What February feels like in Zurich
Late winter arrives in Zurich with February. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. There is little difference between day and night: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Zurich in February
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Each rainy day adds about 5.8 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 7.4 mm per rainy day. February is Zurich's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in February
Mid-month, Zurich gets 10 h 15 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:33 am to sunset near 5:47 pm. Days are getting longer: 1 h 23 min more daylight than in mid-January. About 62% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How February compares to the rest of the year
February is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Zurich. Compared with January, afternoons are 1.9°C (3.4°F) warmer, with 23 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into March. The next month's average high: 10.4°C (50.7°F).
Who February suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Zurich in February
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Zurich in February?
Expect around 6.5°C (43.7°F) in the afternoon and -1.2°C (29.8°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in February?
It does: about 11 rainy days bring roughly 64 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Zurich in February?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is February or March better for visiting Zurich?
March, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Zurich's months, against #10 for the other. March is warmer and has more rainy days.