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Best Times to Visit Geneva
The best time to visit Geneva is in the small peak season of July and August. Though you'll rub elbows with hordes of tourists and pay extra to visit during these months, Geneva's weather is at its best for outdoor activities like hiking at Mont Salève and sunbathing at the Pâquis Baths. December to April, meanwhile, are prime times for skiing the nearby Swiss Alps, but you'll encounter chilly temperatures and some crowds. Hotel and airfare deals may be possible if you do not visit around Christmas and Easter. If you'd rather avoid winter's cold weather and summer's high prices, consider arriving between September and November or in May or June, Geneva's shoulder seasons.
Weather in Geneva
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center
| December-April |
Wintertime in Geneva brings freezing winds from Lake Geneva and hordes of winter sports enthusiasts looking to take advantage of the Swiss Alps' prime skiing conditions. Room availability will be limited, especially around Christmas and Easter, so plan on finalizing your reservations several months in advance. Also, bring plenty of layers: Average daytime temps range from the high 30s to the high 50s. Key Events:
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| May-June |
The spring shoulder season's temperatures are pleasant, albeit occasionally cool – ranging from the mid-40s to low 70s. Accommodations and flights are generally more affordable in May and June, but some resorts do close, so call ahead to check availability. Rain showers are also common during these months, so pack an umbrella. Key Events:
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| July-August |
Although this is the most crowded season for Geneva's lakeside attractions, the weather is pleasant – mild and breezy, with daytime temps in the mid- to high 70s. However, rain may be a factor, especially in August. Some of Geneva's most popular festivals – including the Lake Parade and the Fêtes de Genève – also take place in the summer. Key Events:
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| September-November |
From September to November, crowds disperse, temperatures hover between the mid-30s and high 60s, and prices slip slightly, making this a great time for budget-conscious travelers to visit. But rain showers are most prevalent in November, which may make exploring outdoor attractions like The Grange Park and the Conservatory and Botanical Garden Geneva in the latter part of the season unpleasant at times. Key Events:
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Popular Times to Visit Geneva
Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.
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