Hiking tips and trails for each season in Switzerland 

What’s the best month for hiking in Switzerland?

July, August and September form the best season to hike in Switzerland. This is when there’s the least snow in the mountains. Nearly all trails, including alpine routes at high altitudes, are accessible.

Whether or not hiking trails are open, always depends on the current weather circumstances. You can check the status of trails at your local tourism office in Switzerland.

Winter hikes

January, February and early March are best for winter hiking in Switzerland. Trails at higher altitudes are groomed specifically for hiking in the snow. Snowshoe hikes, which are more demanding, can be made too. And city walks are available year-long.

Summer, spring and autumn hikes

Hiking in Switzerland in summer

I prefer July, August and September for Switzerland’s alpine hiking routes. In normal circumstances there isn’t much snow left in the mountains, so even the routes high in the mountains are accessible. Of course, lower routes in valleys and around the lake are beautiful too.

If it’s hot during summer, city hikes are not my favorite option. Arno and I like to hike up in the mountains instead, to cool down a bit.

Spring and autumn hikes

From April to June, and in October and November, there’s usually more snow in the mountains than during summer. This means that certain trails in the mountains are not accessible: there may be too much snow to hike safely, and at the same time too little to groom the routes as winter trails.

Spring and fall are great for hikes in the valleys and around Switzerland’s lakes. City and town walks are recommended too.

Find all trails for summer, spring and fall

Use our hiking trail finder to filter on season and other preferences. And check our blog, in which I’ve extensively described our favorite trails.

More information about Swiss seasons and weather