Switzerland
Best Time to Visit Interlaken
Interlaken sits between two lakes at the foot of the Alps, so its weather is a blend of mountain and lake climates. Summers are warm and busy; winters are cold and lively for snow sports. Spring and autumn offer decent conditions with far fewer tourists.
✦ Go in September for the best mix of outdoor weather, open trails, and sane prices.
✅ Best months
May and September. May brings spring flowers and long daylight without summer crowds; September has settled summer temperatures, clear skies for hiking, and lower hotel rates than July or August.
🔥 Peak season
July and August. School holidays across Europe pack the town and trails. Hotel prices double or more from shoulder seasons. Events like the Interlaken Music Festival (August) and the Jungfrau Marathon (September) add to the crush.
💷 Shoulder (best value)
June and late September to early October. June has warm weather but fewer visitors before the school break; late September offers autumn colours, mild hiking, and prices 20–30% lower than peak. October is quieter still, though some mountain lifts close by mid-month.
🌙 Quietest & cheapest
November and early December. The quietest period: most cable cars shut for maintenance, and days are short and often grey. But hotel rates can drop 40–50%, and the Christmas markets start in late November.
Interlaken season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Weather: 5–15°C, rain showers, snow lingering above 1,500m
Crowds: low
Good for quieter sightseeing and lower prices; some passes still closed.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Weather: 15–28°C, sunny intervals, afternoon thunderstorms possible
Crowds: high
Best for hiking and lake activities; book accommodation months ahead.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Weather: 5–18°C, crisp mornings, increasing rain in Nov
Crowds: medium (Sep) then low
September is ideal for hiking; October good for photography and quiet streets.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Weather: -5 to 5°C, snow common, short daylight
Crowds: high in Dec/Feb, lower in Jan
Christmas markets and ski season; Interlaken is a hub for Jungfrau ski areas.
🎭 Events worth timing a trip around
Jungfrau Marathon (early September) – a scenic but challenging race that brings athletes and spectators. Also, the Christmas markets (late November to December) around the Höheweg and Unterseen old town.
🧳 What to pack
Always carry a waterproof jacket and a mid-layer, even in summer: weather can shift from sun to rain and back within an hour, especially in the mountains.
Found your dates? Get your hotel briefing.
Room tips, the 14-day forecast for your exact stay, dining, transport and more — free for any Interlaken hotel.
Researched & reviewed by the TripSage editorial team · Updated July 2026.