What November feels like in Zurich
Late autumn arrives in Zurich with November. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Zurich in November
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 7.5 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Zurich's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7.4 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in November
Mid-month, Zurich gets 9 h 23 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:29 am to sunset near 4:52 pm. Days are getting shorter: 1 h 35 min less daylight than in mid-October. About 58% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How November compares to the rest of the year
November is the 4th coolest month of the year in Zurich. Compared with October, afternoons are 6.1°C (11°F) cooler, with 5 mm more rain. December is cooler again. The next month's average high: 5.2°C (41.4°F).
Who November 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 November
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Zurich in November?
Afternoons average 9.1°C (48.4°F) and nights about 3°C (37.4°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 4th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in November?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 90 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Zurich in November?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is November or December better for visiting Zurich?
On our 12-month climate ranking, November comes out ahead (#8 of 12 vs #11). December is cooler and has more rainy days.