By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 5 August 2025 | Updated: 5th August 2025
Zermatt is one of the most iconic places you can visit in Switzerland. With its beautiful historic village, countless trails to hike and of course the towering peak of the Matterhorn looking down over the area, it is clear to see why so many people visit. We have visited Zermatt numerous times since moving to Switzerland and at different times of the year too, (other than the Bernese Oberland, it is one of our favourite places to visit), so here is our guide on whether you should visit Zermatt in summer or Zermatt in winter.
They are very different experiences!
Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:
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Currency Conversion: We recommend Wise
Travel Insurance: World Nomads
Is Zermatt better in summer or winter?
Zermatt isn’t better in one season over another, it is just a bit different. In the summer Zermatt is teeming with life, alpine flowers cover the area, the local Valais sheep graze the mountain sides and hiking trails are at their best. In the winter Zermatt is covered in a blanket of snow, cosy cafes and restaurants invite you in and there are of course numerous snow sports you can do.
Zermatt Map
Zermatt in Summer
Summer in Zermatt runs officially from mid June through to the end of September, with Swiss National Day, (a country wide celebration and day off), falling in the middle. The Zermatt Folklore Festival is also held each August, (on one of the first Sundays of the month).
Weather in Zermatt in summer
The average temperatures and rainfall in Zermatt in summer can vary quite a bit depending on where you are in the valley and the month you are visiting. The weather can of course be a little warmer or cooler than this as well, during one visit in July it was definitely hotter than 22° C / 71.6° F!
📍 June – highs of 20° C / 68° F and lows of 9° C / 48.2° F, with average rainfall of 184mm over 19 days.
📍 July – highs of 22° C / 71.6° F and lows of 10° C / 50° F, with average rainfall of 187mm over 18 days.
📍 August – highs of 21° C / 69.8° F and lows of 10° C / 50° F, with average rainfall of 180mm over 18 days.
📍 September – highs of 17° C / 62.6° F and lows of 7° C / 44.6° F, with average rainfall of 160mm over 15 days.
Is Zermatt worth visiting in summer?
Our first trip to Zermatt was in the summer, and we can honestly say it was incredible and a trip we still talk about to this day. We spent a long weekend hiking along the Five Lakes, eating delicious food, staying in a mountain hut (the best thing to do in Zermatt if you want incredible sunset and sunrise views over the Matterhorn as well as quiet hiking trails), and making friends with the local sheep. So yes, Zermatt is definitely worth visiting in the summer.
Best things to do in Zermatt in summer
📍 Hiking: One thing you simply have to do whilst visiting Zermatt in the summer is get out on a hiking trail or two. There is a vast network of routes for all skill levels, most of which have some seriously incredible views of the local glaciers and, of course, the Matterhorn. The Five Lake Hike, or 5 Seenweg, is a particularly popular one (and one which we highly recommend!). You can find all the summer hiking trails here.
📍 Meet the sheep: Yes, you read that correctly, one of the best things to do in Zermatt in the summer is to meet the local black-nosed sheep! The summer months are when the local sheep herds are moved up to the mountains to graze, normally between Riffelalp and Riffelberg, and they are the friendliest sheep you will ever meet! They have a shepherd or shepherdess with them to teach you about the sheep, so feel free to find them via the online tracker, then head out to meet them – they particularly love a good head scratch!
📍 Mountain Biking: The area in and around Zermatt is also a paradise for mountain bikers, again with numerous routes across the mountain sides and through the forests leading into Zermatt.
📍 Kickbikes, Dirt Scooters & Mountain Carts: Think mountain bikes are the only wheeled thing you can do on the mountains? Well, we are here to tell you that you can also get involved in some wheeled summer sports with Kickbikes, Dirt Scooters and Mountain Carts. Kickbikes are basically a bicycle cross scooter, where you stand up on a platform attached to a bicycle frame and wheels, Dirt Scooters are very similar however, they have really chunky tyres to help with riding on non-paved paths, and Mountain Carts are three-wheeled carts that you sit in.
Depending on the mountain that you are visiting, you can take part in one or a number of these activities:
🚲 Kickbikes – trail from Sunnegga to Zermatt
🛴 Dirt Scooters – trail from Schwarzee to Zermatt
🛷 Mountain Carts – trail from Blauherd to Sunnegga
📍 Summer Skiing: Think you can’t ski in Switzerland in the summer? Think again! The Theodul Glacier in Zermatt has over 20km of ski pistes open throughout the summer, so be sure to visit if you want the chance to ski in summer!
📍 Gornergorge: Another slightly less well known thing to do in Zermatt in the summer is to visit the Gornergorge, just a short 15 minute walk from the southern end of the village. This gorge has a wooden walkway that follows along the Gornervispes bright blue waters and is particularly lovely in the late afternoon when the sun creeps into the gorge.
📍 Ricola Herb Garden: Another lesser known thing to do in Zermatt, more specifically in Blatten, is to visit the Ricola Herb Garden. It might not sound like much, but Ricola is a famous Swiss brand world renown for its herbal sweets / bonbons, (you have not truly visited Switzerland unless you have tried a couple of the flavours!), and this garden is home to the 13 plants that go into making them.
