Best Time to Hike Matterhorn — Five Lakes Walk
The best time to hike the Matterhorn Five Lakes Walk is June to October, the window given in the official season guidance. These months bring the warmest conditions of the year, long daylight of roughly 11 to 15.5 hours, and moderate rainfall, especially from June through September.
Month-by-month climate for Matterhorn — Five Lakes Walk
| Month | Relative warmth | Rain | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Coldest | 67 mm | 8.8 h |
| Feb | Coldest | 50 mm | 10.1 h |
| Mar | Coldest | 63 mm | 11.6 h |
| Apr | Mild | 69 mm | 13.3 h |
| May | Warm | 112 mm | 14.7 h |
| Jun | Warmest | 100 mm | 15.5 h |
| Jul | Warmest | 96 mm | 15.2 h |
| Aug | Warmest | 92 mm | 14 h |
| Sep | Warmest | 66 mm | 12.3 h |
| Oct | Warm | 84 mm | 10.7 h |
| Nov | Cool | 99 mm | 9.2 h |
| Dec | Coldest | 84 mm | 8.5 h |
Modelled regional averages for 2010–2023 (rainfall) and calculated daylight hours; they describe the wider area, not a reading taken on the trail. “Relative warmth” compares each month with the warmest and coldest months of this place’s own year. It is not a temperature, and the high parts of a route are colder than the region around them.
Across the year, rainfall on this modelled regional average peaks in May at about 112 mm, with June, July and August close behind at 92 to 100 mm. February is the driest month at about 50 mm, followed by March and September. Daylight swings from about 8.5 hours in December to 15.5 hours in June. Relative to this place's own year, June through September are the warmest months, May and October are warm, April is mild, November is cool, and December through March are the coldest.
Matterhorn — Five Lakes Walk season by season
Early summer · June to July
June and July are the warmest months of the year here and bring the longest days, around 15 hours of daylight. Rainfall typically sits near 96 to 100 mm a month, so showers are a realistic part of the picture. The official season guidance starts in June, which makes this the opening stretch of the main hiking window. With that much daylight you have flexibility to start early and keep an eye on the forecast. Because conditions can vary at high alpine terrain, check with the regional tourism and railways operator before you go.
Late summer to early autumn · August to October
August and September are also among the warmest months, and rainfall eases to about 66 mm in September, one of the lower figures during the official season. Daylight shortens steadily, from about 14 hours in August to roughly 10.7 hours by October, so you need to plan your return more carefully as the weeks pass. October is still warm by this place's own standards and falls within the official window, but rain rises again to about 84 mm. Treat the end of October as the edge of the season and confirm details locally.
Late autumn and winter · November to March
From November the warmth label drops to cool, and December through March are the coldest months of this place's own year. Daylight is at its shortest, about 8.5 to 9.2 hours in November and December, which leaves far less margin on a day hike. These months fall outside the official June to October season guidance. February is the driest month at roughly 50 mm, but dry does not mean the route is open or suitable. Check with the managing authority for current conditions before considering any visit.
Spring shoulder · April to May
April is mild and May is warm relative to the rest of the year, and daylight grows quickly from about 13.3 hours to 14.7 hours. May is also the wettest month in the modelled data at about 112 mm, so rain is likely. Both months sit before the official June start, so they are best treated as a shoulder period rather than the recommended window. Conditions can change quickly in high alpine terrain, so check the forecast and confirm with the regional tourism and railways operator before planning.
Official season guidance
Regional tourism & railways: June to October
No permit is required. The walk is well-marked and served by lifts, but it is still high alpine terrain — bring layers and sun protection and check the forecast.
Check current dates on zermatt.ch (Zermatt Tourism, local tourist office)What to pack for the season
Because this is high alpine terrain, pack in layers so you can add or remove warmth as the day changes. Bring rain cover for the wetter months, sun protection for the long summer days, and a headlamp if you might finish late in the shorter-daylight months. Follow the guidance to check the forecast before you set out.
For layering, rain cover and weather planning, see hiking in rain, heat and cold.
Timing mistakes to avoid
A common timing mistake is treating the dry, mild-looking months outside June to October as equivalent to the official season. Another is relying on a single month's rainfall average instead of checking the actual forecast, since the figures here are modelled regional averages, not trail measurements. Hikers also underestimate how quickly daylight shrinks toward October. Finally, because lifts serve the area, it is easy to assume conditions are simple; the rules text notes it is still high alpine terrain, so confirm details with the regional tourism and railways operator.
Common questions
When is the official best season for the Five Lakes Walk?
The official season guidance gives June to October. Within that range, June through September are the warmest months of the year here, and October is still warm. Because conditions at high alpine terrain can change, confirm current details with the regional tourism and railways operator before you travel.
Which months are wettest on this walk?
On the modelled regional average, May is the wettest month at about 112 mm, followed by June at roughly 100 mm and November at about 99 mm. Rain is typical throughout the hiking season, so carry rain cover. These are regional averages, not measurements taken at the trail itself.
How much daylight can I expect?
Daylight peaks at about 15.5 hours in June and 15.2 hours in July, easing to about 12.3 hours in September and 10.7 hours in October. By November and December it falls to roughly 8.5 to 9.2 hours. Plan your start and return times to match the month you choose.
Is it worth hiking outside June to October?
The official season guidance covers June to October, and the other months fall outside it. February is the driest month, but dry weather alone does not tell you whether the route is suitable. Daylight is also short in winter. Check with the regional tourism and railways operator for current conditions before considering any off-season visit.
Sources
- Regional tourism & railways — zermatt.ch (Zermatt Tourism, local tourist office): official season and permit guidance.
- NASA POWER (Prediction Of Worldwide Energy Resources): monthly temperature and rainfall averages, 2010–2023, from MERRA-2 reanalysis. Daylight hours are calculated from latitude.
Conditions, closures and permit rules change without notice — confirm current information with the managing authority before you go. See our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.