It can be frustrating to figure out which trails are open when and the best time to visit certain areas. Some trails are covered in snow longer than others. Some mountain transport opens much earlier than others.
So here’s a hiking calendar for Switzerland with suggested hikes for each month. This calendar trails we’ve done at certain times of the year and what they look like at that time. Of course, any hike that was done in spring or fall, would also be great in summer. Enjoy!
March Hikes in Switzerland
In March, we are usually still skiing on the weekends. If the weather is especially warm and sunny and the snow isn’t great, we’ll do local strolls, particularly along rivers. But honestly, I find March hiking a little depressing because the trees are still bare and everything still looks quite dead.
April in Switzerland
April is the time to chase flowers. So our hikes are all focused on the places we can see the best flowers at lower elevations, often around lakes.
Most Swiss schools have a two week spring break at the end of April. But for the most part, you can’t ski or hike during this time. Many locals leave Switzerland, going to Italy or Spain to warmer weather.
May Hikes in Switzerland
This is when early hiking season begins, even though most mountain transport and high elevation trails are still closed. During May, we pick hikes that don’t require mountain transport and are usually in lower elevation valleys. This is also waterfall season, when the snow is melting and the waterfalls are roaring!
- Chur and Rhine Valley, Flims Laax Falera, Graubünden
June Hikes in Switzerland
June is a tease. While we might have nice warm sunny days in the valley, up in the mountains the snow is still melting. More mountain resorts open each weekend in June, so it’s good to check the websites to see what’s open and check the webcams to see if the snow is off the trails. It’s fun to go the first weekend a resort is open because they often have special events, free food or giveaways to celebrate. Also, don’t forget to go strawberry picking.
July Hikes in Switzerland
This is the real beginning of mountain hiking season. Almost all mountain transport and trails are open for business and many of the special summer events are held during this month. If you are planning a holiday in the Swiss Alps, it’s probably best to book the last week of July or into August.
August Hikes in Switzerland
This is the best month for hiking in my opinion. You typically get the best weather (relatively dry and warm). There are still wildflowers, which are usually gone by September. It’s a great time for camping.
September Hikes in Switzerland
Summer might be technically over, but Switzerland often has some of its best, clearest weather in the first two weeks of September. I’ve done many of my favorite hikes in September. But it can also snow in September, as it did almost all month in 2020. So be flexible.
October Hikes in Switzerland
Most mountain transport stays open through the fall Swiss school holidays (Herbstferien), which usually means through the third weekend in October. Some are already closed and some trails already have snow, so it’s very important at this time to check the websites and weather reports beforehand before heading out. See also: Top 10 Autumn Hikes in Switzerland
November Hikes in Switzerland
Sometimes we get a sunny, relatively warm November without much snow. Most mountain transport is closed during this time, taking a break before ski seasons starts. But the following options are open in November. See also: Switzerland mountains open year round
Winter Hiking: December to February
During winter, we might do winter walks in the mountains, where the paths are groomed and don’t require snowshoes. We also do local low elevation walks, just to get some fresh air.
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This site was already great, and then I come here again after a year or so and it's got even better! Posts on here have inspired us to do some of the same hikes and others too; regardless of how I'm feeling or the weather outside, the posts here always make me want to do a hike now or least organise one for the next available free time 🙂