Month guide · Zurich · Switzerland
Zurich in September
What September is really like in Zurich: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Roland zh, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Zurich. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 10°C (50°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 12.5 hours of daylight. Often settled and mild; one of the best months for hiking and cruises.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 10°C (50°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in Zurich: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 14°C (57°F), and nights fall to about 10°C (50°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 30 days. Compared with August (24°C (75°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 14°C (57°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 07:03
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:39
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
Autumn (September–November). Settled September days, the film festival and autumn colour, then fog and greyer skies into November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 3 for crowds (the peak is June at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in May). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- Long Night of Zurich Museums (usually early September)
- Knabenschiessen — youth shooting contest and funfair (usually the second weekend of September)
- Zurich Film Festival (late September to early October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Zoo · Fluntern
Zurich Zoo
Head to the Masoala hall early when the animals are most active, and save the elephant park for feeding times.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Rainy day
Experience · Lake Zurich and Limmat
Lake and river baths (Badis)
Zurich's historic wooden bathhouses let you swim in clean lake and river water in the city centre from late spring to early autumn.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Active
- Kids
- Couples
Garden · Seefeld
Zürichhorn: Pavillon Le Corbusier and Chinese Garden
Walk the lakeside promenade from Bellevue to Zürichhorn, about 30 minutes, and return by boat or tram.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Off the beaten path
Viewpoint · Niederdorf
Polybahn and Polyterrasse
The red Polybahn funicular, running since 1889, climbs from Central to the terrace of ETH Zurich's main building, designed by Gottfried Semper.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Kids
- Photo spot
- History
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 10°C and 9 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Zurich?
One of the best months to visit Zurich, with 3 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are May–August. Compare every month.
Zurich in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Zurich?
It is one of the best months to visit Zurich. Often settled and mild; one of the best months for hiking and cruises.
+How warm is Zurich in September?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Zurich in September?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.