Lucerne - When to Visit

When to Visit Lucerne

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Lucerne Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -6°C 2°C 11°C 20°C 29°C Rainfall (mm) 0 85 170 Jan Jan: 4.0°C high, -1.0°C low, 56mm rain Feb Feb: 5.0°C high, -1.0°C low, 61mm rain Mar Mar: 10.0°C high, 1.0°C low, 76mm rain Apr Apr: 15.0°C high, 4.0°C low, 97mm rain May May: 19.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 150mm rain Jun Jun: 22.0°C high, 12.0°C low, 165mm rain Jul Jul: 24.0°C high, 14.0°C low, 165mm rain Aug Aug: 24.0°C high, 14.0°C low, 170mm rain Sep Sep: 19.0°C high, 10.0°C low, 109mm rain Oct Oct: 14.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 89mm rain Nov Nov: 8.0°C high, 2.0°C low, 79mm rain Dec Dec: 4.0°C high, 0.0°C low, 79mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Lucerne experiences a temperate oceanic climate with four distinct seasons. The city enjoys warm, relatively wet summers from June to August with temperatures reaching the mid-70s°F, while winters are cold with temperatures dropping to around 30°F and occasional snowfall. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) serve as pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and rainfall. The wettest months are June through August, each receiving over 6 inches of rainfall, while winter months are considerably drier. Humidity remains consistently at 70% throughout the year, contributing to the lush green landscapes that Switzerland is famous for.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
June to August when temperatures reach 73-76°F, perfect for enjoying Lake Lucerne despite higher rainfall.
Cultural Exploration
April to May and September to October offer comfortable temperatures (57-66°F) with moderate crowds and manageable rainfall.
Adventure & Hiking
May to September provides the warmest weather (66-76°F) and best access to mountain trails, though summer months are wettest.
Budget Travel
November to March offers lowest tourist crowds and accommodation rates, though temperatures are cold (39-46°F).

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January is the coldest month in Lucerne with crisp winter weather. Snow is common, creating picturesque alpine scenery, though rainfall is relatively low at 2.2 inches. This is peak winter season with cozy indoor attractions and winter sports nearby.

39°F High
29°F Low
2.2 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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February

February remains cold with similar conditions to January, though temperatures begin to show slight signs of warming. With only 2.4 inches of rainfall, it's one of the drier months. Winter activities and indoor cultural attractions remain the focus.

42°F High
28°F Low
2.4 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of spring with noticeably warmer temperatures and longer days. Rainfall increases to 3.0 inches as the winter snow begins to melt. Early spring flowers start to bloom, making it a pleasant time for city walks.

51°F High
34°F Low
3.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

April brings mild spring weather with comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration. Rainfall increases to 3.8 inches, supporting the lush green landscapes. This is an excellent time for sightseeing without summer crowds.

59°F High
40°F Low
3.8 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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May

May offers pleasant late spring conditions with warming temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Rainfall significantly increases to 5.9 inches, but the weather is generally agreeable. Mountain trails become more accessible as snow melts at lower elevations.

66°F High
48°F Low
5.9 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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June

June marks the start of summer with warm, comfortable temperatures perfect for lake activities and mountain excursions. However, rainfall peaks at 6.5 inches, so visitors should be prepared for frequent showers. Tourist season begins to pick up significantly.

73°F High
55°F Low
6.5 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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July

July is the warmest month in Lucerne, ideal for all outdoor activities including hiking, lake cruises, and mountain railways. Despite the high rainfall of 6.5 inches, the warm temperatures make it peak tourist season. Expect crowds at major attractions.

76°F High
58°F Low
6.5 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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August

August maintains warm summer temperatures with the highest rainfall of the year at 6.7 inches. Despite frequent rain, it remains peak tourist season due to vacation schedules. The combination of warmth and moisture creates lush, green mountain landscapes.

75°F High
57°F Low
6.7 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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September

September offers excellent early autumn weather with comfortable temperatures and decreasing rainfall at 4.3 inches. This is considered one of the best months to visit, with warm days, cooler nights, and fewer crowds than peak summer.

67°F High
51°F Low
4.3 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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October

October brings crisp autumn weather with beautiful fall colors in the surrounding mountains. Temperatures cool considerably and rainfall decreases to 3.5 inches. This is an excellent time for hiking and photography with moderate tourist numbers.

57°F High
44°F Low
3.5 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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November

November sees the transition into winter with significantly cooler temperatures and moderate rainfall of 3.1 inches. Days become shorter and many high-altitude attractions may begin closing for the season. Crowds are minimal, making it good for budget travelers.

46°F High
35°F Low
3.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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December

December brings full winter conditions with cold temperatures and potential snowfall. Rainfall remains at 3.1 inches, often falling as snow. The city takes on a magical winter atmosphere with Christmas markets and holiday decorations.

40°F High
30°F Low
3.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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