Summer in Switzerland Packing List
Switzerland is one of my favorite countries, and with the incredible landscapes it boasts, summer is a fantastic time to visit. Even in August, the Swiss Alps are snow-capped, and the melting glacier water is crisp and fresh. Stick your reusable water bottle under any fountain and you’ll be drinking the cleanest water of your life! This Switzerland packing list for summer will tell you everything you need to know about packing for the land of watches and chocolate.
Disclaimer: I only recommend products I absolutely love, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, but I may earn a small commission. Please consider using the link to support my blog! You can read my full privacy policy here.
What’s the weather like in Switzerland in the Summer?
Because Switzerland is nestled in the Alps, the country enjoys beautiful summer weather, with lots of sun and daily highs ranging from the 70s to 80s. You don’t have to worry about humidity ruining your hair here, even if you plan to hang out lakeside. In the Alps, the weather is a bit cooler and the sun a lot stronger, so you’ll definitely want to take that into consideration for your summer in Switzerland packing list.
Paradeplatz in Zurich
What should you wear in Switzerland?
If you want to dress like a local, neutral shades in conservative cuts will help you blend in. Black, navy, and gray are all common colors you’ll see on the streets of Zurich. It’s not too hot to wear pants, and I wore skinny jeans almost every day.
Dressing Tips for Switzerland
Exploring Cities
If you’re exploring one of Switzerland’s major cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Bern, you’ll want to dress somewhere between smart casual and casual. Jeans and a nicer top (not a ratty t-shirt) or a summer dress are great options to blend in. If you go out at night, especially to one of Switzerland’s many incredible restaurants, you’ll need dressy clothes like button-up or collared shirts for men and a nice skirt and blouse or dress for women.
Hiking
Whether you are hiking long distances or only a few hours, you need sturdy walking shoes. I recommend a backpack suitable to your distance with reusable water bottles and some snacks. While we hiked, we wore athletic-style clothes such as leggings and t-shirts, but you could also wear jeans or whatever you feel comfortable hiking in.
View from hike in Mannlichen
Switzerland Packing List
Shoes + Boots
Shoes on your summer Switzerland packing list should include sturdy walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of dressier sandals or booties for an evening out on the town. My favorite shoes for exploring the cobbled streets of European cities are Adidas Superstar sneakers, which are also popular in Europe. The flat shape gives your foot and ankle the ability to move through the full range of motion while you walk, which is good for your foot health! My favorite sandals for exploring are these Birkenstocks. For your evening restaurant reservations, I recommend an ankle bootie like this one.
Jeans + Pants
Dark denim is a great choice for your summer Switzerland packing list and several pairs of athletic pants for hiking in the Alps. Since the weather is in the 70s and 80s, you could also opt for shorts while hiking or casually strolling the beautiful streets of Zurich. These shorts are cute and comfy and pair nicely with a variety of tops!
Tops + Sweaters
If you’re going hiking in the Alps, I recommend packing athletic tops like tank tops and sports bras, as well as UV shirts to ward off those intense rays! I’ve used these UV protection shirts on a variety of trips, and they’ve held together for several years. Pack your cutest and favorite summer tops to pair with jeans or shorts for exploring Switzerland’s cities, but remember to grab a cardigan or sweater for after the sun goes down, as the breeze off the blue lakes can get chilly at night!
Another great addition to your summer Switzerland packing list is dresses for day or night. In Switzerland, opt for neutral colors or basic patterns. Google a capsule wardrobe for some inspiration!
Accessories
Sunglasses and hats are a must for Switzerland. If you like to wear jewelry and love to shop, leave whatever you have behind and hit Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in the world. If you don’t have a kidney to spare to shop there, minimal jewelry is fine. Switzerland is very safe, but remember not to flash your expensive items around. I never travel with my engagement ring, instead I wear stacking rings like these while I travel.
Toiletries
Pack all your necessary toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, etc. Most hotels have shampoo and body wash, so if you need conditioner like me, pack a travel-sized tube. I use these reusable travel-sized bottles so I can bring my favorite products with me!
Electronics
On your summer in Switzerland packing list, you’ll need a converter if you’re coming from the United States. This is a great option if you don’t already have one, but it doesn’t convert voltage. Other than a converter, pack a book or Kindle, a camera, phone chargers, and noise-canceling headphones. I could not live without my Sony noise-canceling headphones, especially for my sensitive ears on the plane!
Switzerland Outfit Ideas
Here are a few photos of what I wore in Switzerland to inspire your summer in Switzerland packing list!
Final Thoughts on Summer in Switzerland Packing List
Switzerland in the summer is absolutely beautiful, though I can’t wait to go back during the winter. With nearly perfect temperatures even in August, it's a great destination to escape the unbearable heat of the American South or the scorching Mediterranean coast.
Interested in more Switzerland posts? Check out these popular ones on the blog!