Do you want to know what to wear in Switzerland in Fall? In this guide, we will tell you EXACTLY what to pack for Switzerland no matter if you are visiting in September, October or November or if you are staying in Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Bern, Zermatt or heading into the Alps.
Important Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!
This includes guidance on how to dress for the weather, dress codes as well as Switzerland special events in Fall/Autumn.
Fall Weather Switzerland
Fall in Switzerland is classified as June, July and August. So what can you expect from the weather in Switzerland in Autumn?
How cold is Switzerland in Fall?
Switzerland has a realtively moderate climate in Fall. Generally speaking the average temperatures in Switzerland in Fall range from 8 to 15 °C (46° – 59° F). Obviously the higher ground will be cooler and layers are a good idea no matter where you are heading in.
How rainy is Switzerland in Fall?
Switzerland can be rainy whatever month you are visiting. And although September is drier than August it is still worth packing a compact travel umbrella and a packaway rain jacket too.
Note: we always recommend checking the forecast at your destination(s) 7 days out from travel to make sure there are no expected weather fronts i.e. heatwaves or cold snaps.
What to Wear in Switzerland in Fall (September, October & November)
Before we get onto the specifics of what to wear in Switzerland in Fall for women and men, we wanted to reiterate that we think it is a great idea to pack a capsule wardrobe. It means you are less likely to lose your luggage when travelling and prevents you from overpacking. For help in packing a capsule wardrobe check out these posts.
Best Shoes for Switzerland in Fall
But first we will turn our attention to shoes for Switzerland in Fall. And it is worth noting that the shoes you need for cities such as Bern and Geneva are very different to those you need for hiking in the mountains and in regions around the Materhorn and in Zermatt.
But the first shoe we recommend putting on your packing list is:
Sneakers
Sneakers are absolutely the best shoe for places like Bern and Geneva and other Swiss cities in Fall.
My favorite brand of sneakers for walking are Hoka and AllBirds, however you also can’t go wrong with a plain white sneaker as they go with everything. One of my favorite pairs of white sneakers is the Adidas Cloud Foam shoes.
However if you plan to do hiking in Switzerland in Fall then we also recommend packing
Hiking Boots
If you plan on doing more outdoor activities in Switzerland like hiking around Zermatt and in the Alps then we recommend packing hiking boots. For Fall a lightweight but waterproof pair are best.
Ankle Boots
If you plan on visiting any restaurants or smarter places we recommend also packing a pair of ankle boots too!
What to Wear in Switzerland in Fall for Women
Waterproof Jacket
Although not as rainy as Summer you will still want a compact waterproof with you. If you are visiting in October or November then you will also want:
Puffer Jacket
As the temperatures drop you will also want to have a puffer jacket with you.
Please note: it is worth keeping your eye on the weather to be sure there isn’t a cold snap and a larger parka coat isn’t required.
Layers
Lots of layers are the most important thing for your Switzerland packing list. Hoodies are a good choice, but I also like to pack a lightweight fleeces for hiking as they are really insulating, layer well but also pack away easily and dry quickly if they get wet.
Trousers / Pants
Trousers and pants are a great versatile pick for Switzerland and are way more useful than dresses and skirts especially if you are doing lots of outdoors activities.
Now depending on your Switzerland itinerary I would consider packing the below pants:
- Convertible Hiking Trousers that can double up as shorts and trousers if you plan on doing hikes especially in September.
- Jeans – for in cities and towns. For November, if there is a cold snap you may want a fleece lined pair.
- Athleisure – if you prefer hiking in leggings these can be a good pick.
Skirts and Dresses
These aren’t essential but are nice to have if you plan on going to nicer restaurants for upscale dinners. For Fall I recommend a nice sweater dress that can be paired with boots and tights.
Click here to shop dresses for Switzerland
T Shirts
T Shirts are perfect base layer for Switzerland in September, October or November.
Blouses
Loose blouses are perfect for Switzerland. I particularly like them for evenings paired with a waterfall cardigan or blazer or even for hiking.
Swimwear
There are lots of opportunities for a swim or sauna in Switzerland so I definitely recommend having one piece of swimwear with you.
PJs or Nightie, Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
Note: as most of Switzerland does not have air conditioning you will want lightweight nightwear with you.
Sunglasses
Be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses with good UVA protection as the sun can be strong in Switzerland even in the fall.
For more tips on putting together a hiking outfit for Fall out this post.
What to Wear in Switzerland in Fall Packing List for Men
Alongside our regular men’s travel essentials we recommend adding the following items to your men’s packing list for Switzerland in Fall:
Jacket/ Coat
Again a compact waterproof jacket is perfect for Fall visitors but the later in Fall you go the more likely you are to need a jacket like a puffer or even a Parka.
Pants
As with the ladies packing list we recommend packing:
- convertible walking trousers,
- shorts and
- something like chinos or jeans for cities and towns.
Shop men’s travel chinos here.
T Shirts and Shirts
T shirts are great for days sightseeing. And on top of t shirts you may also want to pack a button down shirt for use in more upscale restaurants.
Layers
A hoodie, jumper and fleece alongside your waterproof are the perfect layers for 7 days in Switzerland.
Swimwear
For same reason as the female packing list.
Underwear
Goes without saying.
What to pack for Switzerland in Fall (Non-Clothing)
Crossbody Bag – unfortunately any tourist site attracts pickpockets and Switzerland is no different. A crossbody bag with lots of zips is the best way to protect your belongings.
- Backpack – for storing items on your day trips. We also recommend packing a waterproof cover to protect your pack and belongings should you get caught in a downpour
- Travel adaptor – Switzerland uses traditional European plugs so UK and US visitors will need a universal adaptor to make their electronics work.
- Power Pack / battery packs
- Sun screen
- Hiking Poles (Optional) – if you plan on doing any serious hiking. We recommend having a foldaway pair as they are much easier to pack.
- Compact Umbrella – important for any month you visit Switzerland.
- Camera
- Reusable Water bottle – again, important if you plan on hiking.
- Mosquito Spray – if you are by lakes and still water this is absolutely an essential.
- Travel First Aid Kit – especially important if you plan on doing lots of hiking.
- Blister plasters
- Toiletries – for our essential toiletries packing list click here. However toiletries should be easy to buy in Switzerland if you want to buy them on arrival. However Switzerland is generally an expensive place to shop so it may save you money to bring them with you.
- Binoculars – the Fjords are beautiful be sure to have some binoculars with you to fully appreciate them.
FAQs About Switzerland in Fall
What should I pack for hiking in Switzerlandin Fall ?
The Alps should be on anyone’s Switzerland bucket list. The above packing list should work for hiking in Switzerland but the most important things to remember are:
- waterproof jackets
- layers
- hiking boots and hiking socks
- walking trousers
You may also want to pack a thicker coat for Fall depending on when you are traveling.
Can you wear jeans in Switzerland?
You can absolutely wear jeans in Switzerland in Fall. However I advise against wearing them on hikes as they are uncomfortable to wear on long hikes. But they are perfect for Swiss towns in Fall.
Have you been to Switzerland in Fall? What did you wear? We would love you to tell us in the comments below