General
Dressing in layers is a must in Switzerland where the weather can change throughout the day, and evenings can be quite cool.
Always ensure your base layers are made from a moisture-wicking fabric that takes away the humidity from your skin so it can evaporate easily.
Warm socks and gloves will save your life, when skiing your hands and feet your extremities get cold the fastest.
You do not want freezing hands and numb fingers, so choose your gloves carefully and make sure your gloves are waterproof and well-insulated.
Switzerland is a pretty rainy country so make room for that raincoat.
Between the high altitude and the abundance of reflective surfaces such as glaciers, lakes, and snow, sunburn is a constant risk. Bring sunscreen cream with an SPF of 30 minimum, but if you can bring an SPF of 50, it will be much better.
Pack a good pair of sunglasses that are made for snow or water reflections.
Shoes To Pack
If you plan on doing any serious hiking in Switzerland, a pair of rugged hiking boots is essential.
Focus on wearing warm shoes that are waterproof so that you won’t get wet socks.
Make sure you pack a comfortable pair of warm and snug snow boots that are waterproof for your ski trip.
Clothing For Women
In spring layering is important to ensure you are comfortable, pack a a good pair of jeans or trousers, a sleeveless top accompanied by a lightweight jacket, or a cardigan to protect you from the chill of the mornings and evenings.
The evenings in summer can still get quite cool, so when deciding what to wear in Switzerland pack a pair of bandeaus, and sleeveless shirts can make an appearance during the summer month. Light summer dresses and skirts in cotton and linen are a great fabric for the summer season to allow for breathability. I include a lightweight jacket for cooler nights, additionally, a raincoat would be beneficial to protect you from the elements and the occasional rain shower.
Autumn weather can be unpredictable; it can range from sunny days to rain and even snow. The perfect idea for dressing in this weather is layering. Layering is essential, so include 3/4 tops and long-sleeve tops to suit the weather, you can dress these with a sweater for the warmer days or a jacket or warm coat.
During winter you can expect rain, and snow with few daylight hours. Layering is essential for winter and the difference in temperatures from the outside to the inside can be quite extreme. Pack a pair of jeans, pants, fleece, woolen sweater, and shirt. warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof shoes. Include a pair of thermals for the bitterly cold days, which you can wear underneath your clothing.
No matter what the season, pack swimwear in the summer, and the Swiss flock to lakes, rivers, and municipal water parks to cool down. In winter, you will find hot tub opportunities around every corner.
The fancy restaurants are smart-casual, and those in active tourist centers are especially casual.
Clothing For Men
In the Swiss summer, you will find yourself reaching for a light jacket after the sun goes down.
In winter pack jeans, pants, fleece, a woolen sweater, shirt. warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof shoes.
The fancy restaurants are smart-casual, and those in active tourist centers are especially casual.
Pack For The Weather
Switzerland can often feel much colder than it is because of the mountain altitude, as well as proximity to lakes that generate chilling winds.
Summer temperatures often seem reasonable on paper, they feel much less so in person. If you plan to hike in Switzerland, particularly in the mountains, pack several warm layers, including a windbreaker and thermal underwear.
Walking the Swiss Alps is fabulous, but the terrain can be tough so good walking boots with ankle support are a must, and make sure you ‘wear in’ your walking boots or shoes for a number of weeks before your trip – you will be so much more comfortable.
If going up mountains or on the lakes in winter it is best to wear layers e.g. thermals, proper walking pants, a thin jersey and two high tech fleeces.
