What is the best month to visit Switzerland for driving mountain passes?

For the maximum number of high Alpine passes open, the best months to visit Switzerland are usually July, August and early September. Many passes begin to reopen from mid-June and some remain open into October, but snow and weather conditions vary from year to year. If you want the highest chance of driving as many passes as possible, aim for mid-summer.

When is Switzerland least crowded?

Switzerland is generally less crowded in late April to early June and from mid-September to November. These shoulder seasons sit outside the main school-holiday peak of July and August and after the busiest winter weeks. Ski resorts can still be lively over Christmas, New Year and February holiday periods, but quieter in early December, late January and March.

Are Swiss mountain passes open in spring?

Most high mountain passes in Switzerland stay closed through winter and begin to reopen during May and June. In early spring, many are still shut. By late May, some classic passes such as Furka or Susten may open, but it always depends on snow conditions. For this reason, spring road trips are usually planned around lower routes and any passes that have already reopened.

Can I still enjoy a road trip in Switzerland in winter?

Yes. Although many high passes close in winter, a number of valley roads and all-season passes remain open, offering dramatic snow-covered scenery. Winter road trips in Switzerland often combine shorter driving days with skiing, spa time, Christmas markets and cosy alpine villages rather than focusing on ticking off numerous passes.

When should I book my Swiss driving tour?

For peak summer months such as July and August, and for popular periods like September weekends, it is advisable to book a Swiss driving tour 6 to 9 months in advance to secure preferred hotels and car categories. Spring, early summer and late autumn typically offer more flexibility, but earlier planning always allows a better match between routes, accommodation and vehicle choice.

Best Time to Visit Switzerland for a Road Trip – Season by Season Guide

@epikdrives.com
Feb 19
7 min read

Updated: Dec 8

Switzerland is a dream for travellers who love mountains, lakes and great driving roads. From snow-dusted passes and glacier views to sunlit valleys and vineyards, the big question isn’t if you should go – it’s when.

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want most:

Open high Alpine passes and epic driving routes
Quiet scenic roads with fewer tourists
Cities, lakes and light hiking
Or full-on winter wonderland with skiing and snowy drives

This guide breaks down spring, summer, autumn and winter from a driver’s perspective, so you can match your trip to the right season – and know what to expect on the road.

Quick Answer – Best Time to Visit Switzerland
Spring (March–May) – The Awakening Season
Summer (June–August) – Peak Alps & Open Mountain Passes
Autumn (September–November) – The Golden Season
Winter (December–February) – Snowy Wonderland
Best Time for Epic Passes & Road Trips
Best Time for Skiing & Winter Magic
Planning Tips for Your Swiss Road Trip
Experience Switzerland with EPIKDRIVES
FAQs – Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Quick Answer – Best Time to Visit Switzerland

If your main goal is driving Switzerland’s famous Alpine passes (Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Stelvio, Great St Bernard, etc.), the sweet spot is:

Late June to late September

You love driving passes & want maximum variety:

→ Mid-June to late September (with July–August as the heart of the season).

For a ready-made route, our Stelvio & Swiss Alps | 10 Passes Driving Tour

In that window you get:

The highest chance that all major passes are open
Long days and mostly stable weather
Great conditions for photography, hiking and lakes

If you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures, consider:

May–early June (lower passes and lakes, some high passes opening)
Mid-September–early October (autumn colours and quieter roads)

If you’re chasing snow and skiing, aim for:

January–March, when resorts like Zermatt, St. Moritz and Verbier are in full swing.

Spring (March–May) – The Awakening Season

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Switzerland if you like a calmer atmosphere and don’t mind that some high passes are still closed early in the season.

As snow melts in the valleys:

Meadows turn bright green
Cherry and fruit trees bloom
Lower hiking routes and lakeside promenades become ideal for walking and gentle drives

By May, many medium-altitude passes begin to reopen, and you can start building some scenic loops into your route.

Why Visit Switzerland in Spring?

Fewer tourists than in July and August
Pleasant temperatures for city days in Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne and along the lakes
Alpine flowers and fresh green valleys – very photogenic
A great time to combine cities + lakes + a first taste of mountain driving

Spring works particularly well if:

You like lighter traffic and easier parking
You’re happy with a mix of city stays and lower passes
You want to avoid the heat and crowds of high summer

Summer (June–August) – Peak Alps & Open Mountain Passes

Summer is the classic season for Switzerland – and for good reason. This is when the country feels like one huge outdoor playground.

By mid to late June, most high Alpine passes are open, making it the ideal time for an Alps-focused driving tour.

Why Visit Switzerland in Summer?

Best season for driving the Swiss Alps – the greatest number of passes open
Warm, mostly sunny weather for hiking, lakes and outdoor dining
Long daylight hours – perfect for extended scenic drives
Loads of festivals, events and mountain cable cars in full operation
Ideal conditions for photography with clear vistas and blue lakes

Best Driving Routes in Summer

Some classic summer routes you might build into an EPIKDRIVES tour:

Grimsel & Furka Pass Loop – A legendary pairing of twisty ascents, sweeping vistas and glacier views.
San Bernardino Pass – A smoother, less crowded alternative with beautiful views and flowing curves.

If you’re serious about driving passes and exploring different regions, summer is the season that gives you the most flexibility and choice.

Autumn (September–November) – The Golden Season

For many travellers, autumn is the secret best time to visit Switzerland – especially if you like photography and quieter roads.

