The world’s smallest metropolis, Geneva, plays host to some of the most powerful organisations in the world. Switzerland’s financial powerhouse is its most cosmopolitan city. But this uber-modern city has an old-world charm that will steal your heart at your first visit. Geneva is a popular holiday destination that will stun you with its natural beauty and dazzle you with its bespoke luxury. Switzerland is known for two things –precisely crafted timepieces and decadent Swiss chocolates. You’ll find plenty of both in Geneva and then some more.

Geneva has a rich heritage of history, art and architecture. The city’s old town is a rich repository of artistic and historic treasures that have survived the test of time to tell their stories to newer generations. One such treasure, the Place du Bourg-de-Four is the oldest square of Geneva and is graced with a story that dates back to 9th century. The museums of Geneva are brilliantly detailed chronicles of the city’s evolution.

The Art and History Museum is a vast storehouse of ancient artefacts and antiquities from in and around Geneva. Some of these finds date back to the Palaeolithic and Iron Ages! From artistic and archeological masterpieces to weapons to Egyptian funerary art, Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is a fascinating place for cultural and historical pursuits. The city also has a museum dedicated to the precise art of watchmaking. The Patek Philippe Museum is an ode to all master craftsmen who have spent their entire lives in horology. Watches from as early as the 1500s will amaze you with their timeless designs and intricate engineering.

But Geneva's beauty is not just restricted to the indoors. The city has a great outdoors culture which is an inherent part of the Swiss psyche. Geneva even has a sunrise festival every August to celebrate the locals’ love for the outdoors. Imagine a music session framed against a slowly fading light across the horizon as the sun sets over the lake! The fun doesn't stop there. You can go free-diving in Lake Geneva, embark on a rafting expedition over River Arve and explore the Marais de la Versoix in a canoe.

The city itself is a treat for urban explorers. You can go for a guided tour through Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, or take a leisurely stroll through the Old Town. Marvel at the large flower clock at Jardin Anglais and roam across more than 12,000 species of trees and plants at Jardin Botanique. Whatever you choose to do in Geneva, it will be a thoroughly enjoyable exercise.

So, take a look at the weather conditions and seasons in Geneva and choose your time of the year to take that perfect Swiss holiday.

Peak Season :Geneva is wonderful in any season. But summer is usually the peak season in the city that mostly remains cool throughout the year. Yes, it will be crowded. But it is also the time when Geneva is fully open to tourists without being at the mercy of natural elements. This is the time for rejuvenating hikes at the outdoor trails such as Mont Salève and some frolicking fun at Lake Geneva. The pleasant weather is often interspersed by rainy spells, but it doesn't rain enough to be disrupt your stay. You can be a part of Fêtes de Geneve and the Lake Parade which happen in summer.

Shoulder Season :The shoulder seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the relatively quiet seasons of Geneva. Both the seasons experience cool weather. The days are pleasant enough for uninterrupted explorations, but the nights can get cold with single-digit temperatures. The earlier part of spring is colder as is the latter part of autumn. It rains during both the seasons, but not as much as it does in summer. This is the best time to enjoy Geneva without the hustle and bustle of the summer tourists. You can even enjoy most of the outdoor activities such as hiking.

Low Season :Like the rest of Switzerland, Geneva pulls over a blanket of snow in winter (December to February). The snowy weather keeps most of the tourists away, but the same weather lures adventurers and thrill seekers to the city. While the Swiss Alps will be buzzing with skiers and snow boarders, the city will enjoy a peaceful reprieve from the usual rush. The snow adds an element of mystery to the city’s magic and turns it into a winter wonderland. Christmas and Easter add colours to the pristine landscape as the celebrations take on an exquisite quality. You may find it difficult to book hotels, so finish your bookings in advance.

Geneva in Spring (March to May):

Temperature - The cool spring of Geneva experiences temperatures between 4 to 18°C. The day temperatures average around 15°C while in the evenings and at night it drops to around 6°C.

