What is the weather like in Switzerland during May?

Spring settles comfortably across Switzerland in May with temperatures that support outdoor exploration. Interlaken sees daily temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) while mountain destinations like Zermatt stay cooler at 10-15°C (50-59°F). Visitors can base themselves at properties like the Hotel de la Paix in Interlaken to take advantage of the mild climate. Past travelers report experiencing "perfect weather for exploring both cities and mountains with snow still visible on peaks but lovely green valleys below."

What are the best outdoor activities to do in Switzerland during May?

The mild May climate opens up numerous outdoor possibilities across Switzerland. Visitors can go paragliding above Lake Thun take boat rides on Lake Lucerne or explore hiking paths around Mount Pilatus. The temperature range of 12-20°C creates ideal conditions for these activities. The Hotel Krebs Interlaken positions travelers near popular trails and outdoor spots. Previous visitors note that "Paris and Swiss in May is beautiful and even more bliss when you don't travel in group."

Are there any special festivals or events in Switzerland during May?

May brings several cultural celebrations to Switzerland including the Gruyères Cheese Festival and Bern's International Jazz Festival. Wine enthusiasts can explore spring festivals in the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards. The CASCADA Boutique Hotel in Lucerne puts visitors within reach of many events. Travelers frequently mention enjoying "the authentic Swiss experience during spring festivals."

How crowded are tourist attractions in Switzerland during May?

May represents a sweet spot in Swiss tourism between winter's end and summer's peak. Key destinations like Zermatt and Interlaken maintain full services while seeing fewer visitors than summer months. Properties like BaseCamp Hotel in Zermatt offer comfortable access to attractions. As one visitor notes: "May was ideal - we enjoyed all attractions without the summer crowds but with perfect spring weather."

What are the best scenic train routes to take in Switzerland during May?

Spring conditions enhance Switzerland's rail journeys such as the Glacier Express connecting Zermatt to St. Moritz and the Bernina Express through the Alps. The GoldenPass line from Lucerne to Montreux shows off spring landscapes particularly well. The Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport serves as a convenient starting point for these routes. Previous travelers share that "The May views from the Glacier Express were spectacular with snow-capped peaks and green valleys."

What are the best day trips to take in Switzerland during May?

May offers excellent conditions for visiting the Rhine Falls from Zurich exploring the Gruyères region's cheese and chocolate production or taking water excursions on Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva. The Lauterbrunnen Valley displays its 72 waterfalls at full force during this time. Travelers often recommend the Gruyères experience noting "The day trip to Gruyères was perfect in May - we got to enjoy both the medieval town and the surrounding green landscapes."

Switzerland Tours in May 2027

10 best Switzerland trips in May 2027

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City & Culture
Best of Switzerland
2.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"We got to see so many cities in a short period of time."
Tom, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, Bern, Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lucerne, Vitznau
Age Range
Ages 15+
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $5,231
US$4,447per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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9 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
16 May, 2027
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
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
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1 May, 2027
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4 May, 2027
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City & Culture
7 Days Swiss Icons: Zurich, Titlis, Lucerne & Rhine Falls
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Zurich, Mount Titlis, Bern, Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Stein
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
28% Off
From $3,082
US$2,219per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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The Swiss Express
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Beautiful trip and super interesting for a first-time visit. Nice hotels though not fancy."
Rebecca, traveled in July
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Montreux, Zermatt
Age Range
Ages 5-69
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Interrailing Packages
28% Off
From
US$3,786per person
Price based on Shared Room
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1 May, 2027
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2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
6 Days Trip to Switzerland
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The Six Days Trip to Switzerland was the perfect add on following our Rhine River cruise."
Steve, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Zurich, Rhine Falls, Interlaken, Wengen, Grindelwald,Murren,Lucerne,Jungfrau,Lauterbrunnen,Engelberg,Mount Titlis,Rigi Kaltbad+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $2,234
US$1,564per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
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2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
7 Day Zurich And Lucerne By Train
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Zurich, Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lucerne
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
GrindelwaldSwiss AlpsAlps+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $2,905
US$2,121per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Switzerland adventure in 8 days - (Zurich, St. Gallen/Appenzell, Interlaken and Lucerne)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, St Gallen, Appenzell, Lucerne, Rigi Kaltbad,Mount Titlis,Engelberg,Mount Stanserhorn,Interlaken,Wengen,Grindelwald,Jungfrau,Murren,Lauterbrunnen,Rhine Falls+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
27% Off
From
US$3,428per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
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Hiking & Trekking
Switzerland adventure in 8 days - (Zurich with 2 nights each in Lucerne and Interlaken)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, Rhine Falls, St Gallen, Lucerne, Rigi Kaltbad,Mount Titlis,Mount Stanserhorn,Engelberg,Interlaken,Wengen,Grindelwald,Murren,Lauterbrunnen,Jungfrau+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $3,239
US$2,267per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
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Hiking & Trekking
Trip to Switzerland Covering Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken (in 7 days)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Rigi Kaltbad, Engelberg, Mount Titlis,Mount Stanserhorn,Interlaken,Wengen,Grindelwald,Murren,Lauterbrunnen,Rhine Falls+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $3,476
US$2,433per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
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2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
5-Days in Genava : Scenic Switzerland Wonders of Annecy & Zermatt
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Geneva, Montreux, Zermatt
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $2,018
US$1,473per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
5 Day Zurich including Lake ferry, Cable Car, Mount Rigi, Grindelwald and Interlaken
4.2 (13 traveler reviews)
"Up in a cable car and a train trip as well. We spent a few hours in our bathers enjoying the beautiful mineral springs overlooking the Swiss alps which was wonderful."
Maria, traveled in September
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 $1,623
US$1,185per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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Hiking & Trekking
8 Days Switzerland Tour (Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne and Zurich)
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"very well planned trip. had a fantastic time."
prem, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, Rhine Falls, Chur, Zermatt, Interlaken, Matterhorn,Wengen,Grindelwald,Jungfrau,Murren,Lauterbrunnen,Lucerne,Rigi Kaltbad,Engelberg,Mount Titlis+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Mount MatterhornMount EigerSwiss AlpsAlps+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $3,239
US$2,267per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
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
30% Off
From
US$5,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
4 May, 2027
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Switzerland adventure in 9 days - (Zurich, St. Gallen/Appenzell, Interlaken and Lucerne)
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"Was fruitful, enjoyable, with great planning from Wise Yatra."
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Zurich, Rhine Falls, St Gallen, Appenzell, Lucerne,Rigi Kaltbad,Mount Titlis,Engelberg,Mount Stanserhorn,Interlaken,Jungfrau,Murren,Wengen,Lauterbrunnen+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $3,532
US$2,473per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
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Spectacular Switzerland
5.0 (124 traveler reviews)
"The tour provided several of the highlights of Switzerland. Lucy really made as all feel like family."
Thea, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Zurich, Biel, Neuchatel, Geneva, Gruyeres, Broc, Gstaad,Interlaken,Grindelwald,Jungfrau,Bern,Lucerne+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
20% Off
From $4,429
US$3,543per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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7 May, 2027
7 spaces left
14 May, 2027
7 spaces left
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