From mid-September, the crowds thin, and the landscape turns:

Gold, amber and red in the forests
Deep blue on the lakes under crisp, clear skies

Most major passes remain open into early October, depending on snowfall.

Why Visit Switzerland in Autumn?

Spectacular autumn colours in the Alps and countryside
Cooler, crisp air – ideal for both driving and hiking
Fewer tourists than high summer
Excellent for culinary experiences, including wine harvests and regional food festivals

Autumn is a good choice if you:

Prefer calm over crowds
Enjoy photography and a more contemplative pace
Want a mix of mountain roads and cosy hotel evenings

Winter (December–February) – Snowy Wonderland

If your dream Switzerland is snowy villages, frozen lakes and ski resorts, winter is your season.

Many of the highest passes close for safety until late spring, but there are still iconic winter drives and plenty of ways to combine driving with skiing.

Resorts like Zermatt, St. Moritz, Davos and Verbier are in full operation, with cable cars and pistes running from December through March (conditions permitting).

Why Visit Switzerland in Winter?

Best time for skiing, snowboarding and winter sports
Magical snow-covered landscapes and cosy chalet vibes
Christmas markets and festive decorations in December
Beautiful winter drives on open lower-altitude routes

Best Winter Drive

Julier Pass – One of the few major Alpine passes that usually stays open year-round, connecting the Engadin valley (St. Moritz area) to central Switzerland.
- Expect snow walls, white peaks and careful winter driving conditions.
- Ideal for a winter St. Moritz–Engadin loop.

Winter works best if you:

Are comfortable with snow and ice driving or have transfers included
Want to combine skiing + scenic drives
Love the atmosphere of mountain towns in winter

Best Time for Epic Passes & Road Trips

If your number one priority is driving as many great passes as possible, target:

Late June to late September

In that window you’ll typically have access to:

Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Nufenen, Gotthard, Klausen and more
Connections into Italy, France and Austria via high cross-border routes
Maximum choice when building a multi-day or multi-country itinerary

For Fewer Crowds but Still Great Roads

Late May–early June – early season feel, some passes open, fresh green valleys
Mid-September–early October – golden colours, quieter hotels and roads, many passes still open

Best Time for Skiing & Winter Magic

For resort-based skiing with a side serving of scenic driving:

Aim for January to March

You’ll get:

The best chance of good snow conditions
A full selection of ski lifts and slopes
The option to add winter driving days on Julier Pass, the Engadin valley or lower-altitude routes

December can be wonderful for Christmas markets and festive mood, but snow reliability varies at lower altitudes.

Planning Tips for Your Swiss Road Trip

Book early for peak months (July, August, late December–early January) – especially for popular resorts and lake towns.
If you want flexibility, consider shoulder seasons (May–June, September).
Think about daylight hours – in June/July you can drive late; in winter you’ll want to plan shorter stages.
Check pass status shortly before travel if your route relies on specific roads – early storms can close high passes sooner than expected.
Consider whether you want to add scenic trains like the Glacier Express as part of a rail & drive combo.

Experience Switzerland with EPIKDRIVES

Switzerland is a year-round destination – the trick is matching your season to your style:

Summer & early autumn – unbeatable if you’re chasing open mountain passes and classic Swiss Alps road trips.
Spring – perfect if you prefer mild weather, blossoming valleys and fewer crowds.
Winter – ideal for skiing, snowy landscapes and winter drives.

At EPIKDRIVES, we design bespoke driving tours that match your ideal season:

Carefully timed routes for open passes and scenic light
Hand-picked hotels and spa resorts
Optional train add-ons, like the Glacier Express, to mix rails with roads
Detailed road books and GPS routes, so you can simply enjoy the drive

Whether you’re dreaming of thrilling hairpins or relaxed lakeside cruising, we’ll help you choose the best time to visit Switzerland for your style of trip – and build a route around it.

FAQs – Best Time to Visit Switzerland

1. When is the best time to visit Switzerland for driving the high mountain passes?

The best time for high Alpine passes is usually late June to late September, when most major roads are open and conditions are generally stable. Early or late in the season, some passes can close temporarily after snowfall, so it’s wise to check local road reports shortly before you travel.

2. What is the best month to visit Switzerland if I want fewer crowds?

If you want to avoid peak summer crowds, aim for:

May–early June – spring flowers, fewer tourists, some passes already open
Mid-September–early October – autumn colours, quieter roads and hotels, with many passes still open

These shoulder periods balance good weather with more space everywhere.

3. Is winter a good time for a Swiss road trip?

Yes – as long as you know what to expect. In winter, many high passes are closed, but there are still beautiful drives on open routes like Julier Pass and in valleys such as the Engadin. Winter is best if you want to combine scenic drives with skiing and mountain villages, rather than ticking off every high pass.

4. When is the best time to visit Switzerland for skiing?

The core ski season runs from December to April, with January to March usually offering the most reliable snow conditions at major resorts like Zermatt, St. Moritz and Verbier. December is magical for Christmas markets and festive atmosphere, but snow at lower altitudes can be less predictable.

5. Can I do an EPIKDRIVES tour outside the main summer season?

Absolutely. While summer and early autumn are ideal for full Alpine pass tours, we also design:

Spring itineraries focusing on lakes, lower passes and cities
Autumn trips highlighting vineyards, colours and quieter roads
Winter journeys combining scenic drives, spa hotels and ski resorts

We’ll recommend the best time to visit Switzerland based on what you want to see, drive and experience.