What's the Weather Like in Geneva in August
Temperature
Average daily temperatures are slightly lower during August than in July in the Swiss city of Geneva. Low temperatures may vary between 9C (48.2F) and 18C (64.4F), while high temperatures usually fluctuate from 19C (66.2F) to 32C (89.6F). However, temperature values remain between 13C (55.4F) and 25C (77F) in most cases. In this regard, Geneva, Switzerland, features more pleasant temperatures than Rome, Italy, during the last summer month.
Nights in this destination feature cool temperatures (below 18C/64.4F) from around midnight to 10 am. Warm intervals (over 24C/75.2F) take place from around 2 pm until 8 pm. The rest of the day, it feels comfortable. Also note that warm temperatures disappear by the end of August while the period featuring pleasant temperatures shrinks to a lesser extent.
Sunshine Hours
The city receives between 8:30 and 9 hours of sunshine on average in August, which is somewhat less than in July. In general, sun shines on Geneva for approx. 60% of daylight hours. The probability of cloudy weather increases in the course of the month from 33% (August 1) to 38% (August 31). On the bright side, overcast or mostly cloudy conditions are more likely to occur during the night than during the day.
Rainfall
The 2nd largest Swiss city experiences the increase in precipitation values during the month of August. The amount of rainfall the destination receives typically varies between 80 mm/3.15 in and 100 mm/3.94 in in this period. On average, Ville de Genève features around 10 rainy days in August, which is a bit more than in the previous month. The possibility for rain to fall is around 30% throughout the month. The chances of a wet day are only slightly lower by the end of August down to 28%.
Sporadic rain is the most common form of precipitation here this time of year. Summer thunderstorms, caused by western influences, also do happen. These take place in the early afternoon hours, which is the time of the day when rainfall is most likely to occur. Early morning hours (around 6 am) are least wet in this regard.
Wind speed
The average speed of the wind is essentially constant during the month of August in this Swiss city. It usually measures 2.5 m/s, dropping down to 1.8 m/s at morning and rising up to 3.8 m/s at mid-afternoon. Most of these values (below 3.4 m/s) are the characteristics of the light breeze.
Humidity
The city of Geneva is most likely to have dry or comfortable conditions in the course of August. The probability of humid conditions is constantly below 20%, dropping to 10% from mid-August toward the end of the month.
Sunrise and sunset
Days get shorter in the city during August at the fast pace. August 1 has 14:48 hours of daylight, from 6:17 am to 9:05 pm. August 31 features 13:22 daylight hours, from 6:54 am to 8:16 pm.
Extraordinary weather occurrences
Summer is the time when Switzerland faces a somewhat larger risk of floods due to heavy thunderstorms. More so, nights tend to get cold, with temperatures dropping below 10C (50F). However, neither is a regular occurrence in the multi-cultural city of Geneva.
Geneva Hotels in August
August is the high tourist season in most of Europe, and Geneva, Switzerland, isn't the exception. Hence, hotel deals and airfare rates are at their highest and you should book both at least a few months in advance. But once you arrive, you benefit of the free Geneva Transport Card as a guest of the hotel. The card grants you using public buses, boats and trains absent charge.
Auberge de Confignon
3-star Auberge de Confignon is an accommodation provider suitable for budget travelers. Located in the suburban area of the city, it is up to 30 minutes by walking and the public transport away from the downtown. Rooms feature free wireless internet, minibars, bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and mountain views. On-site parking is free.
ibis Styles Geneva Gare
ibis Styles Geneva Gare is another 3-star hotel, but located in the heart of Ville de Genève. It disposes of double, twin and superior rooms equipped with air-conditioning, TVs with flat screens and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a bar, too.
Hotel Royal
Hotel Royal is a 4-star property, which has rooms and suites on offer. The accommodation units dispose of free internet access (Wi-Fi), flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, safes and a telephone. Hotel Royal's guests additionally benefit of a few bars and restaurants, free business facilities, a fitness center, sauna, room service and banquet rooms.
