Zurich in October
In October, Zurich averages 14°C (57°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (80 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
October in Zurich is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How October compares to the rest of the year in Zurich
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Zurich (7th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. October runs 6°C cooler than September (20°C) and cools 6°C in November (8°C).
October sunrise & sunset in Zurich
Times shown for Zurich local time (Europe/Zurich), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Zurich — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Zurich's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Zurich in October
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on October's tier (Shoulder) and Zurich's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October in Zurich
Zurich is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — October in Zurich
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Zurich in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 70 mm | 15 | 5 |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -1°C / 30°F | 60 mm | 13 | 4 |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 70 mm | 14 | 1 |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 85 mm | 14 | 0 |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 110 mm | 14 | 0 |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 145 mm | 14 | 0 |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 135 mm | 13 | 0 |
| August | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 135 mm | 12 | 0 |
| September | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 95 mm | 11 | 0 |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 80 mm | 11 | 0 |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F | 75 mm | 13 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 75 mm | 14 | 4 |
Other cities with similar October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Zurich in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Zurich in October?
In October, Zurich averages a high of 14°C (57°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in October?
October can be fairly wet in Zurich, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Zurich?
October is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Zurich in October?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Zurich for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.