Switzerland in October

Autumn larches in the Engadin and Valais; lifts close from mid-month.

• Plateau cities · Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucernefine

  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, Engelbergfine

  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 Moritzfine

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

• Lake Geneva · Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Lavauxfine

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

• Ticino · Lugano, Locarno, Bellinzonabest weather

  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

Medium

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

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Rated best or good this month

• Ticino

  Best weather of the year (Lugano, Locarno, Bellinzona)

• Geneva

  Cool, clear days.