Switzerland is a perfect playground for adventurers and sports enthusiasts.
Its moderately continental climate on the Plateau, alpine in the mountains and almost Mediterranean in Ticino makes it a destination that can be explored all year round, depending on the region.
While ski enthusiasts will prefer to go there in winter, nature lovers and lovers of urban pleasures will prefer the period from spring to autumn.
Read alsoTravel in Ticino, a Swiss mineral wonderland
When to go to Zurich, Geneva and the Swiss Plateau?
Zurich-West, an industrial district that has become a trendy district.
Here, the Unterer Letten baths in the Limmat and the Flussssbar.
Roberto Frankenberg / Le Figaro Magazine
The Plateau, which is home to the main cities of the country, is best discovered from March to October.
This region, which stretches from Lake Geneva to Lake Constance, is characterized by cold winters, with an average temperature around 0°C in January, and relatively hot and stormy summers, with highs around 25°C.
In the spring, Zurich hosts Sechseläuten
celebrations every third Monday in April
which mark the end of winter with a street carnival punctuated by the cremation of a snowman called
Böögg
.
In summer, you can head to the Limmat River to bask in the sun or swim in its cool waters.
For hiking enthusiasts, the mountainous landscapes are easily accessible from Zurich, which even has a small mountain, the Uetliberg, ideal for country walks.
Read alsoZurich from a low angle
The summer season in the Plateau is marked by many festivals, such as the Paléo in Nyon and the famous Montreux Jazz Festival which are held in July.
Summer is also the best time of the year to discover Bern, the capital, Lucerne, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, or Lausanne and its large Palais de Rumine which houses museums dedicated to science and art. art.
Despite cool temperatures, which can drop below 0°C, the Plateau also lends itself to winter getaways, especially to admire the spectacular Christmas markets in Montreux and Basel.
The latter is also famous for its Carnival, the largest in the country, which takes place in March and its contemporary art fair, Art Basel.
In Geneva, winters are slightly less cold and rainy than in other cities in the region due to the presence of Lake Geneva, which helps to moderate the continental climate.
Do not miss the Fête de l'Escalade which is held in the city around December 12!
See also48 hours in Geneva, a gourmet and chocolate trip to Switzerland
When to go to the Swiss Alps?
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bernina Express crosses dreamy landscapes in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Kisa_Markiza / stock.adobe.com
For winter sports enthusiasts, the Swiss Alps are an ideal destination.
The mountain climate is characterized by a well-marked summer rainy season, from May to September, and a winter dry season between December and April, with precipitation in the form of snowfall.
Rainy days are concentrated between May and August and it is not uncommon for it to snow in the middle of summer, especially in areas located at altitude.
Dominated by the Matterhorn, Zermatt will delight skiers who can hurtle down its slopes from the end of November to the beginning of May, while nature lovers will prefer to go there in summer to venture on the surrounding hiking trails.
A pioneer in winter tourism, St. Moritz is famous for its thermal waters and its two railway lines, the Albula and the Bernina,
Read alsoBeing familiar with the summits in Zermatt, the promise of the Swiss ski area
When to go to Ticino?
Ascona, the pearl of Lake Maggiore.
Joelle M / Adobestock.com
Ticino, south of the Alps, has a milder climate, although very rainy, with fairly frequent thunderstorms in the evenings in summer and heavy rains in autumn.
The months of May, June and September are perfect for discovering the neoclassical
palazzos
of Lugano, where the atmosphere is decidedly more Mediterranean than in other Swiss cities.
Its enchanting landscapes and beautiful lake have made it a magnet for celebrities, earning it the nickname "Monte Carlo of Switzerland".
Located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Ascona is best discovered between May and August, when the thermometer averages 25°C, making it pleasant to stroll through the charming cobbled streets of its old town.
Gourmets will not fail to visit the
grottos
, stone cellars once used to store wine and cheese, transformed into restaurants with character where you can savor traditional cuisine typical of Ticino.