For a full rundown of all the hiking trails, sheep locations, and public transport that are in operation over the summer months, be sure to check the Zermatt Summer Panorama Map.
Is Zermatt crowded in August?
Yes, Zermatt can get crowded in August, but it will be less crowded than over the peak winter months of December and January! It is also very easy to just walk a little further, (be it in the village itself or up a mountain), and be off the main tourist trail meaning less crowds.
Zermatt in Winter
Winter in Zermatt runs officially from mid December through to mid March, with Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day all falling in this time, so expect a few visitors to be around!
Weather in Zermatt in winter
The average temperatures and rainfall / snowfall in Zermatt in winter can vary quite a bit depending on where you are and the month you are visiting, and of course the wind chill. It can easily reach -15° C / 5° F up a mountain in harsh winds, (we found that out the hard way one winter, getting frozen hair and clothes!) :
📍 December – highs of 2° C / 35.6° F and lows of -5° C / 23° F, with average rainfall of 110mm over 16 days.
📍 January – highs of 2° C / 35.6° F and lows of -6° C / 21.2° F, with average rainfall of 101mm over 17 days.
📍 February – highs of 3° C / 37.4° F and lows of -6° C / 21.2° F, with average rainfall of 93mm over 16 days.
📍 March – highs of 7° C / 44.6° F and lows of -3° C / 26.6° F, with average rainfall of 102mm over 18 days.
Is Zermatt worth visiting in winter?
Although winter is the peak season for visiting Zermatt, it is still very much worth visiting. In the village it can seem much busier than if you visit during other seasons, but as soon as you are up on a mountain or in a local cafe you can easily find yourself a tranquil spot to sip on some warming glühwein and take in the views. On one trip we spent a part of a day snowshoeing from Gornergrat down to Riffelberg, and we only saw 2 other people on the whole route! Of course if you plan to ski or snowboard it will be busier, but the incredible views make up for it.
Best things to do in Zermatt in winter
📍 Skiing & Snowboarding: If visiting Zermatt in winter, then chances are you might hit the slopes for a ski or snowboarding session (we haven’t as of yet as we are still to learn!), but if that is the case, then you have come to the right place. Zermatt is world world-renowned ski resort with slopes of varying difficulty and, of course, incredible views.
📍 Winter hiking & Snowshoeing: If like us, skiing isn’t really your thing, then Zermatt still has numerous options for winter activities that you can do, including our favourites, winter hiking and snowshoeing. With the summer hiking trails covered in a layer of snow, the paths are either ‘groomed’, i.e. where a vehicle creates a dedicated track of compacted snow for hikers to follow, or left as is and ready for snowshoeing. You can find all the winter trails here. We can highly recommend the snowshoe route from Gornergrat to Riffelberg!
📍 Sledding / Tobogganing: You can’t come to Switzerland in the winter and not have a go at sledging or tobogganing. There are some great runs throughout the country, but the run from Rotenboden to Riffelberg on Gornergrat and from Täsch to Eggstadel are some of the best in Zermatt.
📍 Husky Sledding: Husky sledding isn’t just for the Nordics; you can experience the thrill of a dog sled ride all in the snowy landscapes of Zermatt and the Matterhorn! You can get more information on the experience here.
📍 Glacier Palace: The highest glacier experience in the world, with ice tunnels and ice sculptures, is another thing you should do in Zermatt in the winter. At the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise you can take a lift down 15m into a glacier between the Klein Matterhorn and the Breithorn, where the ice palace awaits!
📍 Paragliding: Paragliding isn’t just for the summer months, in Zermatt you can take to the skies over the snow, (weather depending, i.e. no flying in the snow or rain), and see the village of Zermatt and the surrounding peaks from a whole new perspective. You can find out more about the local flight schools here.
📍 Spa Day: If you have had enough of the colder weather, then one of the best things to do in Zermatt in the winter is to get a day pass to one of the many spas. It is the perfect way to relax after a few days exploring, and more often than not, the spas have some incredible mountain views and delicious restaurants too. The CERVO Atman Mountain Spa is particularly great.
For a full run down of all the trails, ski runs, and public transport that is in operation over the winter months, be sure to check the Zermatt Winter Piste Panorama Map.
What to do in Zermatt in winter if not skiing?
After living in Switzerland for a few years now, we are still yet to learn to ski, so when we visit Zermatt in the winter we opt for groomed trail hiking, (where the path has been created through the snow for you to follow), or go snowshoeing. You can also go tobogganing depending on which mountain you choose to visit.
Where to stay in Zermatt
Budget – Hotel Bahnhof Zermatt in the centre of Zermatt is a great option for those on a budget.
Mid range – Both Hotel Schweizerhof or Grand Hotel Zermatterhof are fantastic options, with spa access and incredible views of the Matterhorn.
Luxury – If you have the budget then Nomad by CERVO is where you should go with its hotel cross mountain lodge feel, onsite restaurant and spa all with quite possibly the best view of the Matterhorn in all of Zermatt.
