Lausanne, Switzerland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Lausanne, Switzerland? If you're planning to go to Lausanne, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lausanne
- Important essentials for Lausanne
- Activities for Lausanne
- Lausanne in January: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in February: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in March: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in April: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in May: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in June: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in July: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in August: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in September: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in October: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne in November: weather and what to pack
- Lausanne 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 Lausanne, Switzerland
Based on the climate and weather in Lausanne, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lausanne, Switzerland
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lausanne, 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
-
(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
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lausanne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. This one is sufficent for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Lausanne, Switzerland by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you visit Lausanne during January, you may find that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet about a third of the time. There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Lausanne, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Lausanne has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- 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 Lausanne can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). There is frost 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Lausanne, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Lausanne has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- 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
March in Lausanne is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
April
April in Lausanne is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
May
May is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
June
If you are traveling to Lausanne in June, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you visit Lausanne during July, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August in Lausanne is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
September
Traveling to Lausanne in September, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
October
Traveling to Lausanne in October, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
November
If you go to Lausanne in November, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
December
December in Lausanne can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to 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:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Lausanne, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Lausanne has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- 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 Lausanne, Switzerland
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Lausanne.
If you are going to see the majestic Notre Dame cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:
-
Trousers
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you visit the Olympic Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Ammoudia, Greece, Tiberias, Israel, Romsey, England, United Kingdom, Llogara National Park, Albania, Mont Saint-Michel, France, Bellapais, Northern Cyprus, Sudbury, Massachusetts, United States of America, Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia, Kilgore, Texas, United States of America, Tuttle, Oklahoma, United States of America, and Tierp, Sweden.