Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Interlaken in January
This is the coldest month in Interlaken: highs average 40°F (4°C) and lows 25°F (-4°C), with about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 40°F (4°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 25°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 45 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Comfort holds steady from December (41 → 40/100).
- Our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 25°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Interlaken in January
With highs near 40°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Rugenbräu
Local brewery in Matten bei Interlaken with tours and a shop.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Restaurant Schuh
Classic Swiss restaurant and confectioner on the Höhematte park.
Harder Kulm
Funicular to a viewpoint over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau views.
Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant
Restaurant at the top of the Harder Kulm funicular with lake and Jungfrau views.
Staubbach Falls
297-m waterfall dropping off a cliff into Lauterbrunnen village.
Nearby in January
- Lucerne in January~33 mi · highs 40°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Andermatt in January~34 mi · highs 24°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 9°C (16°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Zermatt in January~47 mi · highs 29°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, drier
- Zurich in January~57 mi · highs 38°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,854 m to Interlaken's ~569 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Interlaken in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Interlaken?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 40°F (4°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow. Our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Interlaken in January?
Average highs are 40°F (4°C) and average lows 25°F (-4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Interlaken in January?
Some: about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 54.3 in (1379 mm).
What should I pack for Interlaken in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 25°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Interlaken
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