Lausanne sits on the steep northern shore of Lake Geneva and receives around 1,150 mm (about 45 inches) of rain a year, among the higher totals in Switzerland, as the lake and surrounding hills interact to intensify rainfall, particularly in autumn. The city’s notably steep terrain, with a significant elevation change between the lakeshore and the upper town, means heavy rain can produce fast-running surface water and localized flash flooding on the steepest streets. Summer thunderstorms building over the Alps to the south are also common. Because the lake and hills create such distinct local weather patterns, radar offers a clearer real-time view than general regional forecasts. MeteoSwiss operates the national radar network.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Lausanne right now?
The map above shows recent radar observations over Lausanne, Vaud where coverage is available. Use the map legend and timestamp to interpret the imagery. A blank map over Lausanne can mean no detected precipitation, missing coverage, delayed data, or rain too light for radar to detect.
How often does the Lausanne rain radar update?
Updates depend on the radar provider and local network. Check the timestamp on the map for the latest available frame, and press play to compare recent observations. Radar imagery can lag conditions on the ground.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Lausanne?
Press play to compare recent radar frames over Vaud and see the direction of detected rain. This can help you assess approaching showers near Lausanne, but storms can grow or change direction; check your local weather service for forecasts and warnings.
Is this Lausanne rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.