Switzerland Holidays In May: Complete Travel Guide

• Mild, pleasant weather: Warm spring days with fresh mountain air - ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Down by the lakes it may even be warm enough for al fresco dining.

• Blooming landscapes: Valleys turn lush and green while the Alps remain snow-capped, creating dramatic contrasts. Flowers are in full bloom in the lake regions, while you may spot the first signs of delicate alpine plants in the mountains. 

• Fewer tourists: Take advantage and enjoy popular destinations before the summer rush.

1. Zermatt & the Matterhorn

Experience classic Alpine charm in a car-free village surrounded by dramatic peaks. Perfect for scenic walks and panoramic train rides.

2. Grindelwald or Wengen

These iconic mountain villages offer breathtaking views, easy access to hiking trails, and the famous Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe’s.

3. Lucerne

A medieval lakeside town ideal for springtime boat trips, old-town wandering, and mountain excursions to Pilatus or Rigi.

4. Interlaken

Lively town with excellent rail connections to the Jungfrau mountains and two fantastic lakes each with boat rides. 

5. Montreux

A cosmopolitan spring destination with lake promenades, museums, and easy day trips into the mountains.

6. Locarno or Lugano

Two of Switzerland's sunniest towns, located beside the Italian border and each with its own stunning lake to enjoy.

Ride Switzerland’s scenic trains

Switzerland’s transport network is famously precise and beautifully scenic. In May, routes like the Jungfrau Railways are especially stunning. A day trip on the Bernina Express will be a memory to treasure while the Centovalli Line takes you through the 'hundred valleys' into Italy. 

Walk through picturesque scenery

Trails open up across the country, offering everything from gentle lakeside paths to more adventurous mountain routes.

Enjoy Lakeside relaxation

May’s mild temperatures make it perfect for boat trips on Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, or Lakes Thun & Brienz.

Experience Switzerland's blooms

May is the perfect time to enjoy the Tulip festival in Morges or the narcissus fields near Montreux

Attend spring festivals

Music and cultural events begin to pop up across Switzerland as the weather warms.

With The Swiss Holiday Company you receive the Half Fare Card for up to 50% off your day trips. 

May weather in Switzerland can vary according to where you are so it offers the most wonderful mix of colours and scenery. In the mountains, spring is only just starting while in the central lakes it is positively blooming. Expect a delightful mix of spring warmth and Alpine freshness:

• Valleys: Green, mild, and perfect for outdoor activities
• Mountains: Snow still visible at higher altitudes, offering dramatic scenery
• Overall: A rare blend of sunshine, blossoms, and snowy peaks

• Book trains early for popular scenic routes such as Glacier Express and Bernina Express
• Pack layers - warm days, cool evenings, and fresh mountain air
• Choose flexible itineraries to enjoy both the spring valleys and snowy peaks
• Take advantage of rail passes - the Half Fare Card is included with your holiday and we can offer additional regional travel passes to suit your plans

Is there snow in Switzerland in May?

Most of the country is in full blown springtime in May but there will certainly still be snow on the highest peaks. If you want to see beautiful snowscapes, consider a high altitude day trip such as the Schilthorn, Glacier 3000 or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, all open in May. 

Can you hike in Switzerland in May?

Yes, many cable cars and mountain trains start running in May so you can enjoy walks in the mountains. 

Are tourist attractions open in May?

Don't worry, there is plenty to do in May from walking to boat rides to castles and museums. If you thinking of staying in a mountain resort, it would be worth checking when their cable cars start the season, as it could be later in the month.

Are scenic trains running in May?

Major scenic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Jungfrau Railways do operate in May, offering stunning spring views.

We have a number of holidays that are perfect for travel in May. Examples are listed below, but can be adapted to suit your personal requirements. 

One centre stay in Switzerland

Try Interlaken, perfectly placed for enjoying the two lakes and easy train rides up into the mountains

Click here for our example 4 day Interlaken holiday

Scenic rail holiday in Switzerland

Our Scenic Contrasts itinerary is perfect for experiencing the stunning spring landscapes around Lucerne and Lugano, connected by a journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Click here for our example 8 day Lucerne and Lugano holiday