Swiss Alps, Switzerland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Swiss Alps, Switzerland? If you're planning to go to Swiss Alps, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Swiss Alps
- Important essentials for Swiss Alps
- Activities for Swiss Alps
- Swiss Alps in January: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in February: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in March: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in April: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in May: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in June: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in July: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in August: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in September: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in October: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps in November: weather and what to pack
- Swiss Alps 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 Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Based on the climate and weather in Swiss Alps, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Swiss Alps, 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
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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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).
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(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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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Airplane or car necessities
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Swiss Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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For families with young children
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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 should be appropriate for most places, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Swiss Alps, Switzerland by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Swiss Alps in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain or snow about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost almost every day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Swiss Alps, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
February
February for Swiss Alps can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day. It rains or snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Swiss Alps, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
March
March here is frosty. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost nearly every day this month. It rains or snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Swiss Alps, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
April
April in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains or snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Swiss Alps, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
May
May in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost occasionally. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
June
June here is chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you are traveling to Swiss Alps in July, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
August
If you are traveling to Swiss Alps in August, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
September
If you are traveling to Swiss Alps in September, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
October
Traveling to Swiss Alps in October, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain or snow about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Swiss Alps, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
November
November in Swiss Alps is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days. It rains or snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Swiss Alps, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
December
If you go to Swiss Alps in December, you will notice that it is frosty. Expect it to rain or snow about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost almost every day of the month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Swiss Alps, 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 a perfect choice.
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