Switzerland has a temperate continental climate. You can not count on a real winter, because more than 60% of the area is occupied by mountains. The most famous mountains are the Alps, which do not allow warm air masses to penetrate to the north of the country, and cold arctic masses to the south.
- In northern Switzerland, winters are mild. The maximum temperature is + 2-4C, and the minimum is -1-4C.
- In Geneva, the average January temperature is 0C, in Zurich -2C.
- In the mountainous regions of Switzerland, the weather situation is different, because climatic conditions depend on the height above sea level. In high mountain areas, a significant amount of snow can fall. In addition, January is the coldest month of the year. The thermometer stays at -5-10C during the day, and drops to -15C at night.
However, it is these conditions that make it possible to fully enjoy the ski holiday for which winter Switzerland is famous. Unfortunately, in the past few years, the climate has been warming, which somewhat aggravates the situation. The opening of the ski season often has to be postponed, and the vouchers are becoming more expensive, because some of the snow has to be replaced with artificial snow.
Holidays in Switzerland in January
The main holiday in Switzerland in January is St. Berthold's Day, which is celebrated on the day the capital was founded. Bern has existed since 1191 and was founded by order of Berthold Zeringersky, the ruler of Burgundy. Saint Berthold's Day is an official day off in most cantons of Switzerland. In honor of the holiday, it is customary to hold concerts and parades. The people are enjoying the festivities. Recently, the holiday has become childish, because kids love to play various outdoor games. A modern tradition should also be mentioned: children collect acorns and nuts in the fall and keep them until St. Berthold's Day, after which they use them for games.
January cannot be imagined without the New Year, which in Switzerland is known as St. Sylvester's Day. According to legend, in the 4th century there lived a priest, Saint Sylvester, who managed to tame the sea monster. It was assumed that in 1000 AD, the sea monster would flee from Saint Sylvester and destroy the world, but this did not happen. Since then, on New Year's Eve, legends have been remembered in Switzerland and unusual carnivals with the participation of mythical characters have been held, and the participants call themselves Sylvester Claus.
Holidays in Switzerland in January is an opportunity to get acquainted with ancient unusual traditions and take part in holidays and carnivals.
