The weather in Switzerland in February

 The weather in Switzerland in March holds onto winter, especially in alpine areas where ski season is still going strong. Mountain towns stay snowy while lower elevations start to thaw, with hints of spring in cities like Zurich and Geneva. Cultural events like the Geneva Motor Show add variety to a trip, and you can easily combine snow sports with city sightseeing.

Switzerland in February at a glance

• Average temperatures range from around 27°F to 45°F (-3°C to 7°C).
• This is a great time to explore the Swiss Alps and experience world-class skiing and snowboarding.
• With cold and snowy weather, this month is perfect for winter sports and mountain resorts.
• This is a busy time; expect a bustling atmosphere

What’s the weather in Switzerland in February like?

February usually means snow in Switzerland, especially in the mountains. The Swiss Alps get solid snow coverage this time of year, which makes it a good month for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

In lower-altitude areas and cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, you’re more likely to get a mix of rain, sleet, and the occasional sunny day. It’s still cold, but not as intense as up in the mountains.

If you're headed to a resort town, expect snowy views and a busy, energetic atmosphere. Even if you’re not skiing, it’s a nice time to explore alpine villages or take a scenic train ride through the snowy landscape. Just be sure to dress warm and check local forecasts, especially if you're planning to drive or travel between regions. This is a great month to plan your Switzerland itinerary. 
 

Average daily temperatures in February

 February is full-on winter in Switzerland, and how cold it feels depends a lot on elevation. Down in the valleys, places like Zurich and Geneva tend to hit daytime highs of 41 to 45°F (5 to 7°C), with nights dropping to the low 30s (around 0 to 1°C). Up in the mountains, it’s colder—resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz usually range from the high 20s to mid-30s (-2 to 2°C) during the day and can dip into the mid-teens (-9 to -7°C) at night.

At lower elevations, you’ll get a mix of rain and snow, but once you’re up in the Alps, it’s proper snow season. Conditions are steady, with less of the stop-start weather you get in spring or autumn, though big snowstorms can still hit fast. Lakes are frozen or just above freezing, so they’re not for swimming.

The snow line sits around 4,900 feet, and anything above that usually has great skiing. Days are getting longer, with around 10 to 11 hours of daylight, and if you’re in the mountains, you might get clear skies and sun even when the valleys are fogged in. It’s a great time to be here, as long as you’re dressed for it.
 

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Is this a good time to visit Switzerland?

February is a great time to visit Switzerland for lovers of winter sports and frozen landscapes. It’s typically chilly and with plenty of snow, providing ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. The Alps are particularly attractive during this month, offering world-class ski resorts. However, be prepared for the icy temperatures; packing warm clothing is, of course, essential.

At lower altitudes and in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel you might have a mix of snow and rain, with occasional clear and sunny days, making them enjoyable spots for sightseeing and cultural experiences. However, you should still be prepared for the low temperatures, so bear this in mind when packing.

As a bonus, this is a fantastic time for festivals and events. Smaller crowds compared to the peak holiday season in December and January give a more relaxed and intimate experience at popular tourist haunts. Overall, the conditions and range of activities on offer make it an excellent time to explore the country. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Switzerland.

• Optimal skiing conditions with reliable snow coverage
• Stunning winter scenery for scenic train rides
• Unique events like White Turf races
• High season prices for accommodation
• Perfect for both winter sports and cozy Alpine experiences

What about the crowds & cost?

February falls during the peak winter season, meaning popular destinations are usually busy. This results in higher costs for accommodation, excursions, and flights compared to other periods. However, the stunning scenery and the opportunity to enjoy world-class winter sports often justify the extra costs. If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Switzerland. 
 

Where to go to Switzerland in February

February transforms Switzerland into a winter sports paradise with pristine snow conditions and bustling ski resorts.  Here are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland. 

Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the best spots for snow in February. Ski runs stretch into Italy, the Matterhorn is usually visible, and the whole town stays car-free and quiet. Even if you don’t ski, you can take the train up to Gornergrat or the cable car to Klein Matterhorn. There’s a glacier cave at the top and a panoramic restaurant with mountain views. Back in the village, horse-drawn sleighs glide past fondue restaurants and wooden chalets. 

Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region

This area hits its stride in February. Snow piles high in the Lauterbrunnen valley, and waterfalls freeze into jagged ice. Skiers head to Grindelwald and Wengen, but you can also take the Jungfraujoch train to the highest station in Europe. At the top, you’ll find views of glaciers and a carved-out ice palace. In the evenings, some mountain villages run night sledding trails lit by lanterns. Restaurants serve rösti and raclette by fireplaces, and the air is crisp and cold.

Lucerne

Lucerne gives you both winter landscapes and city comfort. Mount Pilatus and Rigi are close by with snowshoe trails and sledding runs, and the cogwheel trains are still running. Back in town, you’ve got the Chapel Bridge, the old town, and several museums if it’s too wet or cold to stay outside. Fasnacht, the pre-Lent carnival, usually kicks off in February with brass bands, masks, and parades. Even lake cruises keep running with heated cabins and views of the snowy peaks. See our pick of the best outdoor activities in Switzerland.
 

What to do in Switzerland in February

This is Switzerland in full winter mode. Here's our pick of the best things to do in Switzerland. 

Skiing and snowboarding in the Alps

Snow is dependable this month in the Swiss Alps, and ski schools are in full swing. First-timers can take lessons while more experienced skiers head off-piste with guides. Resorts like Saas-Fee and Davos have great infrastructure, and glacier areas keep snow quality high. After skiing, most villages come alive with live music, mulled wine, and alpine food.

Scenic train rides

Winter transforms Switzerland’s railways into cinematic journeys. The Glacier Express links Zermatt and St. Moritz over bridges and through tunnels in slow, scenic fashion. The Bernina Express climbs high into the Alps before descending into northern Italy. Even regular trains are a joy—especially with a Swiss Travel Pass that lets you hop on and off to explore mountain towns along the way. 

Thermal baths in the mountains

There’s nothing like soaking in steaming water while snow falls around you. Thermal baths like those in Vals or Leukerbad are open year-round, but they feel extra magical in February. Many have outdoor pools with mountain views, and some offer Roman-style bathing rituals. It’s a perfect way to warm up after a day in the cold. For more advice, see our Switzerland travel tips. 
 

Planning your itinerary

Our Switzerland itineraries are designed to help you experience the best of the country, hassle-free. They’re a great starting point—detailed enough to guide your trip but flexible enough to match your pace and interests. If you're wondering how long to stay in Switzerland, our itineraries can help you find the perfect trip length, whether you have a few days or a couple of weeks. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Switzerland itinerary 7 days: A week in Switzerland allows you to experience the essentials — think Zurich, Lucerne, and the Swiss Alps.
• Switzerland itinerary 10 days: Ten days gives you time to explore both the classic sights and some hidden gems, like small alpine villages or lakeside towns.
• Switzerland itinerary 14 days: With two weeks, you can fully immerse yourself in Switzerland’s diverse regions, from the French-speaking west to the Italian-speaking south.