The Alps have a continental climate, meaning summers are warm and winters are cold. But you’ll also find that the weather in the Alps varies depending on where you are.
For instance, some areas of the Alps are known for their high number of sunshine days throughout the year. This includes places like the town of Locarno in the southern Swiss Alps.
On the other hand, if you’re exploring at high altitudes, the temperature is usually cooler than in the lowlands. So head into the mountains and you’ll want to be prepared for changeable weather. This means spare warm and waterproof layers are essential.
Nordic Visitor tours of the Alps run from May to October, spanning late spring, summer and autumn. Visit in summer – June to mid-September – and you’ll enjoy the warmest weather of the year.
For an idea of what to expect, here’s the average summer temperature in a few places across the Alps:
• Zürich, Switzerland: 21.5–23°C (71–74°F)
• Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: 12–15°C (54–59°F)
• Zermatt, Switzerland: 7.5–10°C (46–50°F)
• Munich, Germany: 21–23°C (70–73°F)
• Salzburg, Austria: 21–23°C (70–73°F)
• Como, Italy: 24–26°C (76–79°F)
Travel to the same places in May, September or October, and you’ll experience average temperatures around:
• Zürich, Switzerland: 14.5–19°C (58–66°F)
• Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: 7–11°C (45–52°F)
• Zermatt, Switzerland: 2–7°C (36–44°F)
• Munich, Germany: 14–18°C (57–67°F)
• Salzburg, Austria: 14–18°C (57–67°F)
• Como, Italy: 16–20°C (60–68°F)