Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, receives around 1,100 mm (about 43 inches) of rain a year, spread fairly evenly across the seasons with a summer peak from convective thunderstorms common across the Swiss Plateau. The surrounding hills and nearby lake can locally intensify storms, sometimes bringing hail and heavy short-term downpours capable of flooding low-lying streets near the Limmat river and Lake Zurich’s shoreline. Because Switzerland’s terrain varies so sharply over short distances, rainfall intensity here can differ significantly from a town just a short drive away. Radar is a genuinely practical tool for judging local conditions rather than relying on a broader regional forecast. Switzerland’s national weather service, MeteoSwiss, operates the country’s radar network.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Zurich right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Zurich in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Zurich, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Zurich 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 Zurich?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Switzerland are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Zurich or pass by.
Is this Zurich 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.