Late summer · Weather & things to do
Zurich in August
The year's rain peaks now, with about 5.7 in (146 mm) falling in Zurich, alongside highs near 74°F (24°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C).
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 71/100, 6th of 12.
- Avg high
- 74°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 59°F (15°C)
- Rain
- 5.7 in (146 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 04 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What August feels like
Days are warm, averaging 74°F (24°C).
After dark, temperatures fall to about 59°F (15°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.7 in (146 mm) across the month.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are September.
- Last warm month for a while: September highs fall to 67°F.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from July (73 → 71/100).
- August sits inside the May – Oct window our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 74°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.7 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Zurich in August
With 5.7 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Confiserie Sprüngli
Zurich's chocolatier since 1836, famous for Luxemburgerli macarons.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.7 in of rain.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Major art museum with Swiss and modern collections.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 5.7 in of rain.
Lake Zurich Boat Cruise
ZSG boat cruises from Bürkliplatz; short and long lake loops.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best summer afternoon.
Kronenhalle
Classic restaurant and bar with Chagall and Picasso on the walls.
Why now Easy to slot in when August's rain moves in.
Grossmünster
Twin-towered church where the Reformation began in Zurich; climb the Karl tower.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in August.
Nearby in August
- Lucerne in August~25 mi · highs 75°F, 6.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Andermatt in August~53 mi · highs 61°F, 7.1 in rain · 7°C (13°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Interlaken in August~57 mi · highs 76°F, 6.5 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Colmar in August~74 mi · highs 79°F, 3.4 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~567 m to Zurich's ~408 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.
Zurich in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Zurich?
It's middling, scoring 71/100. The best months are September, at up to 82. Expect highs of 74°F (24°C) and 5.7 in (146 mm) of rain. August is inside the May – Oct window our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends.
How hot is Zurich in August?
Average highs are 74°F (24°C) and average lows 59°F (15°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in August?
Yes: about 5.7 in (146 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.6 in (1311 mm).
What should I pack for Zurich in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 74°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.7 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in August
- Swiss Lakes by Rail May – Oct
Planning Zurich in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.