Which canton in Switzerland has the worst weather?

A new study by AXA has revealed which Swiss cantons are prone to the worst weather. Storms and floods cost insurance providers millions of francs last year, with hail ranked as the most expensive form of bad weather.

Where in Switzerland is worst hit by bad weather?

In 2024, storm damage in Switzerland was estimated to have cost insurers 132 million francs, a decrease compared to the previous year. However, AXA expert Stefan Müller told 20 Minuten that while it is too early to speak of a trend, the average amount of storm damage has been on the rise in the last four years. 

Thanks to climate change, storms, flooding, and intense rain have become more likely and more severe. This was seen most vividly last year when heavy rainfall swept away a section of the San Bernardino Pass, and in the Blatten landslide in early June 2025, an event ETH Zurich now says is linked to climate change.

Ticino and Jura are Switzerland's hail hotspots

For hail, Ticino, Jura, Neuchâtel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Bern, Lucerne, Schwyz, and Fribourg are the most severely affected in Switzerland. Hail damage is the most costly thing for insurers, thanks to car insurance claims from people who left their vehicles uncovered during a storm.

By contrast, the cantons of Schaffhausen, Geneva, Graubünden, Glarus, and Thurgau are barely affected by hail.

Schwyz the region most affected by flooding

When it comes to flooding, Canton Schwyz has suffered the most damage over the past decade. However, rather than being continuously at risk, AXA noted that these numbers have been boosted by rare, isolated but major floods that have gripped the region. Thurgau, Solothurn and Lucerne followed, while residents of Vaud, Basel-Land, Graubünden, and Uri have been largely flood-free for the last decade.

Lightning damage risk in Ticino seven times the Swiss average

Lastly, Canton Ticino is the most beset by severe lightning strikes. In fact, the risk of lightning damage in Italian-speaking Switzerland is seven times higher than the national average, and 26 times higher than the least affected regions, these being Basel-Land, Vaud and Geneva.

AXA explained that thanks to being south of the Swiss mountains, Ticino is buffeted by warm, humid Mediterranean air. When these fronts hit the Alps, storm clouds and strong updrafts are created, which have the potential to cause violent thunderstorms.

Top tips to protect your possessions from bad weather

If you are worried about the damage weather can do to your home and possessions, AXA also lists some top tips:

• Stay updated on the weather forecast and on specific warnings for your area.
• Pack away outdoor mobile objects and furniture if high winds are forecast.
• Keep drains clear and windows closed during rain.
• If your home is at risk of flooding, place the most valuable and moisture-sensitive items as high as possible.
• Keep cars covered and shutters raised during hailstorms. Glass windows are unaffected by hail, but shutters can be severely damaged.
• Be sure to remember which insurer covers what damage: car insurance, home insurance, contents insurance and so on.

For more information about the study, check out the AXA website.