather information, visit Fiesch climate.
The climate in Grachen, Switzerland is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January often sees temperatures reaching as low as -28°C (-18°F), while July enjoys warmer averages around 13°C (55°F). Precipitation is notable throughout the year, with the peak hitting 170 mm (6.7 in) in December, and the sunniest month is July, boasting 416 hours of sunshine. For more detailed climate information, visit Grachen climate.
Leukerbad, Switzerland experiences a cold, alpine climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January and February are particularly chilly, with average temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and substantial snowfall, while July and August offer milder weather, averaging around 12°C (53°F) to 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is highest in December (241 mm) and July (195 mm), while the sunniest months are June and July, boasting up to 416 hours of sunshine. This unique climate makes Leukerbad a fascinating destination for both winter sports and summer activities. For more information, visit Leukerbad climate.
Martigny-Ville, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -27°C to 6°C, while July enjoys milder temperatures between 1°C and 26°C. Precipitation peaks in December at 235 mm and remains relatively high throughout the year, contributing to lush surroundings. The area boasts the most sunshine during summer months, particularly in July with 422 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Martigny-Ville climate.
Morgins, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -19°C (-2°F), while July peaks around 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is highest in late spring and early summer, with May recording 210 mm (8.3 in) and June 219 mm (8.6 in). Additionally, sunshine hours peak in July, reaching 418 hours, providing a bright contrast to the wetter months. For more detailed information, visit Morgins climate.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see the lowest temperatures, with averages dropping to around -9°C (16°F) and minimal sunshine. Precipitation peaks in late spring and summer, with June and August receiving over 280 mm (11 in) of rain. In contrast, the region enjoys abundant sunshine from March to July, with July seeing the highest at 426 hours. For more detailed information on the climate, visit Saas-Fee climate.
Saillon, Switzerland experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Temperatures range from a monthly minimum of -29°C in December to a maximum of 28°C in July, with an average temperature of around -8°C in January and 14°C in July. Precipitation is highest in May and December, accumulating approximately 191 mm and 213 mm, respectively, while sunshine hours peak during the summer months, notably reaching 416 hours in July. For more details, visit Saillon climate.
The climate in Salgesch, Switzerland, is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -30°C with an average of -8°C, while July sees highs around 28°C. Precipitation is highest in May (160 mm) and December (188 mm), while sunlight peaks in July with 416 hours. Overall, this region experiences diverse weather conditions throughout the year, offering a distinct climate experience. For detailed information, visit Salgesch climate.
Saxon, Switzerland, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -26°C (-15°F), while July sees a maximum of around 28°C (82°F). Precipitation is significant, especially in December with 213 mm (8.4 in) of rainfall, and summer months also receive considerable rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in July at 416 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year. For more detailed climate information, visit Saxon climate.
Sierre, Switzerland experiences a varied climate, with cold winters and warm summers. January can see minimum temperatures drop to -30°C (-22°F), while July typically boasts an average of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in December with 188 mm, while sunshine hours reach their highest in July with 416 hours. Overall, this Alpine town offers a range of weather conditions, making it a unique destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Sierre climate.
The climate in Verbier, Switzerland is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can dip as low as -29°C (-20°F) with an average of -10°C (14°F), while July sees milder weather with averages around 12°C (54°F) and highs of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in December with 203 mm (8.0 in), and June experiences the most sunshine with 398 hours. Overall, Verbier offers a diverse climate suitable for both winter sports and summer activities. For more detailed information, visit Verbier climate.
Visp, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate with considerable seasonal variation. Winters are cold, with January and December seeing minimum temperatures around -25°C and average highs reaching only 4°C. In contrast, summers are mild to warm, with July and August averaging 13°C to 12°C, and maximums reaching 24°C. Precipitation is relatively high throughout the year, peaking in May (163 mm) and June (173 mm), while sunshine hours are greatest in July (417 hours) and gradually decrease through the autumn. For more detailed information, visit Visp climate.
Visperterminen, Switzerland, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Average temperatures range from a frigid -25°C (-13°F) in January to a pleasant 19°C (67°F) in May, with July peaking at a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation is pronounced, especially in spring and summer, with June receiving the highest monthly total of 173 mm (6.8 in). Sunshine hours peak in July at 417 hours, contributing to the region's lush landscapes. For more detailed information, visit Visperterminen climate.
Zermatt, Switzerland experiences a subarctic climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January features the lowest temperatures, dipping as low as -27°C (-17°F), while July sees milder conditions with average highs around 20°C (69°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in August with 215 mm (8.4 in), and is spread across the seasons, with relatively sunny months in late spring and summer boasting over 400 hours of sunshine. For more details on the climate, visit Zermatt climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Valais, Switzerland, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the harsh cold and limited sunlight in winter to the warm, sun-soaked days of summer, Valais offers a captivating array of climatic conditions that influence both the environment and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The region's high UV Index during peak summer underscores the importance of sun safety, while the gradual increase in daylight hours invites a sense of renewal and activity as spring unfolds. These dynamic patterns not only highlight the natural beauty of Valais but also emphasize the need for awareness and adaptability to fully enjoy what each season has to offer.