The weather in Switzerland in November

November in Switzerland marks the real shift into winter. Temperatures drop, the mountains start getting snow, and daylight hours get noticeably shorter. What you’ll experience depends a lot on elevation. Mountain towns can already feel deep in winter, while places like Zurich or Geneva stay cooler but not freezing. It’s a quiet time to visit, with fewer travelers around, but the weather can be unpredictable, so packing layers is key.

Switzerland in November at a glance

• Average temperatures can vary from 34°F to 50°F (1°C to 10°C).
• This is a great time to explore the Swiss Alps, where you can experience the first snowfall and witness the transition into a winter wonderland.
• The weather is cool and crisp, allowing for some early winter sports.
• You’ll experience fewer crowds as the shoulder season begins, making it ideal to explore without the rush.

What is the weather in Switzerland in November like?

By November, Switzerland has mostly left autumn behind. In cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lugano, expect chilly days, overcast skies, and light rain now and then. You might also get that dense fog that settles across the Swiss Plateau, especially in the mornings. It can hang around all day in some places.

If you're heading to the mountains, snow is likely, especially later in the month. Some ski resorts at higher altitudes, like Zermatt or Saas-Fee, may be running limited lifts depending on conditions. But lower-elevation resorts probably won’t be open yet.

November falls between seasons, which means some hiking trails and summer attractions may be closed, while the full winter experience hasn't quite kicked in. Rainfall averages around 3.5 inches (90mm), so it's not overly wet, but still a good idea to pack waterproof shoes and a solid jacket.

If you’re okay with some gray skies and don’t need perfect weather, November is a peaceful time for a Switzerland itinerary.
 

If you're wanting to see a genuine side of the country, see our Switzerland local travel experts for advice that only someone local to the area could provide. 

Average daily temperatures in November

Temperatures in Switzerland in November really depend on where you are. Down in the lower-elevation cities near the lakes, like Geneva or Lucerne, you’ll usually get daytime highs between 40 and 50°F (4 to 10°C). It cools off at night, often getting close to freezing. The Swiss Plateau tends to sit somewhere around 45°F (7°C) during the day, with nighttime lows dipping just above or below 32°F (0°C).

In the mountains, it’s a different story. Daytime temps usually hang around 30 to 35°F (-1 to 2°C), and at night it can drop to 20 to 25°F (-7 to -4°C), especially in places like Zermatt or St. Moritz. Higher up, things can get colder fast, particularly by late November when winter conditions settle in more consistently.

How to plan a trip to Switzerland during this month when there’s also a noticeable shift in daylight? You’ll get about 9 hours, with the sun setting close to 5:00 PM. If you're planning sightseeing or any time outdoors, it’s worth getting an early start. By this point in the year, lake temperatures have dropped to around 50°F (10°C), so swimming really isn’t on the table unless you’re into cold plunges. Early November might still have a few relatively mild days, but by the end of the month, most areas are feeling like winter.
 

Is November a good time to visit Switzerland?

If you're flexible and not chasing perfect weather, November can actually be a great time to visit Switzerland. It's that in-between stretch where autumn lingers in the cities, while the mountains start leaning into winter. You’ll find fewer travelers around, which means more breathing room at museums, thermal baths, and even early ski runs at higher resorts like Zermatt or Saas-Fee.

This is also when people local to the area start getting ready for the holidays, so by late November, you’ll see Christmas lights going up and smaller markets beginning to open. It’s a quieter, more relaxed look at Switzerland before the December crowds arrive.

Up in the mountains, some glacier resorts kick off their ski season, and conditions can already be decent, especially later in the month. At lower altitudes, you can still get out for a hike on clear days, particularly in the south where the weather tends to stay a bit sunnier.

This is also a good time to check out Switzerland’s spa towns. With the cooler air setting in, places like Leukerbad and Bad Ragaz start to feel extra appealing for a hot soak. Depending on what you want to do during your trip, you might find that this month is the best time to visit Switzerland.

Why November is a good time to visit:

• Budget travelers will find lower prices on trains and hotels this time of year
• It’s easier to visit popular places like the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Jungfraujoch without standing in long lines
• You can pair cultural time in the cities with a quick escape to the mountains
• Thermal spas and wellness resorts are more peaceful and often discounted in the shoulder season
• Photographers will like the mix of snow-dusted peaks and autumn color still lingering in some valleys
   

What about the crowd and cost?

November is one of the quietest and most affordable times to travel in Switzerland. You’ll usually see hotel prices drop compared to summer or winter peak months. A lot of places run special shoulder season packages to help fill rooms, and you won’t need to book tables at restaurants far in advance either.

If you’re looking for the best value, aim for early to mid-November. Prices tend to creep back up toward the end of the month as the ski lifts start running and Christmas markets kick into gear.

For context, the busiest and most expensive times to visit are December through February and July through August. If you want more predictable weather but still want to avoid the crowds, consider May or September instead.
 

Where to go in Switzerland in November

November is one of those months where you can experience different seasons across Switzerland depending on where you go. Head up into the Alps for early snow, or stay lower down for misty lakeside walks and crisp autumn days. The shift between fall and winter is pretty clear, so it’s worth planning around elevation and weather if you want a mix of city time and mountain air. Here are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland in November.

