Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Lucerne in January
This is the coldest month in Lucerne: highs average 40°F (5°C) and lows 28°F (-2°C), with about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 38/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.7 in (94 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 78%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 42 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 40°F (5°C).
Average lows of 28°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 78%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 42 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort holds steady from December (40 → 38/100).
- 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 28°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.7 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Lucerne in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Swiss Museum of Transport
Large museum of trains, planes and boats on the lakeshore.
Why now Our curated notes list it for "rainy day", which suits a wetter month.
Wirtshaus Galliker
Old-school inn serving Lucerne's Chügelipastete and Swiss classics.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Old Swiss House
Restaurant near the Lion Monument known for tableside Wiener schnitzel.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Lion Monument
Dying lion carved into rock to honor Swiss Guards killed in 1792.
Mount Pilatus
Golden Round Trip: boat, the world's steepest cogwheel railway up, and cable cars down.
Nearby in January
- Zurich in January~25 mi · highs 38°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Andermatt in January~33 mi · highs 24°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 9°C (16°F) cooler by day, drier
- Interlaken in January~33 mi · highs 40°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Zermatt in January~76 mi · highs 29°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 6°C (12°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~938 m to Lucerne's ~439 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.
Lucerne in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Lucerne?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 38/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 40°F (5°C) and 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain or snow. Our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Lucerne in January?
Average highs are 40°F (5°C) and average lows 28°F (-2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Lucerne in January?
Some: about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 53.6 in (1362 mm).
What should I pack for Lucerne in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 28°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.7 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Lucerne in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.