Climate Insights for Basel
Climate Overview
The climate in Basel is temperate. The average annual temperature is 11°C and approximately 1,223 mm of precipitation falls per year. Basel receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Basel is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to -1°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 79cm accumulating over the season.The climate in Basel is temperate. The average annual temperature is 51°F and approximately 48.2 in of precipitation falls per year. Basel receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Basel is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 30°F. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 31in accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Temperatures in Basel vary considerably across the year, with a 26°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is July, when average highs reach 25°C and the mean temperature sits around 20°C. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to -1°C and the daily average is 2°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 9°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 6°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Basel vary considerably across the year, with a 48°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is July, when average highs reach 78°F and the mean temperature sits around 68°F. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to 30°F and the daily average is 35°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 16°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 10°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Basel is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,223 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 102 mm per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 133 mm of rainfall. May and January also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 75 mm. That's 58 mm less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 79cm accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 24cm.Basel is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 48.2 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 4 in per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 5.2 in of rainfall. May and January also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 3 in. That's 2.3 in less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 31in accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 10in.
Wind
Basel is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 8km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 9km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in August, with average winds dropping to 6km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 9km/h in winter, 8km/h in spring, 6km/h in summer, 7km/h in autumn.Basel is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 5mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 6mph, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in August, with average winds dropping to 4mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 2mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 6mph in winter, 5mph in spring, 4mph in summer, 5mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Basel is during September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 16°C with modest rainfall averaging 89 mm per month. By contrast, July can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 25°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to -1°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Basel is during September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 60°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.5 in per month. By contrast, July can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 78°F, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 30°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Basel based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Basel based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in inches (in) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.