Zermatt

This car-free village sits at the base of the Matterhorn and usually has reliable glacier skiing already up and running in November. The slopes at higher elevations operate year-round, so if you're after some early-season skiing or snowboarding, Zermatt is a solid choice. On days when visibility is low or the weather turns, you can check out the mountaineering museum or spend time in one of the old-school restaurants in town. Christmas lights usually start going up toward the end of the month, which makes the whole place feel pretty cozy. 

Lucerne

Right on the edge of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by low mountains, Lucerne has a good balance of city and nature. It’s small enough to walk around easily, even in cooler weather. You can visit the Transport Museum if you're into history or engineering, walk across the covered Chapel Bridge, and take a short cruise on the lake if the weather’s calm. It often gets foggy this time of year, especially in the mornings, but it adds to the atmosphere. There are plenty of cafés to duck into if it rains.
 

Lugano

Down in the south near the Italian border, Lugano usually stays milder than most other places in November. Daytime temperatures often sit just above 40°F (4°C), so it’s still comfortable for walking around. You can stroll the lakeside promenade, visit the Santa Maria degli Angioli Church to see its frescoes, or take a local bus or boat to nearby villages like Gandria. The Italian influence is strong here, especially when it comes to food, and the slower pace makes it a nice contrast to the colder mountain towns. 

Bern

In Bern, the covered arcades make it easy to explore the Old Town even if the weather is wet or cold. The arcades stretch for about 4 miles (6km), so you can shop or wander without needing an umbrella. Museums like the Einstein Museum or Zentrum Paul Klee are good places to spend a few hours. If the sky clears up, climb the cathedral tower for a view of the Alps, or take a walk along the Aare River to see the city’s bear enclosure, which usually stays open year-round.

Leukerbad

If you're into hot springs, Leukerbad is a solid choice in November. It’s up in the Valais region at around 4,600 feet (1,400 meters), so you’ll get snow-covered views while soaking in the outdoor thermal baths. There are a few different pools around town, and many hotels have their own. You can also ride the cable car up to the Gemmi Pass for big views across the Alps. Some of the hiking trails stay open into early winter, especially the ones maintained for wellness walks and light exercise. It’s a quiet base if you want to slow down and take in the mountain air without skiing.

What to do in Switzerland in November

November can be a bit unpredictable weather-wise, but that’s also what makes it interesting. You can lean into the winter season in the mountains or stick to the cities for culture and comfort. It’s a good time to mix outdoor activities with cozy indoor days.

Early-season skiing

If you're keen to ski before the peak season kicks in, head to one of the higher resorts. Zermatt, Saas-Fee, and Engelberg usually have their glacier slopes open by November. Conditions can vary early in the season, but you’ll likely find some decent runs with hardly any wait at the lifts. It’s also a more relaxed time in the resort towns themselves, with a slower pace and fewer visitors than during the main winter months. This is also a popular month for skiing in Verbier. 

Christmas markets

By the end of the month, Christmas markets start popping up across the country. Basel usually gets going first, with Zurich, Bern, and Montreux following close behind. These early-season markets are quieter than in December, which means you can wander through without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Grab a mug of glühwein, try some raclette, and check out handmade gifts while the cities start putting up their holiday lights.
 

Thermal spas

When the air turns crisp, soaking in warm mineral water feels pretty great. November is a good time to visit places like Leukerbad, which is surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, or head to Vals for the 7132 Thermal Baths, which are as much about architecture as they are about relaxation. Bad Ragaz is another classic, known for its medical wellness history going back centuries. Most towns with thermal baths are less busy in November, so you can usually take your time and unwind without much hassle.

Visit world-class museums

With shorter days and cooler temperatures, November is a good time to explore Switzerland’s museums. Zurich’s Kunsthaus has a solid collection of both Swiss and international works. In Lausanne, the Olympic Museum is surprisingly engaging, even if you're not a sports fan. Bern has the Paul Klee Center, which is worth a visit just for the building itself. If you’re into art, Basel is packed with museums, and you could easily spend a couple of days just exploring them. 

Take scenic train journeys

If the weather isn’t ideal for hiking or skiing, train travel is still a great way to see the country. Routes like the Glacier Express between St. Moritz and Zermatt or the Bernina Express into Italy run year-round. November often brings the first real snow to the higher elevations, so you get that classic winter scenery while staying warm in a panoramic train car. The slower pace and fewer tourists also make it easier to get good seats and just enjoy the views. 
 

Planning your itinerary

Trains make it easy to get around, but it’s still worth choosing a few regions rather than moving every night. In November, cities feel lively and mountains start to shift into early winter mode.

• Switzerland itinerary 7 days: You could split your time between Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland. Visit mountain towns like Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. End with a night or two in Zürich or Geneva before flying out.
• Switzerland itinerary 10 days: Spend a couple days in Zürich or Lucerne, then head to Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen for Alpine views. Add Zermatt for the Matterhorn or take the Glacier Express toward St. Moritz before looping back.
• Switzerland itinerary 14 days: Two weeks gives you time to explore more slowly. You might combine Zürich, Lucerne, the Bernese Oberland, Zermatt, and Geneva with smaller towns like Sion or Appenzell. Trains make even remote areas feel accessible.