--- title: "Switzerland in January 2027: Weather, Snow and Events" description: "Switzerland in January: real temperatures by region, which mountain trains run, Lauberhorn and balloon festival dates for 2027, crowds and what to pack." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-january" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124P851R85FVNAJGXK0C.CKbGOWGR_2didv6.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. Switzerland in January: Snow, Ski Races and Quiet Cities [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # Switzerland in January: Snow, Ski Races and Quiet Cities Switzerland in January: real temperatures by region, which mountain trains run, Lauberhorn and balloon festival dates for 2027, crowds and what to pack. By [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien), Global Manager · Published on October 22, 2026 · 6 min read ![Lake Orta and Lugano, Italy & Switzerland in 7 Days: Milan, Lake Maggiore, Lugano & Zurich](/_astro/01M5J4124P851R85FVNAJGXK0C.CKbGOWGR_12Fedy.webp) [Jan](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-january)[Feb](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-february)[Mar](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-march)[Apr](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-april)[May](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-may)[Jun](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-june)[Jul](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-july)[Aug](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-august)[Sep](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-september)[Oct](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-october)[Nov](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-november)[Dec](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-december) January is Switzerland at its most wintry and, once the first few days are over, one of its best-value months. The New Year crowds leave the ski resorts around January 3, the snow is usually well settled, and rates in Zermatt, Grindelwald and St. Moritz ease until the February school holidays. Expect cold, short days and gray skies over Zurich and Lucerne, with bright sun above the clouds in the mountains. If you are still choosing a season, our [best time to visit Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/best-time-to-visit-switzerland) guide compares the whole year. Here is January in detail. ## The three quiet weeks after New Year January has a clear shape. From about January 4 to the end of the month, the ski areas run their full winter timetable with shorter lift lines and calmer gondolas. Two events push prices up locally: the Lauberhorn ski races in Wengen (January 15 to 17, 2027) and the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 18 to 22, 2027), when Davos and Klosters hotels are taken by delegations months ahead. Unless you want to be there, we route around them. Cities are at their calmest of the year. The Kunsthaus in Zurich, the Fondation Beyeler near Basel and the Paul Klee Center in Bern are pleasant without queues, and the winter sales run in the shops of Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse. ## How cold is Switzerland in January? Colder in the valleys than most visitors expect, milder in the south. These are 1991-2020 averages we calculated from MeteoSwiss station data: | Place | Altitude | Average high | Average low | January sunshine | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Zurich | 1,982 ft | 38°F (4°C) | 30°F (-1°C) | 59 hours | | Lucerne | 1,490 ft | 39°F (4°C) | 29°F (-2°C) | 51 hours | | Interlaken, Bernese Oberland | 1,896 ft | 38°F (4°C) | 27°F (-3°C) | 67 hours | | Zermatt, Valais | 5,374 ft | 33°F (1°C) | 19°F (-8°C) | 96 hours | | Sils, Engadine | 5,919 ft | 30°F (-1°C) | 10°F (-12°C) | about 120 hours (Samedan) | | Lugano, Ticino | 896 ft | 45°F (7°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 125 hours | | Geneva, Lake Geneva | 1,348 ft | 41°F (5°C) | 30°F (-1°C) | 64 hours | | Jungfraujoch weather station | 11,716 ft | 15°F (-9°C) | 4°F (-15°C) | 123 hours | Three patterns shape our January plans. The Swiss Plateau, where Zurich, Lucerne and Bern sit, often lies under a lid of low cloud for days, while the peaks above it are in sunshine: the Jungfraujoch gets about twice Zurich's January sun. The Engadine is the coldest region on this list but also one of the sunniest and driest, with dry powder snow and nights well below 10°F. And Lugano is the mild corner, with only about five days of rain or snow in the month, which makes Ticino a good add-on for travelers who do not ski. Daylight is short. On January 15, the sun rises in Zurich at 8:09 a.m. and sets at 5:00 p.m., under nine hours, and in deep valleys such as Lauterbrunnen it slips behind the cliffs much earlier. We schedule summit excursions between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. ## What runs in January, and what sleeps The good news: all the famous winter excursions operate. - **Jungfraujoch** is open every day of the year, from Grindelwald by the Eiger Express gondola and the Jungfrau Railway, or from Lauterbrunnen and Wengen via Kleine Scheidegg. - **Gornergrat** trains climb from Zermatt all winter, carrying skiers and sightseers together. - **Schilthorn** runs normally from Mürren; the last of its new cableways, between Birg and the summit, opened in April 2026. - **Titlis** above Engelberg is open 365 days, and its rotating Rotair cabin is back after its autumn 