Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Zurich in October
Zurich cools off: highs slip to 59°F (15°C), from 67°F in September, with lows of 44°F (7°C) and about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 71/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 59°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 44°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (100 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 69%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What October feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 59°F (15°C), good for long walks.
Nights cool to an average low of 44°F (7°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.9 in (100 mm).
Plan around October
October sits mid-table; the best months are September.
- Comfort slips from 82/100 in September to 71/100.
- October sits inside the May – Oct window our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 44°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Zurich in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Confiserie Sprüngli
Zurich's chocolatier since 1836, famous for Luxemburgerli macarons.
Kronenhalle
Classic restaurant and bar with Chagall and Picasso on the walls.
Grossmünster
Twin-towered church where the Reformation began in Zurich; climb the Karl tower.
Lake Zurich Boat Cruise
ZSG boat cruises from Bürkliplatz; short and long lake loops.
Why now October scores 71/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Uetliberg
Zurich's hill, reached by S-Bahn, with views of the city, lake and Alps.
Why now Highs near 59°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in October
- Lucerne in October~25 mi · highs 61°F, 3.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Andermatt in October~53 mi · highs 45°F, 4.8 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Interlaken in October~57 mi · highs 61°F, 4.2 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Colmar in October~74 mi · highs 62°F, 3.1 in rain · 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Zurich?
It's middling, scoring 71/100. The best months are September, at up to 82. Expect highs of 59°F (15°C) and 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain. October is inside the May – Oct window our Swiss Lakes by Rail route recommends.
How cold is Zurich in October?
Average highs are 59°F (15°C) and average lows 44°F (7°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in October?
Some: about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.6 in (1311 mm).
What should I pack for Zurich in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 44°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in October
- Swiss Lakes by Rail May – Oct
Planning Zurich in October?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.