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 live radar map above shows precipitation over Lausanne, Vaud in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Lausanne, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Lausanne rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Lausanne?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Vaud are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Lausanne or pass by.
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.