Zurich, Switzerland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Zurich, Switzerland? If you're planning to go to Zurich, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Zurich, Switzerland

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

What to wear/what to pack for Zurich, Switzerland

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

In January, Zurich is pretty cool. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Zurich, with several 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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 Zurich. 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Check that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Zurich can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Zurich. 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Check that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

March

March for Zurich can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about half of the time. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Zurich. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Take care to choose the right kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

April

If you go to Zurich in April, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

May in Zurich is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety 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 things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Take care to find the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

In June, Zurich is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and 5-10 days this month 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 Zurich, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

July

July here is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • 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. It's important that you pick the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

August

August in Zurich is warm. 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Zurich. 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 things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 things.

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. It's important that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • 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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

September

September for Zurich is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Zurich. 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 constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold 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 appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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

    An excellent option is this one

October

If you vacation in Zurich during October, you might find that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage 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.

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

November

If you visit Zurich during November, you will probably see that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, 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 Zurich. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

December

December in Zurich can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Switzerland has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • 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. Make sure to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Europe. With its stunning views of the Swiss Alps and its serene lakeside location, the city has plenty of attractions to offer tourists of all ages. Here are the top tourist attractions in Zurich that are a must-visit.

1. Zurich's Old Town:

Zurich's Old Town, also known as Altstadt, is a charming district that is home to some of the oldest and most preserved buildings in the city. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets, admire the medieval architecture, and explore its many quaint boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

2. Zurich Zoo:

Zurich Zoo is a favorite attraction among families with kids. The zoo houses more than 400 species of animals from around the world. Visitors can see the famous penguins, red pandas, and the adorable snow leopards. The zoo offers a range of interactive exhibits and shows that provide the visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the wildlife.

3. Fraumünster Church:

Fraumünster Church is one of Zurich's most iconic landmarks. Its stunning stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall can be seen from afar. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history and architecture, and admire the beautiful view of the city from its observation deck.

4. Lake Zurich:

Lake Zurich is one of the most scenic spots in Zurich, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the lake's many coves and inlets, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery from one of the many lakeside cafes.

5. Bahnhofstrasse:

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich's swanky shopping district, lined with high-end boutiques, designer stores, and luxury brand outlets. Visitors can shop till they drop, or simply stroll along the stylish streets and admire the fashionable displays.

6. Swiss National Museum:

The Swiss National Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. The museum showcases the country's rich cultural heritage, with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern-day artworks, and provides a fascinating insight into Switzerland's history and culture.

There are countless other things to see and do in Zurich, from exploring the city's street art scene to visiting the Museum of Art. Zurich is a city that offers something for everyone, and it's easy to see why it's such a popular tourist destination.

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.

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