Mandarin Oriental Geneva
Mandarin Oriental Geneva is an upscale, 5-star hotel, located within a walking distance from Lake Geneva and top attractions of the city. Elegant and airy rooms and suites provide the utmost comfort. Complimentary facilities of the hotel are 2 restaurants, a café, fitness center and a beauty studio.
Bars and restaurants
The gastronomic scene of Geneva is highly influenced by French and Italian cuisines. Still, famous specialties of other renowned and lesser-known cuisines throughout the world are available, too. Besides European, the multi-cultural city of Geneva boasts North and South American, Asian and African alternatives. Most of dining venues accept credit cards as the payment method. Just note that deals at bars and restaurants tend to be high, so plan a bigger budget for dining while you are around. An a la carte course, for example, is sure to set you back 30 CHF, sometimes less, often more.
Mr. Pickwick
Mr. Pickwick is an English pub that organizes various entertaining events, including quizzes and live concerts. Plus, the pub's patrons benefit of broadcasts of sporting events. The beer selection is extensive, and you can dine fish, burgers and salads among other dishes here. Mr. Pickwick is open daily from 11 am to 2 am (4 am on Friday and Saturday).
Le Radar de Poche
Le Radar de Poche is a reputable bar serving affordable dishes. The house prepares pastas and salads, and has cocktails and beers among other beverages on offer. Opening hours of the bar are from 6:30 am to 1 am, Monday to Friday, and from 11 am to 1 am on Sunday.
Les Trois Verres
Les Trois Verres is a well-reputed Italian restaurant where reservations are essential. Although pizza is the first association to many people when the Italian cuisine is mentioned, this restaurant doesn't have them on offer. In the eatery's menu you will find meat and fish dishes, pastas, salads and risotto. They also have a selection of Italian wines.
Le Chat-Botte
Le Chat-Botte is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving French specialties. Dishes of this dining venue feature contemporary style with traditional touches, prepared by seasonal ingredients. In summer, you can dine on the terrace embellished with flowers and providing harbor views. You will find Le Chat-Botte in Beau Rivage Hotel. Opening hours of the restaurant are on workdays from noon to 2 pm, and from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Things to do in Geneva in August
Geneva Festival
A few public events take place during August in the city of Geneva, with the Geneva Festival being among them. The celebrations last 10 days, and during this time, people entertain themselves by attending concerts, participating in parades, enjoying carnival rides and so on. The highlight of the Geneva Festival is the closing fireworks spectacle at Geneva Lake that lasts around an hour.
Swiss National Day
Falling on August 1, the Swiss National Day is celebrated countrywide. Albeit the roots of the Swiss Confederacy stretch back to the 13th century, the celebrations started only in 1891. They include fireworks, bonfires, folklore performances and more. While fireworks take place in cities, you can enjoy bonfires only on high grounds. In the past, these were lit to warn local residents about the approach of various intruders.
Perle-du-Lac Park
Perle-du-Lac Park, just east of the UN headquarters, is a beautiful park overlooking Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc in the distance. This tranquil oasis, in addition to amazing views, offers strolling, biking and jogging opportunities. In summer, free film projections take place here, as well as free yoga classes.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is the largest body of water in Central Europe. Divided between Switzerland and France (60% to 40%), it offers many relaxing and sightseeing opportunities. The other name of the lake is Lac Leman, referring to the Celtic term translated as "Large Water."
Jet L'Eau fountain and Chateau de Chillon are a few top attractions of the lake. The former is one of the key points of interest in the Swiss city of Geneva. With the water jet reaching the 140-meter (460-feet) height, it is among the world's tallest fountains. You can find the latter on the other side of the great lake. It is a fortification that oversaw trade routes for centuries. The castle assumes a small surface of the islet connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Saint Pierre Cathedral
The Saint Pierre Cathedral is one of the most striking structures in the city. It features neoclassical and Gothic exterior, while the Gothic interior additionally boasts Romanesque elements. The imposing height of the interior symbolizes the closeness to the God. Furthermore, people who climb the tall tower of the cathedral enjoy exceptional views of the city, Jet L'Eau and the surrounding area. The Saint Pierre Cathedral is the Protestant structure, in which Jean Calvin, the Protestant reformer of the 16th century, preached.
