North of the
Alps, the Swiss climate is predominantly atlantic.
It is moderate in the entire northern part all year
long.
The south on the other hand is rather Mediterranean. Some
areas in the most southern parts of Switzerland, like the
region around Lugano, are islands of warmth with warm summers
and mild winters. |
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From
July until August, the daytime temperature is around
18 to 28 °C, and from January to February around
-2 to 7°C. During spring and fall, the daily temperature
may vary from 8 to 15 °C.
Rainfall depends on altitude and exposure.
The annual rainfall in the midland and the lower valleys
is about 800 millimeters. In higher regions and especially
on the northern mountain sides up to 4’000 millimeters
of rain may fall. The smallest amounts (about 500 millimeters
per year) are measured in the low regions of the Valais. |
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The snow line
on the north side of the alps is at an altitude of
about 2’500 meters – on the southern side
at about 2’900 meters. A cold borealis – called
Bise – occurs during wintry anticyclones. On
some weather conditions, a wind called Föhn develops:
An air stream that warms up more on its way down the
lee side of the mountains than it cooled down on its
way up the windward side. |
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Generally,
it is recommended for visitors to bring a sweater,
shoes with good profile, sunscreen, sun glasses, an
umbrella or a light rain coat. |
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