Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Zermatt in January
This is the coldest month in Zermatt: highs average 29°F (-2°C) and lows 13°F (-11°C), with about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 29°F (-2°C)
- Avg low
- 13°F (-11°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 29°F (-2°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 13°F (-11°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging 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 50 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from December (41 → 42/100).
- January sits inside the Dec – Mar window our Zermatt, Andermatt & St. Moritz route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 13°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.5 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Zermatt in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Whymper-Stube
Wood-panelled restaurant on Bahnhofstrasse known for cheese fondue and raclette, named for the Matterhorn's first climber.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 29°F.
Matterhorn Museum
Underground museum built as a reconstructed old village, telling the story of the 1865 first ascent and Zermatt's climbing history.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 29°F.
Chez Vrony
Long-running mountain restaurant in the hamlet of Findeln, on the Sunnegga slopes, with a terrace facing the Matterhorn.
Gornergrat Railway
Rack railway running since 1898 from Zermatt to Gornergrat at 3,089 m, with the Matterhorn in view for much of the climb.
Nearby in January
- Interlaken in January~47 mi · highs 40°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Andermatt in January~57 mi · highs 24°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Lucerne in January~76 mi · highs 40°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · 6°C (12°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Zurich in January~101 mi · highs 38°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,251 m to Zermatt's ~1,672 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.
Zermatt in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Zermatt?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 29°F (-2°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow. January is inside the Dec – Mar window our Zermatt, Andermatt & St. Moritz route recommends.
How cold is Zermatt in January?
Average highs are 29°F (-2°C) and average lows 13°F (-11°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Zermatt in January?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 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 37.2 in (946 mm).
What should I pack for Zermatt in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 13°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.5 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in January
- Zermatt, Andermatt & St. Moritz Dec – Mar
Planning Zermatt in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.