Mount Pilatus
The Mount Pilatus rises to 2128 m (Obwalden, Nidwalden, Lucerne). Access: railway + cable car; season: toute l'année (crémaillère mai–novembre). The weather above is computed at summit altitude; the “Snow, wind and freezing level” section shows 7-day snowfall, wind, gusts and the snow line — to pick the right day (visibility, cold, wind).
Climate of Mount Pilatus: 1991–2020 normals
In Mount Pilatus (2128 m), the mean annual temperature is 2.1 °C. The warmest month is August (9.7 °C on average) and the coldest February (−4.6 °C). About 1998 mm of precipitation falls per year, peaking in December (205 mm) with a minimum in October (106 mm). The sun shines for about 1672 hours a year, mostly in August (160 h). On average there are 185 frost days per year. The mean monthly maximum reaches 19.9 °C and the absolute minimum −15.4 °C.
Mean monthly precipitation (mm) — bar height relative to the wettest month.
| Month | Mean T | Abs. max | Abs. min | Precip. (mm) | Sunshine (h) | Frost days | Summer days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | −4.0 °C | 6.2 °C | −14.9 °C | 192 | 120 | 29 | 0 |
| Feb | −4.6 °C | 7.0 °C | −15.4 °C | 191 | 127 | 26 | 0 |
| Mar | −2.6 °C | 8.2 °C | −13.3 °C | 178 | 150 | 26 | 0 |
| Apr | −0.0 °C | 10.8 °C | −10.1 °C | 190 | 151 | 21 | 0 |
| May | 3.9 °C | 14.9 °C | −5.4 °C | 160 | 147 | 12 | 0 |
| Jun | 7.4 °C | 18.2 °C | −1.8 °C | 170 | 142 | 4 | 0 |
| Jul | 9.4 °C | 19.9 °C | 0.8 °C | 167 | 157 | 1 | 0 |
| Aug | 9.7 °C | 19.6 °C | 0.4 °C | 169 | 160 | 1 | 0 |
| Sep | 6.3 °C | 16.0 °C | −2.8 °C | 116 | 149 | 6 | 0 |
| Oct | 3.8 °C | 14.7 °C | −6.8 °C | 106 | 154 | 11 | 0 |
| Nov | −0.5 °C | 10.8 °C | −11.0 °C | 153 | 112 | 21 | 0 |
| Dec | −3.1 °C | 7.5 °C | −13.9 °C | 205 | 103 | 27 | 0 |
| Year | 2.1 °C | 19.9 °C | −15.4 °C | 1998 | 1672 | 185 | 0 |
Source: MeteoSwiss open data (1991–2020 normals) — stations Pilatus (0 km, 2105 m), Luzern (7 km, 454 m), Engelberg (21 km, 1036 m), adjusted to the elevation of Mount Pilatus (2128 m) using a 0.55 °C/100 m lapse rate. Indicative, rounded values.
Passes & summits
- Weather Stanserhorn (9 km · 1898 m)
- Weather Glaubenberg Pass (16 km · 1543 m)
- Weather Mount Rigi (19 km · 1797 m)
- Weather Brünig Pass (26 km · 1008 m)
- Weather Brienzer Rothorn (27 km · 2350 m)
- Weather Mount Titlis (27 km · 3238 m)
Nearby municipalities
- Weather Alpnach (0 km)
- Weather Hergiswil (NW) (1 km)
- Weather Schwarzenberg (3 km)
- Weather Ennetmoos (6 km)
- Weather Stansstad (7 km)
- Weather Sarnen (7 km)
- Weather Kriens (7 km)
- Weather Horw (8 km)
Passes & summits Weather Alpnach
Frequently asked questions about the weather: Mount Pilatus
Is the Mount Pilatus open?
The Mount Pilatus is usually accessible toute l'année (crémaillère mai–novembre). The official status depends on snow and roadworks (check TCS or the canton); the snow forecast above helps anticipate closures.
How cold is it at the Mount Pilatus?
Expect about 10 °C less than in the lowlands (mean lapse rate 0.6 °C per 100 m). The mean annual temperature at 2128 m is about 2.1 °C; the coldest month is February (−4.6 °C).
Can it snow at the Mount Pilatus in summer?
Yes: above 2000 m, snow can fall in any season during cold spells. Watch the freezing level and the forecast snowfall in the dedicated section.
What is the warmest month in Mount Pilatus?
The warmest month in Mount Pilatus is August, averaging 9.7 °C (1991–2020 normal). The coldest is February at −4.6 °C.
How much does it rain in Mount Pilatus per year?
Mount Pilatus receives about 1998 mm of precipitation a year. The wettest month is December (205 mm), the driest October (106 mm).
When is the best time to visit Mount Pilatus?
For warmth and sunshine: August (9.7 °C on average, 160 h of sun). The coldest month is February (−4.6 °C). Check the 15-day forecast above for your dates.