Question 1

When is the warmest time to visit Geneva during summer?

Accepted Answer

The warmest time to visit Geneva during summer is late July through early August. Based on 2024 weather data, the period from July 25 to August 12 recorded the highest average temperatures of the season at 23.0°C (73.3°F), with daily highs averaging 30.2°C (86.4°F).

July 31, 2024, was the hottest day in Geneva that summer, reaching 33.8°C (92.8°F). The warmest consecutive seven-day stretch occurred from July 27 to August 2, maintaining an average temperature of 23.7°C (74.7°F). During this peak period, Geneva enjoyed approximately 13.5 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Throughout summer 2024, Geneva experienced 22 days with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), with most of these occurring during the late July to mid-August window. August proved to be the warmest month overall, with an average temperature of 21.6°C (70.8°F) and 354 hours of total sunshine.

For visitors seeking warm weather and outdoor activities around Lake Geneva, planning a trip during the last week of July or first two weeks of August offers the best chance for consistently hot, sunny conditions. However, keep in mind that this peak warmth period can also bring occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Question 2

What is the driest month in Geneva?

Accepted Answer

February is the driest month in Geneva, recording just 74.5mm (2.9 inches) of precipitation in 2024. This makes late winter the ideal time for visitors seeking drier weather conditions in this lakeside Swiss city.

Based on 2024 weather data, February's rainfall was significantly below Geneva's monthly average of 132.8mm (5.2 inches), coming in at 44% less precipitation than typical. July followed closely as the second driest month with 78.5mm (3.1 inches), offering a warmer dry-weather alternative during summer. November rounded out the three driest months with 90.1mm of rainfall.

In contrast, Geneva experienced its wettest conditions in May 2024, with 244.1mm (9.6 inches) of precipitation—more than three times the February total. The city's annual precipitation reached 1,593.6mm (62.8 inches), distributed unevenly throughout the year with late spring and early autumn being notably wetter periods.

Despite being the driest month, February in Geneva remains cool with average temperatures around 6.2°C (43.2°F) and approximately 132 hours of sunshine. For those planning outdoor activities who want to avoid rain, February offers the best statistical chance of dry days, while July provides a warmer dry option with significantly more sunshine. Understanding Geneva's precipitation patterns helps visitors plan accordingly, whether exploring the Old Town, enjoying lakeside walks, or visiting nearby vineyards.

Question 3

Which month has the most sunshine in Geneva?

Accepted Answer

August is the sunniest month in Geneva, recording 354.3 hours of sunshine in 2024. This translates to an average of 11.4 hours of sunshine per day, making it the ideal month for outdoor activities around Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps.

July follows closely as the second sunniest month with 338.8 hours of sunshine in 2024. Together, these two months account for the peak of Geneva's sunny season, with pleasant average temperatures of 21.6°C (70.9°F) in August and 20.6°C (69.1°F) in July.

The summer months from June to August combined delivered 912.1 hours of sunshine in 2024, nearly three times the 330.2 hours recorded during winter (December through February). Geneva receives approximately 2,299 hours of annual sunshine, placing it among the sunnier cities in Switzerland.

For visitors planning outdoor excursions, lakeside dining, or day trips to nearby Mont Blanc, August offers the most reliable sunshine conditions in Geneva. The combination of long sunny days and warm temperatures creates perfect conditions for exploring the city's parks, the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain, and the scenic vineyard terraces of nearby Lavaux.

Question 4

How much total rainfall does Geneva receive per year?

Accepted Answer

Geneva receives approximately 1,593.6mm (62.7 inches) of rainfall annually, based on 2024 weather data. This substantial precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, though some seasons are notably wetter than others.

In 2024, spring emerged as the wettest season in Geneva with 447.9mm (17.6 inches) of precipitation, followed by fall with 418.2mm (16.5 inches). Summer brought 376.8mm (14.8 inches) while winter recorded 350.7mm (13.8 inches). May 2024 was the wettest single month, receiving 244.1mm of rain, while February was the driest at just 74.5mm.

Four months in 2024 exceeded 150mm of rainfall: January (174.2mm), May (244.1mm), June (207.0mm), and September (184.5mm). This pattern shows that Geneva experiences significant rainfall events throughout most of the year, not just during traditional rainy seasons.

For visitors planning trips to Geneva, the relatively consistent precipitation throughout the year means packing rain gear is advisable regardless of the season. The city's position near Lake Geneva and the Alps influences its weather patterns, contributing to the substantial annual rainfall. Despite the precipitation, Geneva remains highly accessible year-round, with the rain typically coming in shorter bursts rather than prolonged periods.

Question 5

How cold did Geneva get in winter 2024?

Accepted Answer

Geneva experienced its coldest temperature of -8.2°C (17.2°F) during winter 2024, recorded on December 30th. The city saw typical winter conditions with overnight lows frequently dropping below freezing, while daytime temperatures remained relatively mild for a continental European city.

Throughout the winter months of 2024 (January, February, and December), Geneva recorded 53 days with sub-zero minimum temperatures. December 2024 was the coldest month, averaging just 1.2°C (34.1°F), while February proved milder with an average of 6.2°C (43.1°F). January 2024 fell between the two at 3.6°C (38.4°F), with its coldest reading of -7.7°C (18.1°F) occurring on January 14th.

The average overnight low across the winter period was -1.0°C (30.1°F), while daytime highs typically reached around 8.4°C (47.2°F). This significant daily temperature variation is characteristic of Geneva's climate, influenced by its location at 376 meters elevation near Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps.

For visitors planning a winter trip to Geneva in 2024, temperatures generally ranged from mild days suitable for exploring the city's lakeside promenades to frosty nights requiring warm clothing. The 17 days with average temperatures below freezing concentrated mainly in late December and mid-January, making these periods the coldest for outdoor activities.

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FAQ

When is the warmest time to visit Geneva during summer?

What is the driest month in Geneva?

Which month has the most sunshine in Geneva?

How much total rainfall does Geneva receive per year?

How cold did Geneva get in winter 2024?