Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Zurich in January
This is the coldest month in Zurich: highs average 38°F (3°C) and lows 27°F (-3°C), with about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 38/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.7 in (94 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 78%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 40 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 38°F (3°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 27°F (-3°C), so expect frost and ice.
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%.
Only about 8 h 40 min of daylight means early sunsets.
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 (37 → 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 27°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 Zurich in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Confiserie Sprüngli
Zurich's chocolatier since 1836, famous for Luxemburgerli macarons.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Major art museum with Swiss and modern collections.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Kronenhalle
Classic restaurant and bar with Chagall and Picasso on the walls.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Grossmünster
Twin-towered church where the Reformation began in Zurich; climb the Karl tower.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Zeughauskeller
Beer hall in a 1487 armory serving Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and sausages.
Why now A cozy break on a 38°F day.
Nearby in January
- Lucerne in January~25 mi · highs 40°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Andermatt in January~53 mi · highs 24°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, drier
- Interlaken in January~57 mi · highs 40°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Colmar in January~74 mi · highs 41°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Zurich?
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 38°F (3°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 Zurich in January?
Average highs are 38°F (3°C) and average lows 27°F (-3°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Zurich in January?
Some: about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 51.6 in (1311 mm).
What should I pack for Zurich in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 27°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 Zurich in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.