Geneva is the city in Switzerland, a landlocked country in the west of Central Europe. It is the 2nd most populous city in the country, located on the southwest banks of Geneva Lake and surrounded by mountains. This destination is popular year round because of great sightseeing opportunities. Walking in the parks, by the lake, visiting extraordinary museums and admiring great architectural examples are some favorite activities here. In winter, it is popular among people enjoying winter sports due to close proximity to some ski resorts. Cruising on the largest Central European lake is another popular activity most of the year.
International travelers usually use Geneva Airport, which is a few kilometers (miles) away from the downtown area. You can also arrive in the city by train, bus and boat. This Swiss destination is in the vicinity of France and Italy, with Lyon (France) and Milan (Italy) a few hours away by car.
The city of Geneva features continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. In regard to humidity, it is a typically dry destination. Winters in this destination feature very little sunshine, while summers bless Geneva, Switzerland, with abundant sunlight.
Rainfall varies to a lesser extent throughout the year, without a distinctively dry or wet season. In general, the precipitation the city receives per month ranges from 60 mm/2.36 in to 100 mm/3.94 in. Most months feature around 10 rainy days. The most common types of rainfall are light or moderate rain, thunderstorms in summer, and sleet and snow in winter.
Considering travel-related expenses, hotel deals tend to be high anytime. The 2nd largest Swiss city is a business destination, with business travelers coming here most of the time. In summer, when business trips lessen, many tourists replace business people. Also, count on high expenditures in regard to dining at restaurants. If you travel on the budget, take a short trip to neighboring France, where you can equip yourself for less money.
Winter weather in Geneva (December February)
Winter, in general, features cloudy weather in the Swiss city of Geneva with little sunshine. Temperatures are low, but mostly above the freezing point if cold masses from the East don't reach the destination. The winter season is the dry season in regard to humidity.
Air temperatures usually range between -1C (30.2F) and 6C (42.8F) during winter. January is the coldest annual month, with average lows dropping down to -2C (28.4F). The lowest recorded temperatures here were recorded just in January. In the year of 1985, the low temperature decreased down to -20C (-4F). According to statistics, January 27 is the coldest day in the year.
December is the least sunny month of the year, featuring between 1 and 2 sunshine hours per day on average. The city has up to 2 hours of sunlight per day in January and around 3 in February. Rainfall is almost equally distributed, ranging from around 70 mm/2.76 in to 90 mm/3.54 in per month. On average, February is slightly less rainy than the other two months. It features the lesser accumulated rainfall (up to 80 mm/3.15 in) and less wet days (9 against 10). The precipitation occurs as rain, snow and sleet during this period.
Lake Geneva, also known as Lac Leman, is as if appeared from a winter fairy tale during this period. The city, banks of the lake and surrounding mountains feature snow cover. The Geneva Old Town boasts various attractions you should check out and is beautifully decorated during Christmastime. Besides admiring peaceful landscapes, visiting museums is the top activity in Geneve during winter.
Spring weather in Geneva (March May)
Air temperatures get somewhat higher in the beginning of spring, but occasional frosts tend to last until mid-April. Average temperatures range from very cold to cool during March and April, and from cold to comfortable in May. Daily low temperatures are around 0C (32F) in March, 4C (39.2F) in April and 8C (46.4F) in May. Average highs follow the similar pattern from around 10C (50F) in March to 18C (64.4F) in May.
The duration of sunny intervals is on a considerable rise, too. This parameter increases from around 5 hours per day in March up to 8 in May.
Precipitation levels throughout spring are essentially the same, fluctuating between 60 mm/2.36 in and 80 mm/3.15 in. Yet, statistics state that April has fewer rainy days (9) when compared to the neighboring months (10 in March and 11 in May). They also specify that May 25 has the highest chances (40%) to be a rainy day throughout year. Light and moderate rain are the most common forms of rainfall during spring in ville de Geneve. The probability of cloudy skies is a bit over 50% throughout the period.
