Switzerland in October

The first week of October can be great in the Alps. However, lifts/ gondolas will be shutting down for maintenance and lodging owners talking a break before ski season, so check your dates carefully. The cities are open.
How long will you be there, interests , budget, group size, athleticism, etc? We need a few more details to be more helpful. Enjoy!

Hi rl12107,
I have traveled to Switzerland during October many times through the years, typically for three weeks. The last time was in 2017. It was warm enough to eat outside most of the time. On one trip I spent three days in Lenk. It snowed one night and the next day was sunny and warm enough to eat outdoors. I recall eating outdoors at the Old Tram Depot in Bern at least twice on a sunny day in short shirtsleeves. I always take a fleece lined jacket. Most days I didn't need it. But each year is a little different. Who knows what this year will bring? The sun does set earlier than in the summer. However, I would happily return to Switzerland in October, and likely will. I would need to know more about what you would like to do, what are your interests to make suggestions re your itinerary.

Happy planning and have a great trip!

Traveler Girl

Travelergirl is right on about changability from year-to-year. We have had great weather in October many times (and we go to CH every year). It also depends on exactly where you are going. The Greater Lauterbrunnen/Greater Jungfrau Region is best earlier that month due to some of the closures that start to set in later in the month. Some businesses close entirely to give their staff a break between the intensity of summer and the insanity of ski season.

It is, IMO, too cold over in the Engadine (Pontresina, St. Moritz) but fall can be delightful near Zurich due to lower elevation. I have seen incredible pictures of fall color there although we always seem to be there too early for peak. Likewise, along Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) as wine harvesting will have just passed. We enjoyed a golden week there on October.

What do you like to do? The woman who writes this blog https://swissfamilyfun.com/ concentrates on family activities but we use her idea constantly and she shows a lot of great fall outings, especially near Zurich.

Hello!
Out of 14 trips to Switzerland
in the last half of September/first ten days of October, two have been total washouts.
The majority might have 2-4 days of nasty weather.
Of course, global warming IS happening, so subject to change.

Late October of 2022, I was in short sleeves at Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, and Lucerne (warmest October on record). Places were at a really nice (low) crowd level. I'd have to be talked out of going in October again.

Please share interests, number of days, and flight details for itinerary suggestions.

Thanks for your feedback!

I will be traveling late October and early November. I don't ski but I do enjoy the cafe scenes, cultural activities and scenic train ride. Unfortunately, my dates are not flexible but I do like the idea of experiencing German, Italian and French culture while traversing through the country.