2026 closure. - **Glacier Express** runs its winter timetable from December 5, 2026 to May 7, 2027. One pair of trains (905 and 920) does not run from January 4 to January 29, 2027, so mid-January has fewer seats. Our [Glacier Express guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/glacier-express-guide) covers classes and which side to sit on. - **Bernina Express** crosses the Bernina Pass all winter, with fewer departures than in summer. - **Pilatus** is reached by gondola from Kriens and the Dragon Ride cableway only. The cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad is a summer line; in 2026 it ran from May 11 to November 29. - **Lake Lucerne** boats keep a reduced winter timetable until April 16, 2027. Closed until spring: the Harder Kulm funicular above Interlaken (back on March 26, 2027), the Schynige Platte railway, and the high road passes, including Grimsel, Furka, Susten, Nufenen, Gotthard and Great St Bernard. The Bernina, Maloja, Julier and Simplon passes stay open all year, so St. Moritz and the road to Italy remain accessible. ## The January 2027 calendar - **Silvesterchlausen, January 13:** in Urnäsch and other villages of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, costumed groups of "Chläuse" with heavy bells and elaborate headdresses go from farm to farm yodeling to mark the old New Year of the Julian calendar. It is a village custom, not a show, so ask us for the current program. - **Lauberhorn races, Wengen, January 15 to 17:** super-G on Friday, downhill on Saturday and slalom on Sunday, on the longest downhill course of the World Cup. - **Inferno race, Mürren, January 20 to 23:** a famous amateur downhill, held on Saturday, January 23, from the Schilthorn slopes toward Lauterbrunnen. - **Snow Polo World Cup, St. Moritz, January 22 to 24:** polo on the frozen lake. - **International Hot Air Balloon Festival, Château-d'Oex, January 23 to 31:** dozens of balloons over the Pays-d'Enhaut, an easy day trip from Montreux or Gstaad on the GoldenPass line. - **Lilu light festival, Lucerne:** light installations in the old town in January. The 2027 dates are not published yet, so check before booking. ## What January costs, and who else is there Festive rates run until about January 3. After that, the ski resorts settle at their mid-winter level, below Christmas and below the February school holidays, which start in some cantons at the end of the month. City hotels in Zurich, Basel and Geneva are at their lowest of the year, except during trade fairs. A Swiss Travel Pass covers the main rail and boat lines; summit railways such as the Jungfraujoch and Gornergrat give pass holders a discount rather than free travel. Our [Swiss Travel Pass calculator](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/tools/swiss-travel-pass-calculator) shows whether it pays off for your route. ## Dressing for snow, ice and overheated trains - Insulated, waterproof boots with a real tread. Village streets in Zermatt and Wengen are packed snow and ice, and slip-on ice grips help on winter walking trails. - Thermal base layers, a warm hat and gloves, and a down jacket you can take off: Swiss trains and hotels are well heated. - Sunglasses and sunscreen. At 11,000 feet the January sun on snow is strong even at 15°F. - A small backpack for layers on summit days, since the Jungfraujoch can be 25°F colder than Interlaken the same morning. For travelers with reduced mobility, January asks for extra planning: even when cleared, cobbled old towns and village lanes are slippery. The main levels at the Jungfraujoch are linked by elevators, and car-free Zermatt has electric taxis, which we book in advance. ## Three January trips we design **Snow trains from St. Moritz to Zermatt.** Two nights in St. Moritz with the Bernina Express to Tirano and back, the Glacier Express over the Oberalp Pass, then two nights in Zermatt with an early Gornergrat ride for the Matterhorn in morning light. It is the winter version of our [Legendary Swiss Trains](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) trip. **Lucerne, Jungfrau and Zermatt in the snow.** Our [Switzerland in 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) works in January with two changes: Pilatus by gondola instead of the cogwheel, and a ski or sledding day at Grindelwald instead of a hike. If you stay in Wengen, avoid the Lauberhorn weekend. **Chasing the sun in Ticino.** For travelers who would rather skip gray Zurich, we pair two nights in the Engadine and the Bernina Express with three nights in Lugano. In January we add a private transfer from Tirano to Lugano, because the Bernina Express bus does not run in deep winter. More carnival and peak snow come next, in [Switzerland in February](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-february). Tell us your dates, and one of our travel designers will build your January trip around the snow and the right events: [start planning](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip). More guides: [Month by month](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/seasons)[Switzerland by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/swiss-trains) ## Related destinations - [Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/switzerland) ## Contents Written by ### [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) Global Manager · Based in Villefranche-sur-Saône Grew up between the French and Swiss Alps; designs our scenic train and mountain itineraries and has strong opinions about