Grindelwald First Weather | Seasonal & monthly variations

Grindelwald First weather | Quick overview

Woman looking at a mountain - Overview of Grindelwald First Weather
  • Average Temperature: 3.425°C (38.165°F).
  • Warmest months: June to August, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F).
  • Coldest months: January, February, and December, with average temperatures ranging from -7°C to -6.35°C (19.4°F to 20.4°F).
  • Longest days: June, with an average daylight of 15 hours and 48 minutes.
  • Shortest days: December, with an average daylight of 8 hours and 36 minutes.
  • Altitude: 2,168 meters (7,113 feet) above sea level.
  • Maximum wind speed: 9.5 mph, from December to February
  • Snowfall: From January through June and again from September to December for approximately 97.4 days.
  • Wettest month: May, with rain falling for 22 days and typically totaling up to 117mm (4.61") of precipitation.
  • Driest month: September, with rain falling for 16.4 days and typically collecting 50mm (1.97") of precipitation.

Seasons at Grindelwald First

Winter

December to February
Average temperatures: -10°C to 2°C (14°F to 36°F)

Bundle up! It's a winter wonderland here, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and winter hiking. The area is particularly known for its extensive slopes and the longest sledding run in Europe, the Big Pintenfritz. The snow is deep, and the views are epic!

Spring

March to May
Average temperatures: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)

Spring has sprung! The snow starts to melt, and the flowers bloom. It's a great time for hiking and picnics amidst the lush landscapes. Even some spring skiing in early March before the snow fully melts. Just be prepared for a mix of sun and occasional snowfall.

Summer

June to August
Average temperatures: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
Summertime in Grindelwald comes with pleasant weather with clear skies and longer daylight hours, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Hike, bike, or just chill and enjoy scenic cable car rides. It's the busiest time, so be prepared for crowds.

Autumn

September to November
Average temperatures: 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)

The leaves change color, and the air gets crisp. The weather can be windy with occasional rain. It's a peaceful time for hiking amid beautiful autumn colors. You can also try activities like zip-lining with the First Glider or explore the area’s scenic viewpoints.

Best time to visit Grindelwald First

Summer's your best bet! Visit between June and September for perfect weather, sunny days, and open trails—ideal for hiking, zip-lining, and the famous Cliff Walk. For fewer crowds, try visiting in June or early September. If you're a winter sports fan, December to February is your playground. Just be prepared for more people during the holidays, and note that some activities like mountain carting and trottibiking may not be operational.

See Grindelwald First gondola schedule

Grindelwald First weather by month

January

  • Temperature: -10°C to 2°C (14°F to 36°F)
  • Precipitation: Heavy snowfall is common, with approximately 136 mm (5.4 inches) over about 17 days.
  • Conditions: Known as the coldest month, January has freezing temperatures and limited sunshine (around 66 hours). Ideal for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

February

  • Temperature: -9°C to 1°C (15°F to 34°F)
  • Precipitation: Similar to January, February experiences significant snowfall, averaging about 11.4 mm (0.45 inches) of precipitation, with a 36% chance of snow on any given day.
  • Conditions: The weather remains cold and humid, making it suitable for winter activities. Days are slightly longer than in January, with about 10.3 hours of daylight.

March

  • Temperature: -6°C to 3°C (21°F to 37°F)
  • Precipitation: Snowfall begins to decrease, with average precipitation around 5.6 mm (0.22 inches).
  • Conditions: March marks the transition to spring with milder temperatures and more sunny days. It's still good for skiing but also offers early hiking as snow melts.

April

  • Temperature: -2°C to 7°C (28°F to 45°F)
  • Precipitation: The weather is cool and humid, with a 41% chance of rain or snow on average days. Precipitation averages about 12.8 mm (0.50 inches). 
  • Conditions: This is a transition month where skiing may still be possible at higher altitudes, while hiking trails start to become accessible. The landscape begins to show signs of spring with blooming flowers.

May

  • Temperature: 1°C to 10°C (34°F to 50°F)
  • Precipitation: Warming up; more rain than snow with a high chance of precipitation (around 61% on average days), totaling approximately 116 mm (4.57 inches). 
  • Conditions: With around 14 hours of daylight, this month is perfect for experiencing lush landscapes. As trails open, hiking, biking, and other similar activities become more popular.

June

  • Temperature: 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F)
  • Precipitation: Moderate chance of rain (60%), about 16.3 mm (0.64 inches) on average days
  • Conditions: Enjoy pleasant temperatures and around 15.8 sunny hours per day. Explore the area's trails, bike through the mountains, or take in the breathtaking views from the First Cliff Walk. It's the perfect start to summer!

July

  • Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
  • Precipitation: Average precipitation of 227 mm (8.9 inches). 
  • Conditions: With 15.5 hours of daylight, July is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and zip-lining. Lush landscapes, but expect rain—about 19 days on average.

August

  • Temperature: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
  • Precipitation: Rainfall persists, with about 15 to 20 days of rain and approximately 100 mm (3.9 inches) of precipitation on average.
  • Conditions: Warm with about 14.5 hours of daylight. Rain persists, with about 15 to 20 days of rain and possible thunderstorms. Ideal for hiking and exploring the stunning scenery.

September

  • Temperature: 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 57°F)
  • Precipitation: September is considered one of the driest months, with average precipitation around 78 mm (3.1 inches) and clear skies.
  • Conditions: Cooling down, with autumn colors appearing and 12.5 hours of daylight. Great for peaceful hikes and fewer crowds, plus local food festivals.

October

  • Temperature: 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)
  • Precipitation: Chance of rain or snow for about 3 to 8 days. Precipitation averages around 143 mm (5.63 inches).
  • Conditions: Transition to winter, with around 11 hours of daylight and the landscape starting to be covered in snow. Fall foliage is stunning, but prepare for rain or snow. Dressing warmly is advised.

November

  • Temperature: -3°C to 4°C (27°F to 39°F)
  • Precipitation: Averages approximately 90 mm (3.54 inches), falling as snow.
  • Conditions: Cold and cloudy with 9 hours of daylight. Early winter sports begin as the landscape turns snowy, offering beautiful scenery for outdoor activities. 

December

  • Temperature: 8°C to 2°C (18°F to 36°F)
  • Precipitation: Averages about 100 mm (3.94 inches), predominantly as snow.
  • Conditions: Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and festive activities with snow covering the landscape. Enjoy Christmas markets and winter sports under 9.3 hours of daylight.

Frequently asked questions about Grindelwald First weather

Mostly, yes, Grindelwald First is open year-round. The mountain facilities are typically open from May to October for summer activities, and from December to April for winter sports. Exact opening dates vary each year based on snow conditions. It will be briefly closed from October 28, 2024 to November 29, 2024 due to maintenance reasons.

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