Best time to visit · Interlaken · Switzerland
The best time to visit Interlaken
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
For hiking and mountain views, visit Interlaken from late June to September, when nearly all railways, cable cars and trails are open; September is often clearest and less crowded. For skiing and snow, come from late December to March. April, early May and November are between seasons, when many lifts and village hotels close.
Key facts
- Best months
- June–September
- Shoulder season
- May, October and December–February
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 23°C (73°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 2°C (36°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- March–April and November
Seasons
Interlaken has cold winters with frequent valley fog and warm, fairly wet summers with afternoon thunderstorms. Conditions at altitude are much harsher: Jungfraujoch stays below freezing for most of the year.
March–May
Spring
Spring skiing up high and green valleys below, but many summer railways, trails and attractions only reopen from May or June.
June–August
Summer
Every lift and trail open, full waterfalls and lake swimming; busiest and priciest, with frequent afternoon storms.
September–November
Autumn
Clear September days and autumn colour in October; by November most lifts and many hotels close for the off-season.
December–February
Winter
Skiing at Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren, sledging runs and snowy villages; Interlaken town is often foggy and cold.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | -4°C | 9 | 8.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 4°C | -4°C | 8 | 10.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 9°C | 0°C | 10 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 13°C | 3°C | 11 | 13.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| May | 18°C | 7°C | 13 | 15 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 21°C | 11°C | 13 | 15.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 23°C | 13°C | 13 | 15.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 23°C | 12°C | 12 | 14.2 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 19°C | 9°C | 10 | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 13°C | 5°C | 9 | 10.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 7°C | 0°C | 9 | 9.3 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 3°C | -3°C | 10 | 8.6 h | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Lauberhorn ski races in Wengen (usually mid-January); Inferno ski race in Mürren (usually January) |
| February | Ice Magic ice rink on the Höhematte (usually December to February) |
| June | Greenfield rock festival at the Interlaken airfield (usually June) |
| July | Swiss National Day celebrations (1 August) |
| August | Swiss National Day fireworks and bonfires (1 August) |
| September | Jungfrau Marathon from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg (usually September); Alpine cattle descents in villages (late September) |
| December | Christmas market in Interlaken (usually December); Ice Magic ice rink on the Höhematte (usually from mid-December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in March–April and November, and the sights are quietest in November. Many visitors avoid April and November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Interlaken?
For hiking and mountain views, visit Interlaken from late June to September, when nearly all railways, cable cars and trails are open; September is often clearest and less crowded. For skiing and snow, come from late December to March. April, early May and November are between seasons, when many lifts and village hotels close.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Interlaken?
Usually in March–April and November. Spring skiing up high while the valleys thaw; quieter and good value.
+What is the rainiest month in Interlaken?
May, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Interlaken get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F).