best time of year to visit austria and switzerlandbest time of year to visit austria and switzerland

Yet another music festival is the Zurich Festival. Visit this website for more information on the Swiss vignette. Its windy around the lakes, and temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains. For such a cold, mountainous country, July is surprisingly warm; this makes it a great time of year to visit Switzerland. We didnt know much about it before going, but it was surprisingly nice. Stalls strung with festive lights pop up in cities and towns across the country, selling seasonal food and drink, as well as Christmas gifts. Switzerland Travel Guide Weather Temperature Perceived Temperature Rain and snow Humidity and wind Safety As Switzerland heads towards winter, the temperatures plunge to an average of 5C; nights are around 2C but can possibly be lower. Preference cookies enable a website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, like your preferred language or the region that you are in. From mid-January, however, it might just be one of the best times to visit Switzerland for winter sports its ski and snowboard season! Practical tips for traveling to Austria, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice. BUT this giant festival is only held every three years. Visiting in the late summer, particularly September, implies youll get an opportunity to see the blossoms still sprout and the nurseries and parks are at their greenest, however, youll miss the groups and appreciate lower costs in flights and facilities. But if you get a sunny day and use the bus or train to reach the start of a hike, youll be rewarded with a blaze of color in the trees that most visitors never see. Vienna is an incredible sight whenever you are here at any time of the year, particularly in case youre visiting the area to enjoy the numerous exhibition halls, displays and royal residences, yet a few seasons make the city really sparkle. Locals parade in masks wearing colorful clothes alongside orchestras. Skiing is popular over the Christmas vacation period, so join the crowds and head to Zermatt, Verbier, or Davos for prime snow. The country has four distinct seasons, each with its own attractions. Ascona Music Festival, along the banks of Lake Maggiore, is a highbrow chamber music festival. Visiting Switzerland in shoulder season brings its own advantages. Read below for more weather and travel details. 10 Day Central Europe Itinerary. Darker traditions abound, too: visit theLtschental for its parade of fearsome, mask-wearing Tschggtta, and the Valais village ofEvolne for a carnival dominated by fur-clad monsters and giant straw-people. Ski resorts are very busy at this time, since many schools take their mid-term breaks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Sightseeing and scenic trips can be done year-round. September is one of the best months to visit Amsterdam. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels . Travel Stories Austria The best times to visit Austria: when to go for snow, sunshine, Strauss concerts and more Save Petra Loho Oct 26, 2021 4 min read Vienna's annual Christmas market posztos/Shutterstock Majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, cultural treasures and famous sights inspire millions to explore Austria every year. It kicks off at an awful-sounding 4 am when crowds gather to wait for the bells to strike four and announce the start of festivities. Albeit the whole winter is prime season for winter sports here, December sees exorbitant costs in light of the fact that the occasion swarms are showing up to spend Christmas on the mountains, while early January offers somewhat better costs and now and again more modest groups. When is the Best Time to Visit Switzerland? I was delighted with myself when I could get a pretzel the size of my head for 1 for my breakfast and beer that was under 4. About the time in Switzerland and when to expect sunrise and sunset. March is when the first signs of spring can be found in warmer regions around the lakes in the south of Switzerland. Winters are cold in Vienna, however, so come ready for temperatures in the negatives with a thick coat, gloves and a warm scarf. Packing tip: Pack layers of clothing - Dutch weather is . Practical tips for travelling to Austria, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice. Summer has its advantages: the best weather, snow-free alpine trails, very long days (light until after 21:00), and the busiest schedule of tourist fun. We finally made it to Switzerland! Spend any length of time in Switzerland and youll come to realise just how distinct the seasons are here and how well the country wears them. Liters of beers, miles of brats, and Bavarian culture for days, this is quintessential Germany for many visitors. That is if you dont want a dreamy winter mountain escape. There are average highs of 21C, but the average across the board is 16C still not bad. However, its rarely too sweltering or biting to enjoy the region, making it a year-round destination. Summer has traditionally been popular among tourists in Switzerland, just like winter. Austria in October- All About Weather, Places, Things to do and Travel Tips! The rain that did make April a bit of a washout eases up a little in May, with only around 12 days affected by spring showers. Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. More and more hiking trails will be accessible. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. Those same mountains are a hiker's paradise in summer, and Switzerland's many lakes are at their warmest in July and August. That being said, we last visited Switzerland in August, and although it was insanely expensive, we had perfect weather the whole time. It is a nice to stroll around and take in the old town. It is among the best time to visit Austria. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you find my content useful, you are free to buy me a coffee here :). Driving time: 2 hours 20 minutesOn route to Zurich, choose to go by Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Schonbrunn Palace. 5 reviews 4 helpful votes 1. In the cities, the weather is more moderate, with temperatures usually above freezing during the day. The best time to visit Austria for outdoor activities like hiking and boating is during their summer, between June and August. Summer is a high season in Switzerland and what many consider the best time to travel to Switzerland. Youll find plenty of other visitors, both international and local, but the crowds are bustling rather than pressing. I consent to the use of following cookies: Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. St. Stephen's Cathedral, Also Read:10 Best Things to do in Innsbruck, Austria for A Perfect Vacation. Winter, with its snow-laden peaks, groomed pistes and bluebird days, is peak time for skiers and winter walkers, while summer draws visitors for its scorching temperatures, high alpine hiking trails and lake life. December through March is also considered high season in the Swiss Alps and is when skiing picks up. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. From Freiberg, we joined the Bundesstrabe 500 or B500 around the location of Fuhrer Hauptquartier Tannenberg. We stopped here for a walk around the town. Meaning better prices and fewer tourists. Officially the start of summer, June, really does have pleasant temperatures. In late May, June, September, and early October, travelers enjoy fewer crowds, mild weather, and the ability to grab a room almost whenever and wherever they like. In fact, 21 days are affected by showers great or small throughout October. Caracalla spa and Friedrichsbad are the 2 most well known so consider a visit to at least one. Theres frequently snow, which makes the Christmas markets in Switzerlands main cities even more festive. For hiking and summer holidays, July through September is perfect. The average temperature is 19C, but there can be highs of 24C. Culture Trip 27 April 2018 View Austria's seasons of the year tend to be fairly reliable, with copious snowfall in the winter and consistent sunshine between May and August. As well as this, we climbed the main tower and got a 360 view over Frankfurt. Your justification for visiting the Austrian Alps will decide the ideal opportunity for you to show up. Performances at this annual music fest range from the symphonic to the baroque. 14 things to know before going to Switzerland, The 11 best places to visit in Switzerland, What you need to know before traveling to Zrich, 7 interesting places around the world that will pay you to move there, The worlds most powerful passports for 2021 have been revealed, Brexit is bringing major changes for British travelers heading to Europe in 2021, These are the worlds most expensive countries to live in. travel careers website, Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, Registered Office: Audley Travel Group Limited, The New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 9SX, 2023 Audley Travel | Registered in England: 3190720, Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years. There are more crowds than in other seasons, but these are less overwhelming than those youll find in destinations like France or Italy. In Frankfurt, we walked around the City, the old town and Romerberg was a really nice part of the City. It is among the best time to visit Austria. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages. During NYE, the mask-wearing partygoers (Silvesterchluse) go from door to door, collecting wine and money as they go. In addition to the side, the sky stays blue, and the air is loaded up with the smell of blooming knolls. What is the best time of year to travel to Germany, Austria & Switzerland? If you want to enjoy winter sports in the Swiss Alps, January and February are the best months to visit. Find more information on the Austrian vignette toll sticker, In Switzerland, you need to have a vignette too. Its also a great time to eat, with many restaurants serving game meats with traditional accompaniments (chestnuts, sprouts, red cabbage, berries and Sptzli a sort of Swiss pasta). Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. The sunset in June peaks, with the longest day of the year not seeing a sundowner till 9:30 pm. From December 13-15 (2019), its the time of LEscalade. Every traveler, will debate about what to pack for the famous alpine country. ct intro final View All Trips January Cloud coverage is constant throughout the entire month; theres not a lot of sunshine going on, folks. Hallstatt town and lake are the absolute most shocking objections in Austria. Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. Need help incustomising the Austria itineraryfor your trip? For a white Christmas, you can consider Saas-Fee, St. Moritz and Zermatt. But by mid-July, its summer vacation, and everything from campsites to lakeside hotels can get very busy make sure you book ahead. Summer has started. Except if you have a particular motivation to visit in summer, avoid the high season and rather visit in spring or fall when costs are somewhat lower, the temperatures are in the teenagers, and the traveller season has either not started off or is simply beginning to dial back. Its similar in Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Lucerne. It's a perfect time for hiking in high terrain. Things to do Best time to visit The best time to visit Croatia is during the summer months, from June to September, when sunlight is plentiful and temperatures are warm, between 66F and 86F. The town of Innsbruck is really scenic as the mountains are right beside it. Not only is it cheaper (deals can be found on flights and hotels) but the heat is less intense than in high summer and each shoulder has a certain appeal. To avoid the biggest crowds while still enjoying a decent chance for good weather, plan to go at either end of that time frame, mid-April through May or mid-September through mid-October. Unless youre on aski holidayor its Christmas/New Year this is could be low season in Switzerland for you. Day 6: Vienna. There are ample opportunities to ski or snowboard in the lofty Alpine peaks, where you can admire the snowy mountainscapes. It's just after the summer high season, so it's no longer crowded. Days are also getting shorter, losing about an hour of sunlight from the start to the end of September. In my opinion, its the best time to travel around Switzerland. Youll find plenty of other visitors, both international and local, but the crowds are bustling rather than pressing. It doesnt have to be stressful, Seeking out the best things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland, in the winter? Opening dates vary per season and per pass. Nowhere does it better than Lucerne, who put on an Easter Festival that goes on for ten days. May, Late September, and October will provide pleasant temperatures and fewer people. When Christmas approaches, things get lively and winter sports resorts open up. Venture to the mountains for hiking and the lake district towns of Saint Wolfgang and Hallstatt to enjoy the water. Love to tour around, why not get in 3 of the most popular cities in Italy in 7 days with my 1 week Rome, Florence & Venice itinerary. So unless you have a powerful car, try keep to the slow lane because there will be cars zooming past so fast, you will barely see them. Don't forget the chocolate either! Geneva, with some of the highest temperatures in the country in July, is a great idea. This article may contain affiliate links. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. This autumnal month feels much colder than the summer months. Its definitely one of the best times to go to Switzerland. You might even catch an Alpabzug, the annual procession of flower-bedecked cows as theyre led out of the mountains to milder grazing areas for the winter. With more than 300 suggestions for destinations across Europe and the best time of year to experience them, this book is the ultimate trip planner for every month of the year. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Flowers adorn wooden chalets, the forest scenery takes on a cloak of golden brown and more mountaintops take on snowy caps. Required fields are marked *. Do you want to experience 4 different countries in 7 days? Days are getting shorter. The weather in the higher elevations is very cold and windy, so pack accordingly. The weather varies greatly by region and altitude. After the peak of summer, September sees much cooler temperatures than previous months. Very traditional stuff. The outside of the stadium was lit up in red as we were entering and there was a great atmosphere inside. Learn about the weather in Switzerland: what to expect and how to prepare. It's cold and days are short. Fans of classical music will love it. most tourists focus on the Alps: thats where snow can be found; there are fewer intercontinental tourists. It is more or less on the way anyway. Also Read: Austria in October- All About Weather, Places, Things to do and Travel Tips! The cities and villages blossom with Christmas markets, bringing lights and festivities each December. The Lake Lucerne and Lake Thun areas offer plenty of hiking and sightseeing options in this season. Weather - Switzerland in summer is a love affair with the sun; summer winds and hidden lakesides that make you want to take a dip to cool off. Here is the complete information about the best time to visit Austria. Plan your trip around your preferred activities and ideal budget and youll find your own best time to experience this ever-changing country. The best skiing conditions are usually in mid-January and the least crowded times are in the beginning of December and late March. Buy the one that lasts 1 year (that is the one you need) and it will cost about 35. There are ample