With the Easter long weekend upon us, families and individuals across Switzerland may be wondering where to head to get a dose of sunshine and warmth. Now, MeteoNews has revealed the parts of the alpine nation that will see the best weather during the holidays: spoilers, it actually isn’t Ticino!

Switzerland to bask in four-day Easter weekend

From March 29 to April 1, the majority of workers in Switzerland will be treated to a long weekend thanks to Good Friday and Easter Monday. This means that many across the country will be packing their bags and heading to the airport for a bit of well-earned R'n'R. 

However, many still will be sticking close to home and planning a day trip or short break to one of the great spring destinations in Switzerland. For those planning a trip within the alpine nation over the Easter holidays in 2024, here’s where the weather will be best.

Which Swiss cantons will see the best weather this Easter?

Writing in a statement, MeteoNews forecaster Roger Perret noted that the weather in Switzerland over Easter will vary from region to region. This will be caused by an area of low pressure in the west bumping up against high pressure in east, causing a strong Foehn wind north of the Alps.

Easter travellers to Ticino, look away now...

Starting with Switzerland’s (statistically) top spring destination: Ticino. Those visiting Switzerland’s Italian canton will be disappointed to hear that, contrary to its Mediterranean reputation, the region will see cold conditions and rain over Easter. Perret noted that between Friday and Monday, heavy rain will fall across the whole of Canton Ticino and southern parts of Graubünden and Valais - in some areas, 150 litres per square metre could fall across the four days.

Temperatures in Ticino will be quite chilly with temperatures of between 10 and 14 degrees celsius across the long weekend. In what will be good news for Swiss ski resorts, the snowline in the region will range between 1.500 and 2.000 metres above sea level, with 1,5 metres of fresh snow set to fall in high mountain areas - though avalanche warnings will likely be in place soon after. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to check the Swiss natural hazards portal for updates on snow conditions.

Central and eastern Switzerland will see the best of the Easter weather

Those looking for the best weather this Easter weekend should ditch the drive through the Gotthard and look east, northeast and centrally. Perret noted that thanks to a very strong Foehn, central, eastern and northeastern areas like Lucerne, St. Gallen, Aarau, Schaffhausen and Zurich will see temperatures rise to between 17 and 20 degrees on average, with highs of over 20 degrees expected in lower alpine valleys on Friday and Saturday.

However, the Foehn itself will also lead to gale-force winds, especially at high altitudes, so hikers are advised to take care. The winds will be strongest on Saturday night, Sunday afternoon and the night of Easter Monday, with up to 130-kilometre-an-hour gusts forecast in valleys. Atop mountains, wind speeds could exceed 170 km / h. 

Eastern and central areas will see scattered clouds, rain and sunshine across the Easter weekend. Perret added that a large amount of Saharan dust will be in the air, leading to hazy conditions across the region.

Western Switzerland to see changeable weather at Easter

Looking to the west, Perret noted that the weather will remain incredibly changeable across the Easter holidays, with occasional rain and sunshine. Temperatures will reach 20 degrees on average on Good Friday, before dropping to around 15 degrees on Sunday.

North and northwest Switzerland: Less wind but cooler temperatures

Finally, in the north and northwest, wind speeds will be lower but so too will temperatures, peaking at 18 degrees on Saturday. Scattered clouds and rain showers will also be the norm.

Brace yourself for Easter traffic jams

Once you have picked your Swiss Easter getaway, be sure to plan in advance as, like every year, the roads across the alpine nation are set to be choc-a-block during peak times. Regardless of where you find yourself this Easter, we hope you have fun!