Weather | 5–10°C (41–50°F), thaw starting | 8–15°C (46–59°F), mild but changeable | 12–19°C (54–66°F), warmer and steadier |
Crowds | Low | Low to moderate; Easter lifts demand | Moderate, with domestic holiday spikes |
Atmosphere | End-of-winter, quiet, practical | Fresh spring start, longer light, mixed mountain conditions | More settled, greener, closer to early summer |
Key events | Palm Sunday observances | Easter Sunday & Easter Monday, Sechseläuten day trip, Thun Spring Fair | Ascension Day, Whit Sunday/Whit Monday, Alpine cattle ascents begin |
Public holidays | Palm Sunday on March 29, 2026 | Easter Sunday & Easter Monday on April 5–6, 2026 | Ascension Day on May 14, 2026; Whit Sunday/Whit Monday on May 24–25, 2026 |
Budget | Often among the cheaper spring months | Good value except Easter week | Prices rise on holiday weekends |
Best for | Quiet breaks, late snow fans | Mixed itineraries, spring scenery, flexible first trips | Hikers, families, longer outdoor days |
Book early? | Only for major mountain days | Yes for Easter stays and clear-day mountain trips | Yes for holiday weekends and popular day trips |
Transport tips | Winter schedules may still shape some routes | Check spring reopening dates and seasonal timetables | More services running, but holidays increase demand |