Because Switzerland is landlocked the climate is mostly stable with clear seasons.

Today's weather

In the north on the plateau, the climate is generally moderate with some winter snow and warm summers.  Up in the Alps of course, there can be year-round snow coverage.  And south of the Alps, in the Ticino, palm trees grow and spring starts early.

Annual rainfall varies between 260 cm per year in some mountain valleys and only about 50 cm per year in others. The average amount of sunshine per year is about 1700 hours though some regions get considerably more.  Winter temperatures in the northwest of Switzerland are around 0-10 degrees Celsius and in the summer around 20-28 degrees Celsius.

Students coming for a winter semester must ensure that they take warm outdoor clothing (generally, houses and schools are very well heated).