January Packing List for Zurich — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Heavy Insulated CoatEssential

  Zurich's January lows of 28°F require a heavy insulated coat to stay warm while walking through the wind-chilled streets of Niederdorf.

• Thermal Base LayersEssential

  Since average highs only reach 39°F, thermal base layers are essential for maintaining body heat during city excursions in Zurich.

• Wool SweatersEssential

  Layering with wool sweaters is vital because temperatures fluctuate around the 39°F mark during your Zurich visit.

• Waterproof Walking BootsEssential

  Waterproof walking boots are essential for navigating wet or slushy cobblestones during Zurich's 11 days of monthly precipitation.

• Thick Wool SocksEssential

  Thick wool socks are necessary to protect against the frost that settles in the Altstadt when temperatures hit 28°F.

• Warm Scarf and GlovesEssential

  A warm scarf and gloves are essential to combat wind-chilled temperatures that often drop toward the 28°F low in the Altstadt.

• Thermal BeanieEssential

  A thermal beanie is essential for staying warm when visiting higher elevations like Uetliberg where temperatures feel much lower than the 39°F city average.

Clothing

• Heavy Insulated CoatEssential

  Zurich's January lows of 28°F require a heavy insulated coat to stay warm while walking through the wind-chilled streets of Niederdorf.

• Thermal Base LayersEssential

  Since average highs only reach 39°F, thermal base layers are essential for maintaining body heat during city excursions in Zurich.

• Waterproof Shell JacketRecommended

  With 11 days of precipitation expected in January, a waterproof shell is necessary to handle sudden showers near the Limmat River.

• Wool SweatersEssential

  Layering with wool sweaters is vital because temperatures fluctuate around the 39°F mark during your Zurich visit.

Footwear

• Waterproof Walking BootsEssential

  Waterproof walking boots are essential for navigating wet or slushy cobblestones during Zurich's 11 days of monthly precipitation.

• Thick Wool SocksEssential

  Thick wool socks are necessary to protect against the frost that settles in the Altstadt when temperatures hit 28°F.

• High-Grip Walking ShoesRecommended

  Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are recommended for navigating potentially slippery, wet streets in the Niederdorf district during January's 11 days of precipitation.

Accessories

• Warm Scarf and GlovesEssential

  A warm scarf and gloves are essential to combat wind-chilled temperatures that often drop toward the 28°F low in the Altstadt.

• Thermal BeanieEssential

  A thermal beanie is essential for staying warm when visiting higher elevations like Uetliberg where temperatures feel much lower than the 39°F city average.

• Compact UmbrellaRecommended

  A compact umbrella is recommended to stay dry during the frequent January showers that occur on roughly 11 days of the month in Zurich.