Switzerland is a winter playground for many people who come to the country to enjoy the winter season, particularly January.
The beautiful country has a long tourism history and is packed with several famous places where you can enjoy skiing and other winter sports.
The mountains also provide the opportunity for climbing, hiking, and snowboarding, which attracts many visitors from around the world.
If you are also planning to spend some quality time in Switzerland in January, there are plenty of activities you can do to enjoy your stay.
However, the weather can be on the harsher side, so you must wear clothing that is weather appropriate.
This detailed article contains all the vital information regarding the weather conditions in Switzerland in January, the places you can explore, and the clothing you will need.
Keep reading to get enlightened.
Switzerland’s Weather in January
The Swiss weather is very unpredictable. In January, it can be cold, wet, and snowing at the same time.
This is why you need to make sure that you have a good understanding of the weather forecast and its consequences on your trip.
The daytime temperatures tend to fluctuate between 30°F to 45°F and the nighttime temperatures between 22°F to 28°F.
On the coldest day, the temperature can even drop to 17°F.
On the other hand, on a warm day, you can expect the temperature to rise to 50°F as the sun shines on you and the air is filled with a mild warmth.
The average snowfall in Switzerland in January is 2.6 inches, whereas the average rainfall in January is typically 2.5 inches.
What to Wear for Daytime Activities in Switzerland?
Switzerland is a beautiful country with many exciting places to visit and explore during the daytime in January.
If you want a breath of fresh air, you should visit the Jungfrau Region and give your lungs a chance to experience some mountain air.
Besides being a breathtaking landscape, the highest train station is also located here. It also has other attractions, like the Aletsch Glacier and more.
So, if you plan to remain here for a while, there are several resorts nearby where you can spend the night.
If you wish to see several beautiful views in a single go, you should ride the Glacier Express.
The train offers a memorable trip to Oberalp Pass, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps.
Remember that the train has limited seating capacity and works on a pre-reservation basis.
So, make sure to book your seats beforehand because this is undoubtedly not a thing to miss.
More incredible views can be enjoyed at Lake Lucerne, located among the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps.
The whole region gets covered in thick white snow in winter, making it a perfect place for skiing and snowboarding.
Now that we are talking about lakes, another excellent option would be to go for the largest Alpine lake, Lake Geneva.
The beautiful vegetation of the Swiss Alps encircles the lake, adding to its beauty.
The calm and peaceful ambiance of the lake gives you the perfect opportunity to marvel at the beauty of nature.
If you want to dedicate a day to skiing, you should head to Zermatt. It is a small town that is famous for skiing and snowboarding.
There are cable cars that take you up the nearby mountains to let you ski.
Even if you are not into skiing, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the snow-covered mountains from the cable car.
If it’s not possible for you to go to Zermatt, there are plenty of other world-class options, such as Davos and St. Moritz.
Both locations offer incredible landscapes with numerous slopes and terrains for all kinds of skiers.
You can also skate on natural rinks, visit the fairy tale towns in the Alps, enjoy dog sledding, or participate in other snow sports, like snowshoeing.
The possibilities and options are truly endless.
No matter which activity you decide to go for, dressing in warm clothes is a must.
In addition to woolen tops and pants, you must wear a jacket with a hoodie or a thick sweater to avoid getting caught in the wind.
A scarf can also be helpful for keeping your neck warm, and gloves for your hands.
A hat with a brim can be used to avoid snow getting in your eyes. And a thick coat must be worn as an outer layer along with snow boots.
What to Wear for Nighttime Activities in Switzerland?
Switzerland is often considered a country with many lakes and mountains and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.
But Switzerland also has some cities that are known for their nightlife as well.
For example, Geneva’s nightclubs are famous for their parties on weekends and holidays in the city during wintertime, like La Gravière and Mambo.
There are also plenty of food options, including the finest and fanciest Swiss chocolatiers that you can try.
Several scenic destinations can also be explored, like Arosa. Moreover, in January, numerous festivals are celebrated in Switzerland, both day and night, which are mentioned in their yearly schedule.
Like daytime, it’s essential to wear clothing that keeps you sufficiently warm to let you enjoy all the activities.
However, nights are colder than days, so you need to kick it up a notch. Start with an inner layer of body-hugging thermal wear.
Then, wear full pants made of wool or other warm material. The same goes for the top.
Wear an extra sweater or cardigan and top it all off with a long thick coat. Also, you must always wear gloves, a scarf, and a hat. And as for the feet, stick to snow boots.
Additional Things to Pack for Switzerland in January
The following things will come in handy on your trip to Switzerland in January.
- Raincoat
- Rain Boots
- Snow Boots
- Additional gloves and scarves
- Hats
- Extra batteries
- Power Bank
- Snacks
- Backpack
- Skiing gear
Final Advice
The weather can be pretty cold in Switzerland in January. This means you’ll have to think of ways to stay warm and comfortable during your visit.
Stick to warm clothes and layers. The best thing about layers is that you can add or remove one as per your convenience and comfort. So, always keep one handy.
Wear clothes made of warm materials, and use only snow boots to avoid slipping or accidentally freezing your feet.
Lastly, wear a thick winter coat and other accessories to protect yourself from piercing winter winds.