Weather - Snowfall gives way to rainfall as the mercury climbs back up from its winter lows. Warmth gradually takes over from the cold but don’t expect the temperature to rise beyond 18°C. With pleasant temperatures during the day, you can really explore the city without any discomfort.

Significance - Despite its pleasant weather in spring, Geneva does not get too many visitors. You will find flight fares and accommodation to be more reasonable at this time. But some activities and hotels will be closed, at least during the earlier part of the season. If you’re okay with a limited sight-seeing and don’t mind the occasional cold spell this is a good time to be in Geneva.

Why you should visit now - You should visit now, mostly for the affordable prices, but also for the relative calm that lets you enjoy the city at your leisure. As Geneva opens its doors after a cold winter, it takes a bit of time to warm up and shake off the winter lethargy. Lake Geneva might be too cold for a swim, but you can enjoy an unhurried cruise across the lake.

The Old Town, not too crowded at this time of the year, presents some fantastic photo opportunities of the old architecture. Soak your eyes in the beautiful sights as you stroll around its historic streets or watch the world go by as you enjoy coffee and croissants at one of its charming cafes. The twin towers of St. Pierre Cathedral open up to some amazing views of the city and the lake. The south tower has an open balcony, so if you’re visiting on a cold or a rainy day, climb the north tower.

Once you’ve had your fill of the history and culture, head to the CERN for a peek into the future. The world’s largest particle physics laboratory where the God Particle was discovered, will take you on a scientific journey. You can tour some parts of the laboratory and learn more in detail at the two museums on the premises.

Things to know before the visit - With the winter snow out of the way, Geneva gradually begins to open up for its visitors. You will find accommodation easily, but some hotels and activities may not be open. Do enquire at the city’s tourist centres or your hotel before making your itinerary.

Tips - Swiss springs are cool and wet. You’ll need to bring along a thick jacket and an umbrella if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing. Dress in layers because the days may not be as cool as the evenings. If you’re visiting after April, you can leave home the jacket.

Geneva in Summer (June to August):

Temperature - In summer Geneva’s temperatures average between 14 to 25°C though they’ve been known to go up to 34°C on some days.

Weather - The warm weather is a welcome change from the year-round cool weather of Geneva.

The sunny days are ideal for picnics and short excursions into the mountains. While you may have to miss out on these on rainy days, there are other activities to pursue.

Significance - Summer is the season when Geneva really blooms and offers the best of what it has. This is the best season for the great Swiss outdoors and to enjoy the many cultural festivals. The city might get crowded, but the summer buzz will get a hold of you as you sample the city’s many delights.

Why you should visit now - Summer is Geneva’s season in the spotlight. With school holidays on in most parts of the world, the city sees a rush of visitors in summer. The nature is in full bloom and so is the city. Lake Geneva turns into a hub of activity and hosts events for families as well as adventure seekers. From lake cruises to free-diving, you can take your pick from a wide array of choices. Whatever you choose to do, the iconic Jet d’Eau will always be in the background.

The Fetes de Geneve celebrates the city’s spirit with 11 days of revelry. Be sure to catch the spectacular fireworks show at the lake. If you want to get out of the city, take a bicycle tour through the surrounding countryside. Explore the idyllic vineyards and treat yourself to some of the most beautiful views of the Swiss countryside. Another recommended cycle route follows the Large Hadron Collider at ground level. The 54-km-long ride will take you across the French border before circling back in.

And speaking of crossing borders, you can paraglide your way into Switzerland from France! Your jump begins over the mountain located on the French side of the border and ends on the Swiss side. Do not miss out on this one.

Things to know before the visit - Book your accommodation in advance as hotels are usually full during the summer months. Plan your schedule such that you spend the days outdoors and reserve the evenings for museums and art galleries.

Tips - Light summer clothes will keep you comfortable through the day. An occasional chilly evening might need a light jacket. Whenever you are outdoors, keep a water bottle handy and carry plenty of sun protection.

