Locarno, Switzerland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Locarno, Switzerland? If you're planning to go to Locarno, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Locarno, Switzerland

Based on the climate and weather in Locarno, Switzerland, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Locarno, Switzerland

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Locarno, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Locarno, Switzerland by month

January

January in Locarno is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you go to Locarno in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be sure to choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

March

If you visit Locarno during March, you might find that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be careful to pick the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

Traveling to Locarno in April, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Check that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

May

May in Locarno is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Make sure to get the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you vacation in Locarno during June, you will probably find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July in Locarno is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

August

August in Locarno is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. It's important that you pick the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you are traveling to Locarno in September, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be careful to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

October

October in Locarno is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Make sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

Traveling to Locarno in November, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in Locarno is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). There is frost regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Switzerland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Locarno. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Locarno, Switzerland

Nestled in the heart of Ticino, Locarno is a charming city surrounded by incredible landscapes filled with mountains, lakes, and forests. The city has a rich history and boasts numerous tourist attractions that will leave you enchanted. From stunning historic buildings to scenic viewpoints, here are the top tourist attractions in Locarno, Switzerland:

1. Piazza Grande

The Piazza Grande is the main square of Locarno and the largest public square in Ticino. You’ll be captivated by the picturesque setting of the square, especially during the annual Locarno Film Festival. It is surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the local culture.

2. Castello Visconteo

The Castello Visconteo is an impressive castle that was built in the 12th century. It was initially constructed as a defensive fortress but was later transformed into a noble residence. Today, it is a prestigious cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, conferences, concerts, and other events. You can take a guided tour to learn about the castle’s history and its previous inhabitants.

3. Madonna del Sasso

Madonna del Sasso is a beautiful and historic church located on a high hill above Locarno. The church has a unique architecture and is renowned for its breathtaking views over the city, the Lake Maggiore, and the surrounding mountains. It is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts many visitors who come to admire the iconic statue of the Madonna and Child.

4. Brissago Islands

Located in Lake Maggiore, the Brissago Islands are a group of two islands that offer visitors a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The islands are home to exotic plants, flowers, and rare trees from all over the world. You can also visit the Botanical Garden where you can see over 1,600 species of plants.

5. Cardada-Cimetta

Cardada-Cimetta is a popular tourist destination that offers panoramic views of the Alps and the Lake Maggiore. It can be accessed by a cable car that takes you from Locarno to the summit of Cardada, where you can enjoy stunning views and various outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and paragliding.

In conclusion, Locarno is a fascinating city that offers numerous tourist attractions that will leave you wanting to return again and again. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a cultural connoisseur, Locarno has something for everyone. So, plan a visit to this beautiful city and take in all that it has to offer!

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Georgetown, Texas, United States of America, Nevada City, California, United States of America, Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, Atlantic Coast, Uruguay, Milpitas, California, United States of America, South Jutland, Denmark, Bombala, New South Wales, Australia, County Kildare, Ireland, Michelstadt, Germany, Qatif, Saudi Arabia, and Oak Park, Illinois, United States of America.