I'm planning on signing up for the 2024 Switzerland tour, which seem to start in May in past years. I would probably lean towards May, but think I've read that snow doesn't clear hiking paths that early.
I don't mind cold, or snow, but I wonder if June would possibly offer more chance of a good first Switzerland experience.
I only had one mid-May experience in the BO, and yeah, some trails closed, some snow up high, and needed a coat/hat/gloves. As I recall some skiing was still going on. YMMV. I'd go with June all else being equal.
I went in July and it was still freezing at night in Murren. So yeah, June. ;) (PS - it remains my favorite country in the world thus far.)
Definitely June - the opportunity for getting to some places might be more favorable.
We went in September and it was lovely. Only on cold/windy day the whole tour. (Tour ended 9/24)
I was pretty sure the consensus would be to hold off till June, and that's what I will do. Earlier would possibly help fit in other plans next year.
I'm sure Sept. would be even better, but I have plans with friends then.
Currently about to start this tour—the first of the year I think. It has been cool—60’s and rain off and on, but I think it’s raining in Italy. We came from France—Loire Valley tour and there was some overcast. Our last full day in Nice was partly sunny but the last day was overcast.
In the past I’ve been in Switzerland in midMay and early September. Both had quite cool nights and comfortable days for hiking. The Murren side of the area was fully open.
We chose this time as I was concerned about the heat in France and we were linking the tours.
Thanks Patty,
I'd be interested in hearing about the weather after your tour. I'm much more interested in avoiding heat than cold, too.
Have a wonderful tour!
I just got back from that tour and it started on May 10th. We had rain off and on for the first 1/2 of the trip and then it cleared up nicely for the remainder of the time (mostly). We did run into some issues where hiking trails were not yet open due to snow, including the extra snow that had just fallen. I would lean toward the latter part of May, and that also avoids more of the summer crowds that really pick up in June and can affect your traveling experience. Also the rain and clouds were not a serious issue but did affect our ability to see some of the mountain tops (including the top of the Matterhorn). But it was very nice to not have a lot of crowds anywhere we went. I did get some good use out of a good raincoat but overall the weather wasn't all that cold - in the 50's and 60's mostly and only twice was it quite a bit colder.
I have been in May and September. May still had snow on trails. September was perfect!!
Plumeria54
Thanks for the report!
I signed up for a June date, glad you enjoyed the tour despite some rain and cold.
We took the RS Best of Switzerland tour and we were so lucky to be there for their “Swiss Day” on August 1st!!! So many festivities, food, drink, music, dancing!!! Incredible!! We had great weather too!! Switzerland is wonderful!!! You will love it!!
Just saw this again. Must have been on the tour with Plumaria. The first several days were cool and wet. It rained in Appenzel and the chance to hike the next day was affected by snow. The weather in Lugano and after was great, though the Matterhorn hid from us. The top of the Schilthorn was comfortable in a light sweater and down vest. Hiking near Murren was fine and the valley was warm (and crowded).
The previous year, someone did a scrapbook covering the same time and the weather looked good.
We had chosen that time as we wanted to link with the Loire tour and I was worried it might get too hot.
My guess is the weather in Switzerland would be fine in May or June.
