Pfäffikersee
Lake Swiss lake popular for recreation and birdwatching
A lake near Pfäffikon in canton Zürich, Pfäffikersee offers shoreline paths, public bathing spots and birdlife. Locals swim, cycle and walk the circuit in summer months.
Pfäffikersee is a lake in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland, located near the towns of Pfäffikon (ZH) and Wetzikon. It is a modest-sized inland lake set in a mix of agricultural land, reedbeds and recreational shoreline.
The lake supports local wildlife, including waterfowl and reedland species, and is ringed by footpaths used for walking and birdwatching. Facilities and informal bathing spots at the shore make it a common leisure destination for nearby residents.
Pfäffikersee lies about 20 to 25 kilometres east of the city of Zurich, within the flat-to-gently-rolling landscape of the Zurich Oberland.
- Recreation: The lake is a local recreational area near the towns of Pfäffikon and Wetzikon, used for walking, birdwatching and seasonal bathing in summer.
Tips for Visiting Pfäffikersee #
- Walk the full circular path around Pfäffikersee (the lakeside 'Rundweg') to experience the variety of habitats - reedbeds, open water and woodland - rather than stopping at a single viewpoint.
- Use Swiss public transport from Zurich (regional S‑Bahn and connecting buses) to reach Pfäffikon ZH and the lake access points; trains typically drop you within easy walking distance of the lakeside trails.
- Visit in spring or autumn if you're interested in birdwatching: migration periods bring more species into the lake's protected areas, and early mornings are usually the most productive for sightings.
Best Time to Visit Pfäffikersee #
Late spring through early autumn (May-September) is best for outdoor activities at Pfäffikersee.
Weather & Climate near Pfäffikersee #
Pfäffikersee's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1150 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (138 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
