Valais, Switzerland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Valais, Switzerland? If you're planning to go to Valais, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Valais
- Important essentials for Valais
- Activities for Valais
- Valais in January: weather and what to pack
- Valais in February: weather and what to pack
- Valais in March: weather and what to pack
- Valais in April: weather and what to pack
- Valais in May: weather and what to pack
- Valais in June: weather and what to pack
- Valais in July: weather and what to pack
- Valais in August: weather and what to pack
- Valais in September: weather and what to pack
- Valais in October: weather and what to pack
- Valais in November: weather and what to pack
- Valais 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 Valais, Switzerland
Based on the climate and weather in Valais, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Valais, Switzerland
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Valais, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. This one should work in most areas, but check with your hotel.
-
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 Valais. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Valais, Switzerland by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Valais is very cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Valais, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Valais has some excellent ski areas 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 Valais can be extremely cold. 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:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Valais, 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 an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Valais has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would 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 Valais in March, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Valais, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Valais 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
April
Traveling to Valais in April, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Valais, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Valais 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
May
Traveling to Valais in May, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
June
June in Valais is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you are traveling to Valais in July, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
August
August in Valais is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
September
September is chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
October
If you go to Valais in October, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
November
November here can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains or snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Valais, 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
Valais has some excellent 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
December
December in Valais is freezing. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Valais, a great option is 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 option.
-
Ski accessories
Valais 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
Activities for Valais, Switzerland
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Valais.
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