May or June for Switzerland?

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Bazzafromoz
Bazzafromoz

We are doing a 2 week long sightseeing type coach tour of Switzerland in the first part of 2012. So far there are two guaranteed departure dates that suit us - one in early May and one in early June. We have in the past enjoyed European Springtime - flowers,trees, etc - but being from Australia, we never see much snow, so we enjoy seeing snow in the mountains as well.

Please - what are your thoughts regarding the suitability of these two dates - would they be similar? (only one month apart). Any thoughts gratefully received.

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louisxiv
louisxiv

My last trip to Europe was for six weeks, end of March to beginning of May. Exceptional weather, the leaves coming out and the spring flowers. When I left early in May it was beautiful and the day light hours are better than in the fall of the year. I would not have a problem with either month.

When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home.
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battybilly
battybilly

I'm 100% with *1.... LouisXIV.
Both months in that region will be lovely. Late spring, early summer in Switzerland.... Perfect.
If I "Had" to make a decision.... May.

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louisxiv
louisxiv

There may be less tourists in May if that is important to you.

When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home.
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liberat
liberat

If it is snow you want to see, may is the better solution

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neckervd
neckervd

Most alpine Passes are closed in early May and open in early June. As long as we don't know the itinerary of your coach trip, however, we can't give any advice about snow.

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travelinstyle46
travelinstyle46

In May I would say it is a bit early for any higher elevations as neckervd says. That means you may well miss out on some alpine passes that are not yet open and that to my mind would be a shame.

I have to ask, why a coach tour? You can easily travel around Switzerland on your own with a swissrail pass. Probably for less cost and with far more freedom of choice in every way. English is spoken almost everywhere is language difficulties is a fear you have.

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blandineforberg
blandineforberg

An even bigger advantage of going on your own: you can adjust your activities to the current weather conditions. No one can guarantee you clear weather on that one particular morning the tour itinerary has scheduled for a mountain excursion, but if you spend 3-4 days in an area you can tweak your plans and go up on a clear day while an overcast/rainy day can be used for city visits, museums, shopping and such.

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nathalie2
nathalie2

may or june, in my opinion mostly a matter of luck. this year for example, we had april to june with great, sunny, warm weather, and july (which used to be the peak of summer, the warmest and sunniest month) being rainy, grey and pretty cold.

if your itinerary is going to mountain places in switzerland, i would choose the early may departure, because you are more likely to see / enjoy snow than if going in june.

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neckervd
neckervd

Bazzafromoz is obviously no longer interested in this thread

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