opportunities to ski or snowboard in the lofty Alpine peaks, where you can admire the snowy mountainscapes. The weather is generally pleasant and allows for all activities except winter sports. This City is quite industrialised as it is a major financial hub and home to the European Central Bank. Hearty visitors there to see the cultural sights will find good value at hotels, thin crowds and cityscapes transformed by the snow. Destination Expert for Lucerne, Zug, Brunnen Level Contributor 19,497 posts 286 reviews 389 helpful votes There are a lot of clouds, people. By Rick Steves and Steve Smith Late spring and fall are best, with generally good weather and lighter crowds, though summer brings festivals, animated villages, reliable weather, and long opening hours at sights. Fortress Hohensalzburg. Nov Dec OVERVIEW Temperatures drop to below freezing in the night and barely touch the 40s during the daytime, but it is still a good time to travel to Germany. The first ski slopes of high winter sport resorts like Zermatt, Saas-Fee and Verbier may open, but this is definitely not guaranteed. No. By mid July, these trails should be clear of snow. As autumn approaches in August and September, the lakes, mountains and cities all overflow with harvest beauty. Pass roads start to close for winter in October. High summer (July-August) has its advantages: the best weather, snow-free alpine trails, very long days (light until after 21:00), and the busiest schedule of tourist fun. Is it safe to visit Europe during the heat wave? delivers presents to the children. For information on positions and how to apply, please visit our Why wouldnt you want to plan a trip to Switzerland? Theres a nationwide average temperature of 11C, and things are basically starting to get even more chilly in the mountains and at higher altitudes. In case youre anticipating spending special times of year in a mountain, check ahead of time what the streets resemble all through the town a few streets may be near all traffic during substantial snowfall. But you have the option to enter and get a guided tour here. Whats more, in some of the cities, they were starting to get ready for the Christmas festivities setting up the Christmas markets and mulled wine could be bought everywhere or Gluhwein as they call it. For mountain hiking, summer is best, as it's warm even high up in the mountains, and you won't encounter much rain to disrupt your outdoor plans. There could be no greater chance to photo the Alps than in summer, as the permeability is magnificent, and the snowcapped mountains can be seen from exceptionally far away. The best time to visit Zurich is between June and August, when average temperatures, which hover in the low 70s, make swimming in the lake possible. With the mountain lifts closed, and many hotels too, villages can be sleepy and the weather unpredictable. This is not a guarantee and varies each year. In spite of the fact that Hallstatt gets vacationers throughout the entire year, March to May is the best ideal opportunity to visit assuming you need to stay away from the groups. Tourists from all over the world will be visiting Switzerlands top sights like Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. With all that cloud comes rain showers and snow on the mountain tops; this falls on around two-thirds of days in November. Lausanne is an awesome spot in June. On every fourth Monday in November, theres the Zibelemrit or Onion Market in Bern. Another musical event is the Fete de la Musique. For more classical music that Switzerland loves, head to Lucerne for the Lucerne Piano Festival. Its the coldest month of the year, and with only two hours of sunshine a day, you can expect a lot of cloud cover and rainfall, especially in lakeside locations like Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva. Your entire vacation is designed around your requirements, Select your preferred style of accommodations, Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists, All our specialists have traveled extensively or lived in their specialist regions, The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish, Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one, Hand picked by us or our local partners as the best available, Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country. During ski season (DecemberMarch), mountain resorts are crowded and expensive, while cities are quieter (some accommodations and sights are either closed or run on a limited schedule). Germany is quite cheap when you compare it to many of its western neighbours. This guide will help you chose your next European holiday destination based on your budget. Zermatt is open all year round for skiing. However, summer's hospitable climate also. This one takes place in Lucerne, from June 21-23, and is more of a mix of rock, jazz, world music, and dance. In February/March, carnival season brings traditional guggenmusik bands (brass bands playing oompah-style music) to many towns and cities. By Rick Steves In Austria, the "tourist season" runs roughly from May through September. Early october is often a nice compromise. ST39468, 2023 Audley Travel | Audley Travel US, Inc. (Delaware 5398866), Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years. Last updated on April 3rd, 2023 at 09:48 am. Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient. If your visit to Switzerland will include a bit of everything, then the months between April and June are your best choice. Austria has hot summers, with temperatures in the early-to-mid seventies, and cold winters of around 32F to 37F. We cant even try and dissuade you from it by saying its one of the most expensive countries in the world. Autumn is the best time to do this trip. Snow turns the Alps into a playground for winter sports, including ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing. It can be one of the best times to visit Switzerland if roaring Swiss waterfalls and lush lakeside destinations are what youre looking for. Best Time for Sightseeing : The best time for sightseeing in Switzerland is when the weather is pleasantly warm, generally around mid-April through mid-October. Were not taking new bookings for travel to Austria at the moment. Driving time: 1 hour 50 minutes The drive is really cool to Innsbruck, we had a view of snow covered mountains and you pass through many tunnels that go through the mountains. Its alluring terrain of towering mountains and verdant valleys is full of natural wonders and quaint villages. This is a wonderful time for hiking. The Lorzenkirche is a lovely church in the Centre and we had a browse around the market Square too. December marks the transition to winter. The weather can still be pretty mild in October, although this is fall and it might as well be chilly. With a salt maker, the town has gotten known for its 1700s Alpine houses, the path prompting the Echern Valley icy mass and the dark blue lake ideal for swimming and sailing. Theres often entertainment, as well. Despite the cold weather and snow, December is often one of the busiest months in Austria thanks to the wealth of Christkindlmarkts. Day 5: Vienna. Lets dig into the best time to visit Switzerland. 11 days / from 3445 USD Exclusive trip to Prague and Austria Explore the main highlights of Central Europe: fascinating Prague & historical Cesky Krumlov, the highlights of Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria and then further on to Germany - get in the Disney spirit at Schloss Neuschwanstein. Summer is all about outdoor activities such as hiking. Well, when it comes to the best time to go to Switzerland, weve got you covered with our month-by-month weather guide for Switzerland and even some of the best Swiss festivals to expect when you are there. Days are generally dry and sunny, offering clear views across the mountain peaks and rolling countryside. Probably the best spot to visit in Austria in April and May in the Lienz Dolomites. Visit historical cities such as Bern and Lucerne. Parades, BBQs, and fireworks are the order of the day as towns, villages, and cities across the country celebrate everything Swiss to commemorate the founding of the Swiss Confederacy. Ski season continues into late March/early April, meaning that keen skiers and snowboarders still have a chance to hit the slopes. WE RECOMMEND This is the season for cycling visits, climbing and drifting, as the trees change into shades of red and yellow, and the valleys and mountains are staggering all over the place. Snow turns the Alps into a playground for winter sports, including ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing. And dont miss Swiss National Day, August 1, a national holiday in Switzerland. We booked our tickets with get your guide. September is considered the best month for high altitude hiking. And the countryside is also starting to come alive with wildflowers as the snows begin to melt. Munich is a nightmare to drive in so I would suggest parking on the outskirts of the City and getting public transport in. It is among the best times to visit Austria. Stalls strung with festive lights pop up in cities and towns across the country, selling seasonal food and drink, as well as Christmas gifts. In both spring and fall, keep an eye out for the cattle processions that wind through alpine villages as lovingly decorated cows make their way up to (or down from) their mountain pastures. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Switzerlands vast number of hiking trails, whether in the Alpes Vaudoises, theBernese Oberland orGraubnden, offer cow-strewn meadows, vertiginous views and glimpses of ibex, marmots and eagles. Montreux Jazz Festival (July): The biggest music festival in Switzerland with artists from around the world performing for two weeks on the shores of Lake Geneva. Days are sunnier at the beginning of the month, but theres more rain and clouds towards the end (boo). Jaw-dropping travel deals now LIVE with upto 1 Year Validity on all trips! 2022 - www.wandererlane.com. The cities and villages blossom with Christmas markets, bringing lights and festivities each December. Home Destinations Europe Western Europe Switzerland When is The Best Time to Visit Switzerland? Visiting Switzerland in August - September. Practical tips for travelling to Switzerland, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice. If you are well prepared, you'll have a wonderful trip regardless of the time of year. Most visitors aim to enjoy the warm, sunny weather that. The most crowded period is the holiday season, from December 25 until January 2.