Zurich Weather in November

November feels grey

Zurich in November is cool, damp and often cloudy. Highs reach 9°C, while nights can fall to 2°C, and the cold is what holds the month back most. Rain falls on about 13 days, and you'll get very little sun. The short daylight makes afternoons feel brief, so save long outdoor plans for the clearer spells.

Walk the Old Town's lanes, then duck into the Kunsthaus or the Swiss National Museum when the rain sets in. A boat ride on Lake Zurich can still be pleasant on a calm day, but don't count on warm lake views or a swim. Uetliberg's trails can be muddy and misty, so wait for a dry forecast before you hike.

Local lights and food

Once you've planned around the weather, November has a few cosy traditions to enjoy. Räbeliechtli parades take place in Zurich's neighbourhoods, where children carry lanterns carved from turnips. The small local processions make a warm evening outing. Dates and routes vary by district, so check locally before you go. Christmas markets and festive lights usually begin later in the month, and the city starts to feel busier as Advent nears.

If you like quiet museum days more than packed summer streets, November can work for you. It's calmer than peak summer, with less pressure on hotels, though festive events bring more visitors toward month's end. Fondue is a good choice on a cold evening, and Niederdorf is a fine place to try it before a stroll through the Old Town.

A quieter city break

November is autumn, not the full Christmas-season rush, so you'll find fewer visitors than in summer. The weather can still limit lakefront walks and scenic hikes, so keep your plans flexible. Pair an outdoor stroll with an indoor stop rather than building a whole day around sunshine. If you can pick any month, September is the better choice, and it's the best time to visit Zurich overall.

One local tip: take the Polybahn up from Central to the ETH terrace only when the clouds lift. The short ride gives you a fine view over the rooftops and the lake, but low cloud can hide it completely. If you're visiting in late November, check whether the lights on Bahnhofstrasse are on before you make a special evening trip.