What is the weather like in Switzerland during January?

Switzerland's January climate varies distinctly by location and elevation. Urban centers like Zurich and Lucerne experience temperatures from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F) while high-altitude spots such as Jungfraujoch can see temperatures drop to -15°C (5°F). The Hotel Da La Paix in Interlaken remains a popular winter base. Clear winter days provide excellent visibility for mountain photography according to TourRadar travelers who note that "despite the cold temperatures the clear winter days offer spectacular visibility for mountain views." Snow blankets most regions especially in alpine areas like Grindelwald and Zermatt making conditions ideal for winter activities.

What winter festivals and events happen in Switzerland during January?

January brings several notable winter celebrations across Switzerland. The International Hot Air Balloon Festival fills the skies of Château-d'Oex near Montreux where the Tralala Hôtel welcomes festival-goers. St. Moritz hosts its prestigious Snow Polo World Cup while the Grindelwald Snow Festival draws crowds to its ice sculpture displays. Zurich's Winter Festival based near the Holiday Inn Express features local markets and performances that travelers describe as "amazing winter markets and cultural performances that showcase Swiss traditions."

What are the best places to visit in Switzerland during January?

The winter landscape transforms Swiss destinations in January. Interlaken with its Hotel da la paix serves as a gateway to the snow-covered Jungfrau region. Zermatt offers close-up views of the white-capped Matterhorn. Lake Lucerne's winter scenery draws visitors who often stay at the Ibis Styles Lucerne City for easy access to Mount Titlis and Rigi. The combination of winter sports in Grindelwald and Montreux's scenic lake views make these locations particularly popular during the winter season.

What are the best winter activities to do in Switzerland during January?

January opens up numerous winter possibilities across Switzerland. Zermatt's Gornergrat area offers prime skiing and snowboarding conditions. Near Lucerne Mount Titlis features the Ice Flyer chairlift and an accessible Glacier Cave. From Interlaken the Jungfrau region presents well-maintained winter hiking paths and snow activities. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The highlight of the trip was definitely seeing the Matterhorn up close in winter - the views were absolutely incredible."

Is January a good time for the Glacier Express journey?

The Glacier Express reaches peak scenic potential in January. The 8-hour route connecting Zermatt to St. Moritz crosses through snow-draped valleys and peaks. Warm carriages equipped with panoramic windows let travelers enjoy the winter views in comfort. Previous passengers often share positive experiences like this TourRadar traveler who noted "The winter Glacier Express journey was absolutely breathtaking."

How much does a Switzerland trip cost in January?

A 6-8 day Swiss adventure in January typically costs between 1600 USD and 4800 USD per person. This usually covers stays at properties like CASCADA Boutique Hotel in Lucerne or Hotel Krebs in Interlaken plus breakfast train passes and mountain excursions. Evening meals activities and winter equipment rentals such as ski passes require additional budget planning.

Switzerland Tours in January 2027

10 best Switzerland trips in January 2027

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Explorer
Switzerland in a Nutshell Small Group Tour
3.5 (4 traveler reviews)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Geneva, Interlaken, Lake Geneva, Montreux, Vevey, Lausanne
Age Range
Ages 8+
Lakes
Lake Geneva
Operated in
English
Operator
Omega Tours
From
US$2,391per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Swiss Alps W/Bernina & Glacier Express Routes
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, St Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, Interlaken
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
10% Off
From $5,799
US$5,219per person
Price based on Private Double Room
24 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
26 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Majestic Switzerland: 9 Days of Lakes, Mountains, and Charm
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Zurich, Chur, Brig, Montreux, Nyon, Bern
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
10% Off
From $4,999
US$4,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
4 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Switzerland Cities & Landscapes - 6 days
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Geneva, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Bern, Gruyeres,Lake Geneva,Montreux,Lausanne+3 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $2,945
US$2,356per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
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Explorer
Zurich to Geneva - 7 days
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Zurich, Schaffhausen, Lucerne, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen,Bern,Gruyeres,Lake Geneva,Montreux,Lausanne,Geneva+6 more
Age Range
Ages 9+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $3,130
US$2,504per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
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Explorer
8 Days Switzerland Tour (Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne and Zurich)
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The WiseYatra tour was the most highly researched and detailed tour itinerary I could hope for or imagine."
David, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, Rhine Falls, Chur, Zermatt, Interlaken, Jungfrau,Murren,Wengen,Lauterbrunnen,Lucerne,Rigi Kaltbad,Engelberg,Mount Titlis+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $3,224
US$2,257per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
6 Days Trip to Switzerland
4.9 (11 traveler reviews)
"The tours is self guided, but the instructions were well so organized and easy to follow that it was amazing fun."
Omar, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Zurich, Rhine Falls, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Murren, Wengen,Lauterbrunnen,Lucerne,Rigi Kaltbad,Engelberg,Mount Titlis,Mount Pilatus+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $2,209
US$1,547per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Switzerland adventure in 9 days - (Zurich, St. Gallen/Appenzell, Interlaken and Lucerne)
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"Paris and Swiss in May is beautiful and even more bliss when you don't travel in group."
Raghavendra, traveled in May
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Zurich, St Gallen, Lucerne, Interlaken
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $3,516
US$2,461per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Trip to Switzerland Covering Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux (in 9 days)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"It was a great trip through Switzerland."
Harkeerat, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Engelberg, Mount Titlis,Mount Stanserhorn,Interlaken,Murren,Wengen,Lauterbrunnen,Grindelwald,Montreux,Gruyeres,Broc,Rhine Falls+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $3,668
US$2,568per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Rustic Switzerland 9 days (Covering Zurich, Appenzell, Engelberg and Grindelwald)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Zurich, Rhine Falls, Appenzell, St Gallen, Engelberg,Lucerne,Grindelwald,Interlaken,Lauterbrunnen,Murren,Wengen+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $3,960
US$2,772per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Safari
Switzerland’s Ultimate Winter Experience (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Zurich, St Moritz, Zermatt, Crans-Montana, Geneva
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Swiss Alps Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Caribbean Excursions
10% Off
From $24,800
US$22,320per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Ultimate Swiss Winter Escape – 10 Days / 9 Nights
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, Geneva
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Caribbean Excursions
10% Off
From $4,857
US$4,371per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Swiss Miracle
4.8 (51 traveler reviews)
"Memorable, great value and really well organised. I came away feeling like I seen a great of Switzerland and ticked off many of the main highlights."
Natalie, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Zurich, Schaffhausen, Lucerne, Iseltwald, Interlaken,Lauterbrunnen,Meiringen,Jungfrau,Bern,Gruyeres,Vevey,Montreux,Lake Geneva,Lausanne,Geneva+10 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
OpenUp Swiss Travel Experience
10% Off
From
US$2,096per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
5 Day Zurich including Lake ferry, Cable Car, Mount Rigi, Grindelwald and Interlaken
4.3 (12 traveler reviews)
"It was our first ever trip overseas and it was magical."
Teena, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Zurich, Grindelwald, Interlaken
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
GrindelwaldSwiss AlpsAlps+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $1,656
US$1,209per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
4 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
5 Days Trip to Switzerland (Stay in Lucerne and Zurich)
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"Their replies to all our questions before and during the trip were very thorough and prompt. Grindelwald was a great recommendation by WiseYara."
Venkatesh, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Engelberg, Mount Titlis, Interlaken,Murren,Wengen,Lauterbrunnen,Rhine Falls+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $1,915
US$1,340per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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