Basel Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland)

Located on the northern side of the Alps mountain range, the climate in Basel is typical of that in central Europe. Basel features reasonably mild winters of between 3°C / 37°F to 6°C / 43°F, and summer temperatures anywhere between 21°C / 68°F and 25°C / 77°F.

Based around the River Rhine and close to the German Black Forest, Basel's location and surrounding natural elements play a big part in the weather experienced here. The city features a particularly low elevation, being just under 250 metres / 820 feet below sea level.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

Basel's situation within the Rhine Valley generally affords a little protection and results in a slightly milder climate than many expect. Seasonal breezes from the Mediterranean, combined with above-average levels of sunny weather, ensure that this is a popular holiday destination.

Summer is always a busy time in Basel and many tourists flock here at this time of the year, to enjoy the scenery and the various recreational attractions available nearby. With summer highs often approaching 25°C / 77°F or climbing even higher, be sure to pack light cotton clothes or similar. However, although the summer climate in Basel is extremely favourable, the weather can also be a little changeable and this tends to be the wettest time of the year, with seasonal heavy downpours at times, which are usually short-lived.

When the winter arrives in the Basel-Stadt region, snowy weather soon follows and the nearby south-easterly ski resorts begin to quickly fill up, particularly around Lucerne. January tends to be the coldest month, with some sharp overnight frosts and daytimes averages of around 3°C / 37°F or slightly less.

Basel Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	3°C / 37°F	-2°C / 28°F
February	5°C / 41°F	-1°C / 30°F
March	10°C / 50°F	1°C / 34°F
April	13°C / 55°F	3°C / 37°F
May	18°C / 64°F	7°C / 45°F
June	21°C / 70°F	10°C / 50°F
July	23°C / 73°F	12°C / 54°F
August	22°C / 72°F	11°C / 52°F
September	17°C / 63°F	8°C / 46°F
October	13°C / 55°F	5°C / 41°F
November	6°C / 43°F	1°C / 34°F
December	3°C / 37°F	-1°C / 30°F