Last updated: January 18, 2025
Zurich, Switzerland, exemplifies a Cfb climate classification, characterized by a temperate maritime influence. The city's temperature dynamics range from a chilly minimum of -17°C (1°F) in February, which underscores its capacity for cold winters, to a warm maximum of 36°C (97°F) in July, marking the peak of summer heat. With an average annual temperature of approximately 10°C (50°F), Zurich enjoys a mild climate, making it a conducive environment for diverse ecosystems and seasonal activities throughout the year.
In Zurich, Switzerland, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm, with winter months presenting stark cold, particularly in January and February, where minimum temperatures plunge to -17°C (1°F). As the seasons transition into spring, temperatures gradually rise, with March recording an average of 5°C (42°F), indicating a shift towards milder conditions. By April and May, warmth starts to assert itself, leading to maximums of 26°C (80°F) and 30°C (87°F), respectively, as the city embraces the blooming summer. The peak temperatures are reached in July, with highs soaring to 36°C (97°F), followed closely by August. As autumn approaches, a gradual decline in temperatures occurs, with September still enjoying mild averages of 15°C (59°F) before settling into the cooler months of October through December, where temperatures dip again, reintroducing the chill of winter. This annual cycle highlights Zurich's significant variability, transitioning from the biting cold of winter to the warmth of summer, and back again, shaping its unique climate landscape.
Lindau and Stadt Winterthur (Kreis 1) share similar temperature ranges, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F) in January and a maximum of 36°C (96°F) in July. In contrast, Zurich experiences slightly milder winters, with a minimum of -12°C (10°F) in February, while its summer peak reaches 34°C (94°F). For more detailed temperature information, you can refer to the links: monthly temperatures in Lindau, monthly temperatures in Stadt Winterthur (Kreis 1), and monthly temperatures in Zurich.
Zurich experiences a moderate level of precipitation throughout the year, with a notable variation in both monthly totals and the number of rainy days. January sees an average of 107 mm (4.2 in) of rainfall, closely followed by February with 82 mm (3.2 in). The spring months of March and April bring slightly reduced precipitation, with 95 mm (3.7 in) and 71 mm (2.8 in), respectively, while May marks a significant uptick, delivering 135 mm (5.3 in) as the city begins to warm.
The summer season is characterized by its wettest months, particularly June, which records 149 mm (5.9 in) of rainfall over about 14 days. July and August remain consistently rainy, contributing 116 mm (4.6 in) and 133 mm (5.2 in), respectively. As autumn sets in, precipitation levels gradually decline, with October seeing 107 mm (4.2 in), while November drops to 70 mm (2.8 in). December rounds off the year with an average of 133 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days, highlighting the consistent dampness of Zurich's winter months.
In Zurich, sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal progression, marked by a steady increase from the bleak winter months to the vibrant summer. January starts the year with a modest 154 hours of sunlight, which gradually climbs to 220 hours in February and 292 hours in March. This upward trend continues through spring, reaching 355 hours in April and peaking in May with 363 hours. The pleasure of longer daylight hours during these months signifies a transition to warmer temperatures and heightened outdoor activities, culminating in the sunniest month of the year: July, boasting an impressive 410 hours of sunshine.
Following the summer peak, a slight decline occurs as August delivers 378 hours, and September, although still sunny, sees a drop to 318 hours. As autumn unfolds, sunlight diminishes further, with October delivering 272 hours and November considerably less at 204 hours. December closes the year with 173 hours, reflecting the shorter days of winter. This pattern not only highlights Zurich's sunniest months but also emphasizes the city's potential to cultivate seasonal joy through its varying daylight, encouraging residents and visitors alike to embrace the lively summer while adapting to the quieter, subdued winter months.
The UV Index in Zurich exhibits notable seasonal variations, ranging from low levels in winter months to significantly high values during the summer. In January and December, the UV Index remains at a low 2, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with recommended burn times extending to 45 minutes. As winter transitions to spring, February brings an uptick to 3 (moderate exposure), and by March, the index rises to 5, highlighting the need for caution as outdoor activity increases. April sees a further escalation to 7 (high exposure), reflecting the strengthening rays of the sun.
Summer months present the most intense UV radiation, peaking in June with a UV Index of 10, signifying very high exposure risk, and a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. July and August continue to show high indices of 9 and 8, respectively, maintaining a critical level of protection for sun seekers. As autumn approaches, the UV Index decreases to 6 in September (high exposure) and further declines in October and November to 4 and 3 (both moderate exposure), before returning to low levels in December. This seasonal trend underlines the importance of sun protection during the peak summer months, as Zurich residents and visitors navigate their outdoor experiences.
