Switzerland has a temperate climate. In July and August, average daily temperatures are between 18°C and 28°C, and in January and February, between -2°C and +7°C. Temperatures can differ greatly from these values depending on altitude. The climate in Southern Switzerland is generally mild all the year round.
Switzerland is located in the northern temperate zone and is influenced by the Gulf
Stream. In spite of the small total area of its territory, there are considerable variations in
the climate. The Alpine chain, extending from east to west, forms an important climatic
divide. South of the Alps the mild Mediterranean climate prevails, whereas the north is
chiefly influenced by the equable, humid maritime climate of Western Europe and, from
time to time in winter, the cold continental climate of Eastern Europe.
Large parts of the country lie within the sub-alpine zone characterised by forest and snow.
The northern pre-alpine zone, the large Alpine valleys suffer occasionally from the "Föhn"
(an oppressive, warm, dry fall wind).
Average temperatures (January/July in °C) and precipitation:
Basel 0.9 18.5 778 mm
Berne -1.0 17.5 1,028 mm
Geneva 1.0 19.3 822 mm
Lugano 2.6 21.1 1,545 mm
Lucerne -0.2 17.9 1,171 mm
Sion -0.8 19.1 598 mm
Zurich -0.5 17.6 1,086 mm
Weather: www.meteosuisse.admin.ch
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