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-   -   Switzerland in late June or early September? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/switzerland-in-late-june-or-early-september-1706417/)

swatch890 Mar 31st, 2022 09:17 AM

Switzerland in late June or early September?
 
Hi! I’ve been wanting to visit Switzerland (haven’t decided on exact regions, but likely Zurich, Lucerne, Bern) for years and I might finally have the opportunity this summer.

I’ve always wanted to see the wildflowers and beautiful scenery, but really don’t want to rained out. Though late June may be better for wildflowers, I heard that June is more likely to be rainy which would be a bummer.

That said, am I better off visiting in late June or early September? Any and all advice appreciated. Thank you!

Amy0221 Mar 31st, 2022 12:44 PM


Originally Posted by swatch890 (Post 17348975)
Hi! I’ve been wanting to visit Switzerland (haven’t decided on exact regions, but likely Zurich, Lucerne, Bern) for years and I might finally have the opportunity this summer.

I’ve always wanted to see the wildflowers and beautiful scenery, but really don’t want to rained out. Though late June may be better for wildflowers, I heard that June is more likely to be rainy which would be a bummer.

That said, am I better off visiting in late June or early September? Any and all advice appreciated. Thank you!

We went in mid September two years ago (Wengen) and it was spectacular.

MichGuy Mar 31st, 2022 02:00 PM

Both months would work.
 

Originally Posted by swatch890 (Post 17348975)
Hi! I’ve been wanting to visit Switzerland (haven’t decided on exact regions, but likely Zurich, Lucerne, Bern) for years and I might finally have the opportunity this summer.

I’ve always wanted to see the wildflowers and beautiful scenery, but really don’t want to rained out. Though late June may be better for wildflowers, I heard that June is more likely to be rainy which would be a bummer.

That said, am I better off visiting in late June or early September? Any and all advice appreciated. Thank you!


How long will you be there? If it's a short trip, say less than 10 days, I'd go in September. For a longer trip it won't matter. You can deal with a couple of days of rain. We went for three weeks in September two years ago and had great weather the whole time.

It's not too early to start planning your itinerary too. The cities you mention are worth seeing but Switzerland is all about mountains -- your wildflowers and scenery. Time to pick a region and start planning.

Ingo Mar 31st, 2022 11:55 PM

Weather is non-predictable that long in advance. I went in late August and got snow, early July and got snow - and another year gorgeous sunny weather. If you want to see wildflowers (and that is really a good reason to visit!) you must go in late June.

WeisserTee Apr 1st, 2022 01:01 AM

Early September can still be hot and humid, it depends on where you plan on going. We tend to avoid holidaying around that time (or even spending much time outside in Basel, where we live) because I don't like wasps and they can be feisty at that time of year. At any rate, we prefer to do our Swiss holidays in late spring (going to the Ticino again soon), mid autumn (mid October to early November) or winter.

I spent some time in Luzern last October and the weather was perfect. Sunny, dry, warm but not hot during the day and crisp and cool at night.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c46317ecf9.jpg
flowers can be beautiful in autumn too!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d341bcab69.jpg
along the lake

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3a6ace282f.jpg

mbrevitas Apr 1st, 2022 01:17 AM

Both late June and early September can be very nice, weather-wise, but it's impossible to be sure. In June there will still be snow at high elevations, so if you want to hike very high trails it's better if you go in early September; if you don't care about that, but do care about the flowers, go in June.
If you want to minimise your changes of being rained on (especially in late June; September is more variable), don't go north of the Alps, but south, to Ticino and northern Italy.

neckervd Apr 1st, 2022 08:06 AM

Weather is ALWAYS unpredictable in the Alps.
The Canton of Valais (Sion, Brig, Zermatt, Saas Fee, Riederalp-Aletsch) is usually drier and more sunny than the Northern slopes of the Alps (Bernese Oberland, Lucerne area). The alpine flora is also much richer there (in June).
Weather in the Southern Canton of Ticino is a diferent weather zone and it's mountain valleys are full of flowers from mid May until end June.
As neither June nor September are high season, you could spend your first nights at a transport hub like Lucerne or Brig from where you can easily reach all the other areas and plan the next stays according to the SWISS weather forecast.

Topgun777 Apr 1st, 2022 08:15 AM

Switzerland in July
 

Originally Posted by neckervd (Post 17349316)
Weather is ALWAYS unpredictable in the Alps.
The Canton of Valais (Sion, Brig, Zermatt, Saas Fee, Riederalp-Aletsch) is usually drier and more sunny than the Northern slopes of the Alps (Bernese Oberland, Lucerne area). The alpine flora is also much richer there (in June).
Weather in the Southern Canton of Ticino is a diferent weather zone and it's mountain valleys are full of flowers from mid May until end June.
As neither June nor September are high season, you could spend your first nights at a transport hub like Lucerne or Brig from where you can easily reach all the other areas and plan the next stays according to the SWISS weather forecast.

Hello, Would July be a good time to travel in July. I am thinking of going that month. Thanks Larry

mokka4 Apr 1st, 2022 02:26 PM

July
 
July can be HOT. And AC is not common. I can sweat at home ;-)

neckervd Apr 2nd, 2022 04:27 AM

July can get hot in the Swiss lowlands, butg not in the mounttains


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