Geneva in Autumn (September to November):

Temperature - The Autumn temperatures in Geneva range between 3 to 22°C. Initially warm, the temperatures dip dramatically as winter approaches.

Weather - The rains back off a bit as the warmth retreats and makes way for the autumn cool. Though the city remains open, some of the trails and activities around the city start closing down in preparation of winter. It starts getting colder by the end of the season as the mercury dips into single digits.

Significance - Autumn is yet another shoulder season that will let you have the city to yourself. As summer activities wind down you can explore the city’s history, art and culture in its museums, theatres and art galleries.

Why you should visit now - Autumn gives you the perfect weather to explore the hidden delights of the city, like Carouge. An independent town until 1816, this part of the town is known for its Italian origins. The influences can still be seen in the town’s palazzos and painted row houses with wooden shutters. Spend a leisurely day among antique dealers browsing through handicraft shops and vintage boutiques.

Quartier de Grottes is a chaotic Bohemian neighbourhood which one-tenth of Genevans call home. This is a young part of the city full of cafes, theatres and cinemas. A visit here will introduce you to a different face of Geneva, one rarely seen. The Parc des Bastions is a fun place to spend an autumn evening. Spend your time here playing chess with giant chess pieces or simply take a relaxing stroll amidst the park’s autumn foliage.

If you’re exploring the Old Town, make sure to pay a visit to Maison Travel. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the oldest private home in Geneva and is a branch of the Art and History museum. The Museum of Far Eastern Art is a slice of the orient in Switzerland. It holds invaluable treasures that include Chinese jade and porcelain art, Japanese miniatures, lacquerware, wood prints and swords.

Things to know before the visit - Autumn is a great season to get around the city. Though there won’t be many outdoor activities, plan your schedule to pack in as many outdoor explorations as you can.

Tips - It gets quite cold in autumn, especially in November. Take your woollens along and dress for the changing temperatures.

Geneva in Winter (December to February):

Temperature - With temperatures staying between -4 and 8°C, winter is a cold time to be in Geneva. In the surrounding countryside, the temperature could go as low as 10°C.

Weather - The freezing winds from Lake Geneva definitely add to the winter chill. Snow takes over the city and the areas around.

Significance - Skiing and ice skating are two of the season’s most favourite outdoor activities. Geneva comes alive once again as adventure enthusiasts throng to the city. If the cold proves to be too much, you can confine your sightseeing to the indoors.

Why you should visit now - Geneva is a great city to experience the Swiss winter. While it gets really cold, the city still lets you have a wonderful time. The Christmas market at Parc des Bastions is fun-visit for the entire family. Between the merry-go-rounds and the park’s skating rink, the market is a favourite with the local children. But the main attraction of the market is the food. It is sold from a series of wooden huts and includes fondues, cakes and hot chocolates.

The Lux Festival in December lights up the city with intricate light installations that make the city enchanting. After you finish your day’s sightseeing, head to one of the local eating houses to revel in the warm comfort of Swiss cuisine. While you’ll get a good fondue anywhere, head to Chez ma Cousine in Old Town for some divine roast chicken. And finally, if you’re seeking adventure you can hit the slopes around the city, which would give you a perfect reason to pamper yourself at one the city’s spas and hot water spring resorts.

Things to know before the visit - Geneva sees a fresh surge of crowds in winter and hotel bookings may not be easily available. The same goes for art and theatre performances, where pre-booking will also get you discounts.

Tips - You will need a thick, warm jacket in winter. Take along season-appropriate boots, hand gloves and scarves. If you’re not used to cold weather conditions, a thermal suit will be a handy addition to your wardrobe.

Geneva is a city of many colours. Exciting in summer, adventurous in winter and peaceful in spring and autumn, you can experience the different faces of the city in different seasons. A Swiss holiday package from Thomas Cook will ensure that you do not miss out on anything the city has to offer. Book your holiday online or visit your nearest Thomas Cook branch and choose your holiday.