Weather in Switzerland in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Switzerland. Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Switzerland is 1.1°C warmer by day and 0.1°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Switzerland peaks at 17.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 23.5°C or more. Roughly 1 in 17 days top 25°C. Nights average 8.4°C; one night in ten drops to 4.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 29.0°C (2009-05-25) and the coldest night -0.1°C (2019-05-06).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 16 days with 1 mm or more, 142 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1995 with 241 mm, the driest 1992 with 48 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:49 and sets about 20:55 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 64%.

Is May a good time to visit Switzerland?

May is not the strongest month here: mild days and frequent rain. The best months for Switzerland on our scoring are July, August, June.

Comfortable days, but keep a warm layer handy

The daytime average makes May suitable for being outside without planning everything around heat. A light layer may be enough during milder spells, but pack a jumper and jacket for evenings rather than relying on daytime warmth lasting. The warmest days can reach 23.5°C or more, so lighter clothing still deserves space in your bag. At the other end, the coldest nights fall to 4.6°C or lower, making chilly starts a realistic possibility. This is changeable spring weather, not dependable summer weather. It works best if you prefer mild afternoons and do not mind adding or removing layers as conditions change.

Rain is the compromise, not a lack of daylight

With about 16 rainy days, May calls for a waterproof jacket and shoes you are comfortable wearing in wet conditions. Keep outdoor plans flexible rather than making a dry day essential to enjoying the trip. There is about 5.3 hours of sunshine within 14.9 hours of daylight, so long days should not be confused with consistently sunny skies. Rainy days do not necessarily mean rain throughout the day, but it would be unwise to pack only for sunshine. The practical approach is to use brighter spells for time outdoors and leave room to rearrange plans when the weather turns.