During our last summer trip in Zermatt, we actually spent the night in a mountain hut called Fluhalp, which is located partway along the Five Lake Hike, something we can highly recommend!
Check out the map below for even more accommodation options and deals around Zermatt.
Where to eat in Zermatt
🍴 Bäckerei Fuchs – delicious baked goods, sweet and savory, perfect for breakfast or a hiking treat.
🍴 Theodors Stuba – traditional local restaurant serving local dishes.
🍴 Grampi’s Bar & Restaurant – A restaurant full of italian flair, with delicious pizza and pasta.
🍴 Fluhalp Mountain Hut & Restaurant – mountain hut and restaurant along the Five Lake Hike, perfect for a bite to eat with views of the Matterhorn. (Only open in the summer months).
🍴 Riffelhaus 1853 at Riffelberg – Self service mountain restaurant with seasonal dishes and drinks, with a large outdoor terrace perfect for soaking in the sun and views.
🍴 Iglu-Dorf Zermatt at Gornergrat – fancy eating in an Iglu? Now you can!
Zermatt in Summer Vs Zermatt in Winter FAQs
Where is Zermatt in Switzerland
Zermatt is located in the canton of Valais in southern Switzerland.
How to get to Zermatt
To get to Zermatt you will have to take the train, even if you have rented a car for your trip to Switzerland you will have to leave it at Täsch, (there is a large covered car park here with 2100 spaces costing from CHF 25 per day), then finish your journey to Zermatt by train as the village itself is car free. Zermatt is however, very well connected to the rest of Switzerland, we have listed some of the most popular routes below:
🚃 Basel to Zermatt – 3 hours 35 minutes with 1 change at Visp
🚃 Bern to Zermatt – 2 hours 20 minutes with 1 change in Visp
🚃 Interlaken to Zermatt – 2 hours 15 minutes with 2 changes in Spiez and Visp
🚃 Lucerne to Zermatt – 3 hours 20 minutes with 2 changes in Bern and Visp
🚃 Zurich to Zermatt – 3 hours 20 minutes with 2 changes in Bern and Visp
How to get around Zermatt
Zermatt is very easy to get around on foot, or, if venturing into the mountains, via cable car and /or railways.
Peak Pass – This local Zermatt pass offers unlimited travel on the following trains / cable cars, costing from CHF 212; Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt – Rothorn, Zermatt – Gornergrat and Furi – Riffelberg, as well as the Matterhorn Gottard Bahn, (to get you in and out of the village), and all local buses.
Kombi-Tickets – Another local ticket, this allows you to combine a hike with public transport at each end of the trail, costing from CHF 45;
🥾 Matterhorn Glacier Trail, ticket includes one trip from Zermatt to Trockener Steg and one from Schwarzsee to Zermatt.
🥾 Five Lakes Walk / Flower Trail, includes one trip from Zermatt of Blauherd and one from Sunnegga to Zermatt.
🥾 Nature Trail, includes one journey on the funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga and one on the Gornergrat railway from Riffelalp to Zermatt.
Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card – If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or a Swiss Half Fare Card then this gives you up to 50% off certain mountain excursions, including Blauherd, Gornergrat, Schwarzee and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
When is peak season in Zermatt?
The peak seasons in Zermatt are technically both summer and winter, although we have found winter to be much busier than the summer with people descending on the village for skiing holidays. That being said it is still a wonderful place to visit in the peak seasons.
How many days are needed in Zermatt?
It depends on what you are interested in, but if you want to see the village and experience at least one mountain, (be it for hiking, a snow sport, or just to get to the top and take in the views), we recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Zermatt.
Is Zermatt worth visiting for a day trip?
If you only have one day to spare, then yes it is worth visiting Zermatt for a day trip, but we would highly recommend staying there for a couple of nights instead.
How touristy is Zermatt?
Zermatt is touristy, but what can you expect from one of the most well known villages and mountains in the Alps! You can easily get away from the tourists if you choose to visit a mountain and go hiking / snowshoeing, or even if you just arrive earlier in the day, (or some reason the tourist crowds don’t ever seem to arrive in places across Switzerland until around 10am).
Is Zermatt expensive? Is Zermatt worth the price?
Zermatt can be expensive if you don’t plan in advance, but it is no more expensive than other well known locations in Switzerland. And yes, it is 100% worth the price!
What currency is used in Zermatt?
The currency used in Zermatt is the Swiss Franc, CHF, the same as the rest of Switzerland.
Conclusion: Zermatt in Summer Vs Zermatt in Winter
So there you have our guide to Zermatt in summer vs Zermatt in winter. If you are planning a trip to Switzerland which would you choose? We love Zermatt anytime of the year, but meeting the Valais sheep may slightly tip us to choosing summer over winter…
All Our Switzerland Content
Here are a few other articles you may find useful for planning your trip:
📍 The Best 2 Day Zermatt Itinerary
📍 Five Lakes Hike Zermatt Guide
📍 The Swiss Coupon Pass: A Discount Book Perfect For A Swiss Trip
📍 Switzerland in Summer: Best Things To Do & Places To Go By A Local
📍 Switzerland in Winter: Best Things To Do & Places To Go
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.