The Uetliberg has no closed season: the train runs every day of the year and each season has its own reason to go. What matters most is not the month but the visibility on the day — so the best planning tool is the summit webcam, checked on the morning of your visit.
The table gives typical daytime and night-time temperatures for the city of Zurich. On the summit, about 450 metres higher, it is usually two to three degrees cooler and windier — except during winter fog, when it can be warmer and sunnier on top than in town.
The Uetliberg month by month
| Month | Zurich day / night | On the mountain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 / −2 °C | Often above the fog; snow possible | Sea of fog, sledging when it snows |
| February | 5 / −1 °C | Cold, often clear | Sharp Alpine views; icy paths |
| March | 10 / 2 °C | Changeable | First spring walks |
| April | 14 / 5 °C | Fresh green in the beech forest | Lovely for hiking up |
| May | 19 / 9 °C | Mild; showers | Long evenings, fewer crowds |
| June | 22 / 12 °C | Warm; thunderstorms possible | Late sunsets on the terrace |
| July | 24 / 14 °C | Warm; the forest is cool | Go early or late in the day |
| August | 24 / 14 °C | Warm; often hazy | Good for evening visits |
| September | 19 / 11 °C | Stable, clearer air | One of the best months |
| October | 14 / 7 °C | Autumn colour; first fog | Golden beech forest |
| November | 7 / 2 °C | Often above the fog | Peak sea-of-fog season |
| December | 4 / −1 °C | Often above the fog; frost | Sun above, grey below |
November to January: above the sea of fog
In late autumn and early winter, high pressure often leaves a layer of cold, damp air sitting over the Swiss lowlands. Zurich can then be grey for days — while a few hundred metres higher the sun shines from a deep blue sky. On many of these days the top of the fog lies below the Uetliberg, and the view from the summit is of a white sea with the Alps rising behind it.
- Check first: the fog top can be at 600 metres or at 1,000. Look at the summit webcam; if it shows sun, go straight away.
- Expect company: half of Zurich has the same idea on a foggy Sunday. Travel early.
- Dress for both: it may be near freezing in town and pleasantly mild in the sun on top — or the other way round.
Spring: March to May
The beech forest turns bright green in April, wild garlic carpets the slopes and the paths dry out. Spring air is often clear after rain, and the mountain is quieter than in autumn. Late snow is possible in March.
Summer: June to August
Summer brings long evenings — the sun sets after nine in June — and a terrace season on the summit. The Alps are often hazy by midday, so come early for the mountains or late for sunset. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; the tower closes in lightning and the open ridge is no place to be.
Autumn: September and October
September is one of the best months: settled weather, clearer air and comfortable walking temperatures. In October the forest turns copper and gold and the first fog banks appear in the mornings.
Winter: snow, ice and sledging
Snow on the Uetliberg is not guaranteed, but when it comes the mountain is transformed: frosted trees, a trodden Planet Trail and — with enough snow — the sledging run to Triemli. Wear shoes with good soles; the path to the summit can be very icy.
The best time of day
- Morning: the clearest air for the Alps, and the fewest people.
- Late afternoon: warm light on the city and the lake.
- Sunset: the sun goes down in the west, behind the Jura; turn round and watch the city lights come on.
- After dark: Zurich glitters below. Trains run until late.
Days worth planning around
- Swiss National Day (1 August) and New Year’s Eve: popular nights for watching fireworks over the city and the lake from above. Expect crowds and full trains.
- Föhn days: when the warm southerly föhn blows, the Alps look close enough to touch.
- The first clear day after rain: the best visibility of all.
When to avoid
- Days when the summit itself is in cloud — the webcam will show a wall of grey.
- Sunny Sunday afternoons, if you dislike crowds.
- During thunderstorms and gales.
