Berne, Switzerland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Berne, Switzerland? If you're planning to go to Berne, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Berne
- Important essentials for Berne
- Activities for Berne
- Berne in January: weather and what to pack
- Berne in February: weather and what to pack
- Berne in March: weather and what to pack
- Berne in April: weather and what to pack
- Berne in May: weather and what to pack
- Berne in June: weather and what to pack
- Berne in July: weather and what to pack
- Berne in August: weather and what to pack
- Berne in September: weather and what to pack
- Berne in October: weather and what to pack
- Berne in November: weather and what to pack
- Berne in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Berne, Switzerland
Based on the climate and weather in Berne, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Berne, Switzerland
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Berne, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Berne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Berne, Switzerland by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Berne is frigid. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Berne, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 80%. There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Berne, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Berne has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Berne can be very chilly and somewhat hazy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Berne, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Berne has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
Traveling to Berne in March, you will notice that it can be brisk, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Berne, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Berne has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in Berne is cold, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
May
May in Berne is crisp, very rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
June
June is mild, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
July
In July, Berne is warm, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (low 20s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Berne, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
August
In August, Berne is balmy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Berne, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
September
September in Berne is mild, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
October
In October, Berne is relatively cool, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (mid 10s C) and occasionally jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Berne, with several of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
November
November in Berne is brisk and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Berne, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Berne has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December is frigid. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost most days. It rains about a third of the time and snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Berne, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Berne has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Berne, Switzerland
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Berne.
If you go to Tierpark Dählhölzli (Zoo), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
If you see the Berne Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Castle hopping? For Bundeshaus, take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Rhosneigr, Wales, United Kingdom, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, United States of America, Arlington, Vermont, United States of America, Ceredigion, Wales, United Kingdom, Kaolack, Senegal, Bagenalstown, Ireland, Antofagasta, Chile, Colton, California, United States of America, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, Nilakkal, India, and Middelfart, Denmark.