Sphinx Observatory
The Sphinx Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in the Goms District of the Canton of Valais, Switzerland. Situated at an elevation of 3571 m, it is the 23rd most looked-up sight in the country on English Wikipedia.
Planning a visit
The climate is cold year-round, with daily highs reaching a maximum of 6 °C. The warmest months are July and August, when daily highs are 6 °C and daily lows are -3 °C. Rainfall is constant, with the most rain falling in July, which sees about 268 mm, and August, which sees about 266 mm. In January, the coldest month, daily highs are -15 °C and lows reach -22 °C, with about 187 mm of rain.
The observatory is 61 km from the capital, Bern. Travelers can reach the area via Bern Airport, which is 55 km away, or Zürich Airport, which is 110 km away. Nearby sights include Jungfraujoch, located 0.2 km away, and the Aletsch Glacier, which is about 14 km away. Other nearby locations include Oeschinen Lake, Reichenbach Falls, and the Swiss Alps, which is about 40 km away.
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 6 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -15 | -13 | -10 | -7 | -2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 2 | -2 | -9 | -14 |
| Average low, °C | -22 | -21 | -18 | -14 | -10 | -6 | -3 | -3 | -7 | -11 | -17 | -21 |
| Rainfall, mm | 187 | 167 | 203 | 189 | 256 | 255 | 268 | 266 | 200 | 188 | 193 | 198 |
| Rainy days | 15 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
