The Swiss climate is generally temperate but can vary between the cities. In the northern lowlands, the average temperature in January is around 1°C, and in July around 17 °C, whereas on the southern plateau the corresponding average temperatures are 2° to –3°C higher.
Towards the Northern part of the Swiss Alps the climate is generally temperate. The average temperature for Switzerland is around 10 degree Celsius, rainfall can vary according to the region. Places like Lugano will have rainfall of about 170 cm per year, whereas areas around the Rhone valley would receive very low rainfall of about 50 cm. Areas towards the South of the Alps enjoy a temperature of around 19 - 21 degree Celsius. The winters can be cold with temperatures going below zero degrees.