Climate Change Overview

Country Summary

This page presents high-level information for Liechtenstein's climate zones and its seasonal cycle for mean temperature and precipitation for the latest climatology, 1991-2020. Climate zone classifications are derived from the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, which divides climates into five main climate groups divided based on seasonal precipitation and temperature patterns. The five main groups are A (tropical), B (dry), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). All climates except for those in the E group are assigned a seasonal precipitation sub-group (second letter).  Climate classifications are identified by hovering your mouse over the legend. A narrative overview of Liechtenstein's country context and climate is provided following the visualizations.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a small central European State in the Alpine region with a population over 39,000 as of 2020. Its structure is comparable to that of its neighboring countries, Switzerland and Austria. The Principality of Liechtenstein is located between 47°02' and 47°16' north and 9°28' to 9°38' east. It covers an area of 160 km2 . The transport axes Munich-Milan and Zurich-Vienna intersect near the Principality of Liechtenstein. There are no motorways on Liechtenstein's territory so that Liechtenstein's road network is only of regional importance. A high mountain range (the Alps) in the east constitutes the natural border to Austria; the River Rhine marks the border to Switzerland.

Liechtenstein is entirely located in the Alpine region. In recent years, various research programs on the effects of global climate warming in the Alpine region have been conducted. Trends in historic climate data up to 2016 and projections of possible developments in the 21st century indicate that noticeable impacts on climatic conditions are to be expected. For Liechtenstein, the most important impacts are related to raising temperatures, such as prolonged heat waves, droughts, an increased risk of landslides and debris flows. Overall, changes in climatic conditions are also expected to have a strong impact on biodiversity.