Saint Gallen, nestled in northeastern Switzerland at the edge of the Alps, experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are mild to warm and often wet. The city receives abundant precipitation, frequent cloudy days, and enjoys vibrant seasonal changes, offering a picturesque setting for visitors year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Saint Gallen’s climate is classified as marine west coast (Cfb), featuring pronounced seasonal contrasts. Winters (December to February) are cold, with average highs around 2–4°C and lows dipping to –3°C or lower. Snowfall is common, especially from December to February, and the city’s elevation (670 m) ensures a wintry landscape for several weeks each year. Daylight is limited in winter, with only 8–9 hours, but the city’s festive atmosphere and nearby winter sports facilities make the season lively.
Spring (March to May) brings a gradual warming, with highs rising from 9°C in March to 16°C in May. Rainfall increases, and blooming flora transforms the city. Summers (June to August) are mild to warm, with average highs of 19–23°C and cool nights. This is also the wettest time, with frequent rain and thunderstorms, especially in June and July, supporting lush greenery. Sunshine peaks in June and July, with up to 7 hours per day and daylight stretching to 16 hours. Autumn (September to November) sees cooling temperatures (18°C in September to 6°C in November), vibrant foliage, and gradually decreasing rainfall. Winds are generally light, but mountain breezes can bring brisk conditions, especially in winter and spring.
Saint Gallen receives about 1,900–2,000 mm of precipitation annually, spread over nearly half the days of the year. Humidity is high (around 78–84%), and the city experiences frequent cloudy days, particularly in winter and spring. Despite the variable weather, Saint Gallen’s climate supports a range of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking and festivals in summer.
| Average climate data for Saint Gallen, Switzerland | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 3 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 23 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -3 | -3 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 2 | -1 | -3 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 77 | 61 | 69 | 52 | 112 | 104 | 112 | 126 | 57 | 78 | 59 | 96 | 1,002 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 12 | 9 | 14 | 15 | 21 | 19 | 21 | 19 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 178 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 350 | 278 | 175 | 71 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 141 | 259 | 1,344 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 12 | 13 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 56 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 85 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 78 | 76 | 75 | 76 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 82 | 79 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 48 | 47 | 44 | 36 | 40 | 36 | 33 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 41 | 47 | 39 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
The best time to visit Saint Gallen is from June to September, when temperatures are mild to warm, daylight is longest, and the city hosts lively festivals and outdoor events. This period is ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the lush landscapes, though visitors should be prepared for occasional rain showers.
The least favourable time to visit is from March to May, when the weather is most unpredictable, with frequent rain and cool temperatures. Many outdoor attractions are less accessible, and the city can feel damp and cloudy. However, this period sees fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
Saint Gallen has a temperate climate with cold, snowy winters and mild to warm, wet summers. The city experiences significant seasonal changes, high humidity, and frequent precipitation throughout the year.
The best time to visit is from June to September, when temperatures are pleasant, daylight is long, and outdoor activities and festivals are in full swing. This is also the sunniest period, though rain showers are common.
Yes, snowfall is common from December to February, with reliable snow cover due to the city’s elevation. Winter sports facilities operate during this season, and the city takes on a festive, wintry charm.
Saint Gallen receives about 1,900–2,000 mm of precipitation annually, with rain spread over nearly half the days of the year. The wettest months are June and July, while April is typically the driest.
Summers are mild to warm, with average highs of 19–23°C. Heatwaves are rare, and nights remain cool. Summer is also the wettest season, so occasional thunderstorms are expected.
Pack layers for variable temperatures, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. In winter, bring thermal clothing and boots; in summer, light clothing and sun protection are essential, along with a raincoat for showers.
Yes, Saint Gallen offers cross-country skiing, small ski lifts, and ice rinks in winter. The city’s altitude and reliable snow make it a good base for urban winter sports and excursions to nearby Alpine resorts.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (23 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (2.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 13.2 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (12.7 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (-2.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 4.6 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (126.1 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is April (51.6 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,002.2 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is May (20.8 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (9.5 days). Over the whole year there are 177.5 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is January (350.1 mm). The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,344 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is February (12.6 days). The month with the fewest days of snowfall is August (0 days). Over the whole year there are 56.1 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is January (85.3 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is July (75.1 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 79.1 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is March (8.9 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is August (6.7 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 7.8 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is January (47.5 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is August (30.9 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 39.2 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 10.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is February (Average sunshine: 5 h). Over the whole year there are 7.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 5). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.2.
