What August feels like in Zurich
For Zurich, August is late summer on the calendar. Afternoons are warm and pleasant, good for long days out. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay mild. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Zurich in August
August is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Wet days average about 8.8 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Zurich averages about 7.4 mm per rainy day, so August is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
Mid-month, Zurich gets 14 h 19 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:21 am to sunset near 8:40 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 17 min less daylight than mid-July. About 75% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How August compares to the rest of the year
In Zurich's temperature order, August sits as the 2nd warmest month. Against July, the average high is 0.7°C (1.3°F) lower, with 9 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into September. September averages a high of 19.6°C (67.3°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Hiking: a good fit — mild temperatures for trails.
Tips for visiting Zurich in August
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Zurich in August?
Afternoons average 23.6°C (74.5°F) and nights about 15.1°C (59.2°F) — warm by most people's standards. It is the 2nd warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in August?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 124 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Zurich in August?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is August or September better for visiting Zurich?
September, narrowly: it ranks #1 of 12 among Zurich's months, against #2 for the other. September is cooler and has fewer rainy days.