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Best time to visit Zermatt: month by month
Short answer
July to September is best for hiking, with village highs of 15-18°C and trails clear of snow; late September is quieter with clear skies. December to April is the ski season, and the glacier allows skiing all year. May, June and November have some lifts closed for maintenance.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -1°C | -7°C | 13 | high |
| Feb | 2°C | -5°C | 7 | very high |
| Mar | 2°C | -5°C | 10 | high |
| Apr | 4°C | -4°C | 11 | medium |
| May | 9°C | 3°C | 11 | low |
| Jun | 16°C | 7°C | 11 | low |
| Jul | 18°C | 9°C | 10 | high |
| Aug | 18°C | 8°C | 8 | very high |
| Sep | 15°C | 6°C | 11 | medium |
| Oct | 11°C | 3°C | 10 | low |
| Nov | 3°C | -4°C | 15 | low |
| Dec | 2°C | -5°C | 13 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Cold, with village highs of 2-9°C and about 10-11 snowy or rainy days; skiing continues into April.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Mild, with highs of 16-18°C and lows of 7-9°C; the Five Lakes Walk opens from late June.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is excellent at 15°C; October cools to 11°C, and November is cold with lifts closing.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of -1 to 2°C and lows of -5 to -7°C; peak ski season and snowy village.
Events worth planning around
- Zermatt Unplugged music festival, April
- Zermatt Marathon, July
- Swiss National Day, 1 August, with fireworks
- Folklore festival with traditional costumes, August (check dates)
When to avoid
May, June and November are between seasons, with some lifts closed and trails still snowy or closing. Christmas, February half-term and August are the busiest and most expensive.
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Common questions
What is the best time to see the Matterhorn?
Clear mornings in July to September are most reliable; late September is often very clear.
When is the ski season in Zermatt?
Roughly December to April, with glacier skiing available all year.
When does the Five Lakes Walk open?
Usually from late June to early October, depending on snow.