Are you thinking about visiting Zermatt, Switzerland? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Zermatt worth visiting?
This town is a good place to visit for two to five days. Zermatt is the home of Europe's highest ski resort. It's also the place to go for stunning views of Matterhorn. The area is world renowned for its skiing and hiking, and any outdoor enthusiast should not miss a visit to this world class destination.
The Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland
Reasons to Visit Zermatt
Skiing
This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.
Hiking
There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.
Food
There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.
Nightlife
The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.
Resorts
There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.
Shopping
Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.
Is Zermatt worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Zermatt is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Zermatt is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 23°C (73°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (82°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the small town charm, the hiking, and the resorts. Also, you can grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Zermatt
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| September | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
Is Zermatt worth visiting in the Autumn?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 15°C (58°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Zermatt, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, discover the nearby hiking trails, and explore the small town.
Autumn Weather in Zermatt
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| November | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| December | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Zermatt worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the high season for travel in Zermatt, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Zermatt can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Most visitors come during the winter for the terrific skiing and snowboarding, as it's the main activity here. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to ski down the slopes, sample the delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities.
Winter Weather in Zermatt
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| February | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
Is Zermatt worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Zermatt. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 13°C (55°F).
The stunning mountain scenery at this time of year shouldn't be missed. You can wander around the town to enjoy the sights, but the real charm is when you get out into the nearby mountains. Drive, bike, hike, go camping, or just relax in the awe of the mountain views. During this season it's fun to experience the many shops, the beautiful scenery, and the small town charm. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Zermatt
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| June | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Zermatt
Museums: Zermatt isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.
Lots of Tourists
Zermatt sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Zermatt might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Zermatt here or see if Zermatt is expensive here.
Related
What is Zermatt most famous for?
Zermatt is most famous for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. The town is very popular for its skiing and hiking. It is also known for its great food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. It is often described as breathtaking, charming, stunning, and iconic.
What is the most famous sight in Zermatt?
The most popular sight in Zermatt is The Matterhorn. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Zermatt on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Matterhorn and other attractions here.
How touristy is Zermatt? Is it a popular town to visit?
Zermatt is a very touristy town that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $63
- Mount Gornergrat: Zermatt's Spectacular Summit Ticket: $152
- Majestic Matterhorn: Zermatt to Glacier Paradise Cableway Ticket: $181
- Mystic Zermatt Tour: Peaks, History & Culture: $222
- Tapas tour in Zermatt: $111
- Sion Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour: $221
- Private Village Tour in Zermatt’s Alpine: $243
How long should I spend in Zermatt?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Zermatt is two to five days. Since Zermatt has a variety of activities such as skiing and hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Zermatt?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Zermatt?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Zermatt?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.