hotels. [More about Valentine](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) ## Trips for this guide - [![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_2ePJvK.webp)**Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days**From €2,199 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) - [![7 days in Switzerland : mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124MCR5WBXAPXY8BMN83.COn9YTWr_ZyK0QU.webp)**Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train**From €1,999 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) - [![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z1oIPLB.webp)**Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express**From €3,499 · 12 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) When you’re ready, we’re ready ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is January a good time to visit Switzerland? Yes, if you want snow. After about January 3 the ski resorts are calmer and cheaper than over the holidays, every major summit excursion runs, and the Glacier Express crosses the Alps in deep snow. It is a poor month for hiking, lake cruises or the high road passes, and days are short, with under nine hours of daylight in Zurich. ### Is it worth going up to the Jungfraujoch in January? On a clear day, yes. The summit often rises above the low cloud that covers Zurich and Lucerne, and it gets about twice as much January sunshine. Dress for temperatures between 4°F and 15°F, check the summit webcam at breakfast, and keep a backup day in case the top is in cloud. ### Does it snow in Zurich and Lucerne in January? Sometimes, but snow rarely lasts in the lowland cities. Average highs are around 38°F to 39°F, so rain, sleet and snow alternate. For a reliable white landscape you need altitude: Zermatt, Wengen, Mürren and the Engadine resorts usually have full snow cover in January. ### Does the Glacier Express run in January? Yes. The winter timetable runs from December 5, 2026 to May 7, 2027, and the route crosses the Oberalp Pass in the snow. One pair of trains does not run from January 4 to January 29, 2027, so seats are scarcer in mid-January. Reserve as soon as your dates are fixed. ## Plan this trip Day by day, with prices. Each one is reshaped around you. [All itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_1szWel.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) Six nights by train from Interlaken to Lucerne, with the GoldenPass, the Gornergrat, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, in 4-star hotels beside each station. For first-time visitors who want the big views without a car. From **€2,199** per person ![7 days in Switzerland : mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124MCR5WBXAPXY8BMN83.COn9YTWr_Z1l0N9k.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) Six nights by train through Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt and Montreux: Pilatus, a free day in the Jungfrau region, sunset on the Matterhorn and a wine walk in Lavaux. Central 4-star hotels; a good first Switzerland. From **€1,999** per person ![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z2aYD41.webp) 12 days / 11 nights ### [Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) Eleven nights by train from Montreux to Zurich: Lavaux, the Chocolate Train, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt and the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. Well-placed 3-star hotels keep the price down; we upgrade one or two stops on request. From **€3,499** per person ## More to read [All articles](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) ![Zermatt, Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt](/_astro/01M5J4124FWDNBFP6TJXZ10AGA.DJ5sBxMU_eGJB9.webp) Switzerland ### [Christmas Markets in Switzerland 2026: Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Lucerne](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/swiss-christmas-markets) Christmas markets in Switzerland for 2026: official dates and hours for Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Einsiedeln, train times between them and a 7-day route. ![Seine](/_astro/01M5J4124PDJYTRJDZMP92H6QZ.COs7phuX_1IBbyt.webp) Europe ### [Anniversary Trip to Europe: Ideas by Style, Pacing, Surprises and Budgets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/anniversary-trip-europe) Anniversary trip to Europe ideas from our designers: romantic cities, the Alps, the Riviera or wine country, with pacing, surprises and real 2026 budgets. ![303 Alpine Spa Indoor Pool 2 Rg Min](/_astro/01M5J4124P9SND1Z9YPXN0PM77.CIQH8VH5_1oj2fR.webp) Switzerland ### [Wheelchair Accessible Switzerland: Trains, Mountains, Cities and Hotels](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/wheelchair-accessible-switzerland) Wheelchair accessible Switzerland in practice: SBB assistance and step-free trains, Glacier Express and Jungfraujoch access, city terrain and hotel checks. Tailor-made, from France ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. 1. 1Share your dates and wishes 2. 2Get a priced itinerary within 48 hours 3. 3Refine it together, then travel 9 travel designers in Lyon and Nice reply to every request themselves. ★★★★★ > “A wonderful travel partner” Carol W., Seattle, WA · 4.8/5 on 273 reviews - [US+1 607 354 8896](tel:+16073548896) - [Europe+33 4 26 30 36 82](tel:+33426303682) - [contact@mobeeinternational.com](mailto:contact@mobeeinternational.com) Two minutes, three steps. 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