Weather in Swizterland

Unless you plan to stay on top of a mountain glacier, you probably won't encounter snow or very cold weather ,although freak snowstorms are not unknown at this time of year. More important will be staying dry, particularly in the Alps, where the weather can change on a dime. At least bring a weather-resistant jacket.

Mountain weather varies tremendously depending on your elevation: at 2000 feet above sea level it may be 60 degrees. At the top of a cog railway at 10000 feet on the same day, it will be about 3 degrees cooler per 1000 feet of elevation gain. 60 at the bottom and maybe 35 at the top, same day. Also the wind can make a huge difference, it may be a higher speed at the higher elevations.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT005790

Hi Joanne,
... the above seems to provide a good guide to appropriate dress ... ciao! P

Thanks everyone! These suggestions are helpful!
Joanne

All your questions seem to be answered, but also consider this: early May is marked by cold weather interspersed with some warm days (probably a lot like Sandy, UT). Only in Southern Switzerland (Tessin) can you expect more consistently temperate weather, but since you will be in the mountains, expect winds, variable conditions and snow on higher elevations.

In that part of the world, spring is not considered to have arrived until the passage of the Eisheilige days (the Ice Saints), several saints in the Catholic calendar whose commemorative days fall around May 10, the days of last frost.

This spring in Sandy has been cold and wet and very unpredictable! It sounds like we are in for about the same type of weather if I'm reading you correctly.
No worries! We still plan to have a great time and just enjoy the rain, snow, or what ever may come!
Thanks for your advice etc.
I'm still trying to figure out exactly what clothing to pack though.
Joanne

My plan (we are in Switzerland from May 15-18) is a long sleeve t-shirt, a fleece and a water-proof windbreaker. This allows for easy adjustment based on temperature.

Joanne
Take with you a heavy sweatshirt or water/wind-resistant jacket (North Face, Columbia Sportswear, REI, and the like) because I can guarantee that if the wind won't get ya, the cool evening temperatures will. You may arrive in a time of variable weather and those longjohns they sell in Swiss ski shops will comfort you (but not their price).