Switzerland in November

Grey on the Plateau, most resorts closed; Christmas markets start late in the month.

• Plateau cities · Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucernecool

  Fog (Hochnebel) can sit over the Plateau for days in November–February while the mountains are sunny — take a train up.

• Bernese and central Alps · Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Engelbergcool

  Skiing late December to early April ('best' in winter means snow); hiking late June to early October. Afternoon storms in July–August.

• Valais and Engadin · Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Verbier, St Moritzcool

  The sunniest and driest Alpine valleys; high resorts keep snow into April. Lifts close in May and November.

• Lake Geneva · Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Lavauxcool

  Mild; the bise wind makes winter days raw. Grape harvest in Lavaux late September–October.

• Ticino · Lugano, Locarno, Bellinzonarainy

  Warmest region with palm trees; heavy rain possible in autumn. The Gotthard base tunnel puts it 2 h from Zurich.

Crowds · Switzerland

Low

Prices · Switzerland

Low

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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