Valais is Switzerland's third-largest and most dramatically alpine canton, home to 40 of the Alps' 52 four-thousand-metre peaks including the iconic Matterhorn. With the driest climate in Switzerland, over 300 sunny days a year, and the country's largest wine-growing region, it offers an extraordinary blend of high-altitude adventure, luxury resorts, and centuries-old culture.
Valais enjoys the driest and sunniest climate of any Swiss canton, with over 300 sunny days per year in the central Rhône Valley — a consequence of the mountains blocking Atlantic weather systems. The climate is continental and highly altitude-dependent: the valley floor around Sion is warm and dry in summer (sometimes Mediterranean-like), while the high alpine areas above 2,000m have genuine mountain climates with cold temperatures, heavy snow in winter, and potential for storms year-round. This dramatic variation is part of Valais' appeal.
Best time to visit
Best: June–September and December–March
Best Reason: Summer (June–September) is ideal for hiking, cycling, wine touring, and glacier visits with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. December–March offers world-class skiing with reliable snow in high-altitude resorts.
Peak Season: July–August (summer) and December 20–January 5 plus February half-term (winter)
Avoid: November and early April
Avoid Reason: November is the greyest month with limited daylight, many lifts and mountain restaurants closed, and wet conditions in the valley. Early April can bring mixed conditions — spring mud at lower altitudes and slushy snow higher up.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
Valley: -1°C/30°F | Zermatt: -7°C/19°F
Deep winter — excellent snow cover at altitude, quiet after New Year rush. Coldest month in the valley. Clear blue sky days common in the mountains.
February
Valley: 2°C/36°F | Zermatt: -5°C/23°F
Peak ski season with school holidays bringing large crowds mid-month. Excellent snow conditions. First signs of spring sun in the valley.
March
Valley: 7°C/45°F | Zermatt: -2°C/28°F
Spring skiing at its best — long sunny days, good snow, and the first warmth in the valley. Wine walks beginning to open. Some lower ski areas closing.
April
Valley: 11°C/52°F | Zermatt: 2°C/36°F
Mixed month — lower resorts closing, higher resorts still good. Wildflowers beginning in vineyards. Can be wet and grey in the valley.
May
Valley: 15°C/59°F | Zermatt: 6°C/43°F
Beautiful month as the valley turns green and asparagus season arrives. Mountain trails starting to open from mid-month. Pleasant for valley sightseeing.
June
Valley: 20°C/68°F | Zermatt: 11°C/52°F
Excellent month — hiking season fully open, wildflowers at their peak, vineyards lush and green. Crowds manageable. Glacier Cable cars all operating.
July
Valley: 24°C/75°F | Zermatt: 14°C/57°F
Peak summer — hot in the valley, warm and sunny at mid-altitude. Busiest month for hiking and tourism. All attractions open. Afternoon thunderstorms possible.
August
Valley: 23°C/73°F | Zermatt: 14°C/57°F
Hottest month, especially in Sion. Peak crowds. Excellent for mountain hiking. Some trails at very high altitude may be affected by late snow or glacial changes.
September
Valley: 19°C/66°F | Zermatt: 10°C/50°F
Arguably the finest month in Valais — grape harvest begins, golden vineyards, cooler temperatures, minimal crowds, all trails and facilities still open.
October
Valley: 13°C/55°F | Zermatt: 4°C/39°F
Autumn colours in the vineyards and forests. Combat de Reines cattle finals. First snow at altitude. Some mountain facilities closing mid-month.
November
Valley: 6°C/43°F | Zermatt: -2°C/28°F
Quietest month — most summer attractions closed, ski season not yet underway at lower resorts. Valley is often grey and foggy. Zermatt/Saas-Fee have early skiing.
December
Valley: 1°C/34°F | Zermatt: -6°C/21°F
Ski season begins in earnest at all resorts. Christmas markets in Sion and Martigny (first three weeks). Magical alpine atmosphere in December but very busy (and expensive) from December 20.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: March–May
Mild temperatures return to the valley floor with wildflowers blooming in vineyards and meadows. Snow remains at high altitude (excellent spring skiing in March–April). Asparagus season arrives in May. Lower valley can be rainy and muddy in March.
Summer
Months: June–August
Hot and sunny in the valley (sometimes exceeding 30°C in Sion and Martigny), cool and clear at altitude. Peak hiking season with all mountain huts, cable cars, and trails open. Spectacular wildflowers at mid-altitude in June–July.
Fall
Months: September–October
The best-kept secret in Valais — golden vineyards, cooler temperatures, the grape harvest, and far fewer crowds than summer. Excellent hiking weather. The Combat de Reines (cow fighting) finals in October are a unique cultural spectacle.
Winter
Months: November–February
World-class skiing conditions from December in Zermatt, Verbier, Saas-Fee, and Crans-Montana. Zermatt and Saas-Fee offer year-round glacier skiing. The valley floor can be grey and cold (fog common) but the mountains above 1,500m are sunny and snowy.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- July–August (hiking) and December 20–January 5 / February (skiing)
- Shoulder Season
- June, September–October (ideal mix of good conditions and fewer visitors)
- Low Season
- November and early April
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Verbier Festival (pre-festival events) and Winter Sports Season
Major international ski competitions and events including the Verbier Xtreme freeride competition
Alpaufzug — Cattle Ascent to Summer Pastures
Traditional procession of flower-decorated cows moving to alpine summer pastures, celebrated across Valais valleys
Verbier Festival
One of the world's most prestigious classical music festivals, held in Verbier every July with world-class soloists and orchestras
Foire du Valais (Valais Fair)
A major regional fair held in Martigny in late September–early October showcasing agriculture, wine, cheese, and Valaisan culture
Vendanges (Grape Harvest)
The wine harvest is celebrated throughout Valais with vendange festivals, open winery days, and the Fête des Vignerons activities
Combat de Reines — Canton Finals
The finale of the traditional Hérens cow-fighting competition held at Aproz near Sion — Valais' most unique cultural event