What October feels like in Zurich
Mid-autumn arrives in Zurich with October. Expect cool, jacket-on afternoons — comfortable for a long walk. Little changes after sunset — nights are cool, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Zurich in October
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 7.8 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in October
Mid-month, Zurich gets 10 h 58 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:43 am to sunset near 6:40 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 41 min less daylight than mid-September. The sun is out for roughly 66% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How October compares to the rest of the year
In Zurich's temperature order, October sits as the 6th warmest month. Against September, the average high is 4.4°C (7.9°F) lower, with 6 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into November. By November, typical highs are 9.1°C (48.4°F).
Who October suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Zurich in October
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Zurich in October?
Expect around 15.2°C (59.4°F) in the afternoon and 7.6°C (45.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Zurich in October?
It does: about 11 rainy days bring roughly 85 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Zurich in October?
The numbers point to rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is October or November better for visiting Zurich?
On our 12-month climate ranking, October comes out ahead (#5 of 12 vs #8). November is cooler and has more rainy days.