The average relative humidity is around 70%, which feels dry. Albeit comparatively low, the chances of comfortable conditions are on the rise in May.
The lakeside of Geneva Lake becomes the area of stunning scenery. From there, you will admire views encompassing spring flowers and snow-capped mountain peaks. Spring in the city is popular for walking by the lake, taking boat tours, interacting with wildlife and enjoying photo sessions among other activities. Also, taking a walk in the city's parks offers various benefits.
Summer weather in Geneva (June August)
Summertime temperatures range from cool to warm, with pleasant temperatures taking place most of the day. July is the warmest month during the season and year, with average temperatures ranging from 13C (55.4F) to 26C (78.8F). Low and high temperatures are slightly lower in the Swiss city of Geneva during June and August. In July of 2015, the thermometer showed the highest temperature ever recorded in this city of Switzerland 39.7C (103.5F).
Travelers coming to this destination in summer have a pleasure to benefit of long periods of sunshine. The probability of cloudy weather decreases below 40% in June, and remains between 30% and 40% throughout the season. July has approx. 10 sunshine hours per day, while the city benefits of around 9 sunny hours per day during the other two months.
July is also the least rainy month, typically receiving up to 70 mm/2.76 in of rainfall across 8 or 9 wet days. The precipitation values in June and August are, in general, between 80 mm/3.15 in and 100 mm/3.94 in. Both months feature up to 11 days with rain. The precipitation comes in the forms of the sporadic rain and thunderstorm.
The likelihood of dry weather in regard to humidity values is still the highest in Geneve. It tends to be comfortable, as well, while humid conditions are likely the least (below 20% of chances).
Since weather conditions are good, many tourists spend their time in the multi-cultural city of Geneva outdoors. Exploring the Old Town and parks, and relaxing by Geneva Lake are some top activities this time of year. Maintained parks boast verdant greenery, public events and great vistas. Some of them encompass Lake Geneva, or Lac Laman, which is a focal point for various events. Jet L'Eau (Water Jet) is one of the top attractions of this destination and the entire lake. You can approach the fountain if you don't mind getting a little wet.
Autumn weather in Geneva (September November)
In autumn, average temperatures feature a rapid decrease in Geneva. Daytime temperatures are comfortable in September, cool in October and cold in November. High temperatures in particular drop at a fast rate. Approximate temperature values are as follow:
- September: lows are around 10C (50F), highs around 21C (69.8F).
- October: lows are approx. 7C (44.6F), highs around 15C (59F).
- November: lows drop down to 2C (35.6F), approximate highs are 8C (46.4F).
Furthermore, the duration of sunlight becomes increasingly short during autumn. In September, it shines on Geneva, Switzerland, 4 hours per day. October features half that amount of sunshine, while November has only around 1 hour of sunny weather on average. The likelihood of cloud cover rises over 50% by the end of September and remains above that value until June.
Of the three autumn months, November features the least precipitation. The amount of rainfall accumulated on the monthly basis typically remains between 70 mm/2.76 in and 100 mm/3.94 in. September and October, however, feature up to 10 days with precipitation, while November has up to 11.
In regard to humidity, the introductory month of autumn has some chances to be comfortable. Yet, it feels dry most of the time.
Just like in any other season, locals and tourists alike head to Lake Geneva to admire its beauty. Warm colors of vegetation flanking the lake offer extraordinary photo opportunities. If you visit the city of Geneva in autumn, don't miss to pay a visit to the confluence of Rhone and Arve rivers.
Extreme weather in Geneva
Extreme weather occurrences that might affect ville de Geneve are mostly related to temperatures and floods. The former are the outcome of warm and cold air masses arriving in Switzerland from the Atlantic and Siberia. Floods are the consequence of snow melting in spring and heavy storms in summer. Yet, these natural hazards aren't frequent, even throughout the country.
When the Atlantic depressions reach the destination, they increase high winter temperatures over 10C (50F). On the other hand, cold influences (the Bise) lower maximum temperatures below the point of freezing.