The weather in Basel varies greatly and that’s what makes each of its seasons so unique and magical! Basel is the third most populous city in Switzerland and it attracts millions of tourists every year. Half the year is cold and half is warm with chances of rain or snow almost throughout the year. The best time to visit Basel would be during the summer months for its warmer climate, however, there are events and festivities happening all year round so no matter when you go, you will surely have a fabulous time.

The season of spring is a sign of a warmer climate and many people look forward to it. Blooming flowers add to the beauty of the season, and makes Basel a very vibrant and colourful city. The average day temperatures are 16° C with lows of 6° C. By mid-may it gets fairly warm and throngs of tourists start pouring in. You can expect 5 to 9 days of rain during spring.

A very popular event that takes place during springtime is the Carnival of Basel which is celebrated during the first 7 days of lent every year.

Summertime is the most crowded time in terms of tourists. The city is lively and filled with events and while it’s a busy time, it also means that accommodation may be higher or activities may get sold out faster during this period. The weather is quite perfect where it is not too hot and not cold either. While the summer sun does shine on, rain is expected for 9-10 days in a month. The average day temperature is 26° C with lows of 15° C.

Some popular festivals during these months are the ImFluss music festival, the International Exhibition of Art and the Basel Tattoo. August 1st is celebrated as Swiss National Day with a local celebration and fireworks display.

Fall has its own charm and it is the second busiest season for tourism in Basel. The weather is still warm up to mid-October and so there are plenty of outdoor activities that can still be enjoyed. The average temperature in Autumn is 16° C with lows of 8° C. It can rain 10 to 11 days a month. Due to the humidity, the air does feel chilly but manageable.

Basel Autumn Fair is the oldest fair in Switzerland which is celebrated during the autumn months between the end of October and early November. Some other interesting festivals during this time is the Basel Wine Fair, the Gastronomic Fair, the Baloise Session Music Festival and the Swiss Tennis Tournament usually held in St. Jakobshalle.

You may think the city sleeps in Winter, but it absolutely doesn’t! In fact, it is lit up and vibrant especially during Christmas and New Year. The weather is quite cold and you do not get many daylight hours, but it is still a unique experience to have if you wish to travel in this season. The average day temperature is 5° C with lows of 0. It can rain or snow for about 5 to 7 times a month.

Winter-sport activities are in full swing this season, along with the Christmas Markets all through December, a special Museum Night celebrated one night in late-January every year and the International Festival of coins and banknotes in February