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Daylight duration in Zurich is characterized by a significant seasonal fluctuation, reflecting the widening spectrum of light as the year progresses. In the depths of winter, January and December offer only 8 hours of daylight, creating a stark and chilly atmosphere. February provides a welcome increase to 10 hours, followed by March with 11 hours, indicating the gradual onset of spring as daylight begins to extend, lifting spirits and encouraging outdoor activities.
As Zurich transitions into the warmer months, daylight duration reaches its zenith during the summer. Both May and June offer 15 hours of daylight, providing ample time for exploration and engagement with nature. July maintains this peak with another 15 hours, while August sees a slight dip to 14 hours, foreshadowing the return to shorter days. By September, daylight reduces to 12 hours, and as autumn deepens, October and November witness a further decrease to 10 hours and 9 hours, respectively. This rhythmic pattern of daylight underscores the contrast between Zurich's vivid, sunlit summers and its subdued, darker winters, shaping the lifestyle and routines of its residents throughout the year.
The climate in Binz, Switzerland, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -12°C to a maximum of 13°C, while July sees highs up to 33°C. Precipitation is highest in June at 187 mm, with the summer months generally being wetter. The area enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in July with 410 hours. For more detailed information, visit Binz climate.
Greifensee, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, with January temperatures ranging from -12°C to 13°C, while summers are warm, peaking around 33°C in July. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with the highest rainfall occurring in June (187 mm) and May (159 mm), yet the area enjoys a good amount of sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July receiving 410 hours of sun. For more detailed climate information, visit Greifensee climate.
Kilchberg, Switzerland experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -11°C (13°F), while July reaches a warm average of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is highest in the summer months, particularly June and August, with over 140 mm (5.5 in) of rainfall. The area enjoys significant sunshine, with July boasting up to 415 hours, making it the sunniest month. For more detailed climate information, visit Kilchberg climate.
Kuesnacht, Switzerland experiences a varied climate with distinct seasons. Winters (January to February) are chilly, featuring minimum temperatures around -12°C (10°F) and considerable snowfall, particularly in January when rainfall reaches 112 mm. Summers (June to August) are warm, with average temperatures peaking at 20°C (68°F) to 34°C (93°F) and high precipitation levels in June and August. Sunshine hours are abundant from March to July, with July boasting up to 415 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Kuesnacht climate.
Lindau, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can reach a minimum of -13°C (9°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F), while July sees highs of up to 36°C (96°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in May and June with 123 mm (4.9 in) and 138 mm (5.4 in) respectively. Sunshine hours also fluctuate, with the sunniest months being July and August, boasting around 406 and 375 hours, respectively. For more detailed information, visit Lindau climate.
Pfaffikon, Switzerland experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -12°C (10°F) and reach up to 13°C (56°F), while July sees pleasant highs around 33°C (91°F). Precipitation peaks in June at 187 mm (7.4 in), contributing to lush greenery, and sunshine is abundant from May to July, with over 365 hours recorded in May alone. For more detailed information, visit Pfaffikon climate.
Stadt Winterthur (Kreis 1), Switzerland experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months are cold, with January and February averaging around 1°C (34°F) and 3°C (38°F) respectively, while summers can be quite warm, reaching average highs of 20°C (68°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively high in late spring and summer, with June receiving 138 mm (5.4 in). Sunshine hours peak in July at 406 hours, fostering a pleasant environment during the warmer months. For more detailed climate information, visit Stadt Winterthur (Kreis 1) climate.
Winterthur, Switzerland experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -13°C (9°F), while July peaks at a maximum of 36°C (96°F). Precipitation varies, with May having the highest at 123 mm (4.9 in) and April the lowest at 63 mm (2.5 in). Sunshine hours are plentiful from May to July, averaging over 350 hours, while winter months receive significantly less. For more details on the climate, visit Winterthur climate.
Zurich, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months like January and February see minimum temperatures as low as -12°C (10°F) and significant snowfall, while summers in June to August can reach highs of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with June typically receiving the most at 149 mm (5.9 in). The city enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine, especially during the summer, with July having around 415 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Zurich climate.
In conclusion, Zurich's climate showcases a captivating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, distinctly shaping the city's seasonal experience. From the biting cold and limited daylight of winter to the warm, sun-drenched days of summer, each season imparts its unique character and rhythm to daily life in Zurich. Awareness of these climatic attributes not only enriches one's understanding of the city but also enhances the enjoyment of its diverse outdoor activities throughout the year. As residents and visitors navigate seasonal transitions, they can fully appreciate the charm and vitality that Zurich's climate offers across its varying landscapes and experiences.