Best time to go to Mont Blanc

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Best time to go to Mont Blanc

The rule of thumb is - be prepared for all weathers. And never ignore the wind chill factors.

The best time to go to Mont Blanc for hiking and mountaineering is generally mid-June until mid-September. As with all mountain regions, the weather is unpredictable on and around Mont Blanc. However, the good news is that weather watchers are on the case. With so many people wanting to enjoy the mountains for leisure purposes, there is a meteo machine at work to cater for them, with websites and apps galore. Most weather maps will show both the French and Italian sides of Mont Blanc, focusing on the Chamonix and Courmayeur respectively.

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When to visit Mont Blanc

The best time to go to Mont Blanc for hiking and mountaineering is generally mid-June until mid-September. Be wary if hiking in May when snow is melting, because rocks and boulders are dislocated. If there are signs of fresh rockfall, walk with great care. Some hikers walk with a helmet, for dangerous rockfall areas. Most Mont Blanc mountain huts are open from mid-June until the first or second week in September, so this is as good a guide as you will get for the best time to go to Mont Blanc. It is advisable to reserve a bed, particularly in the high season of mid-July to mid-August but of course tour operators will do this for you. Snowshoeing is lovely in January and February, when the Christmas crowds have dispersed. March and April it becomes the domain of the downhill skiers. We prefer snowshoeing and less impactful ways to see the white lady. October and November are not great for hiking as the days are getting shorter, and the weather more unpredictable. The Mont Blanc Ultra Trail race takes place during the last week of August every year, when racers do the Tour du Mont Blanc in just a few days. Best to check if the crowds will interfere with your itinerary if you are taking on the Tour at this time, and are planning on going for tortoise rather than hare speed. In France 1st July and 1st August are the main vacation start dates and 14th July and 15th August are public vacations. Expect rail, road and air travel to be particularly busy at these times.

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Our Mont Blanc Vacations

Chamonix Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

-3

FEB

-4

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

-3

Travel Team

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What happens when in Mont Blanc

Chloe Knott, one of the alpine aficionados at our leading supplier, Exodus, gives her advice on the best time to go to Mont Blanc:

“The main climbing season for the ascent of Mont Blanc is from June to September. Expect warm temperatures (15 to 25ºC) in the valleys, cool (5 to 15ºC) on the passes (though it will feel colder if wet and windy) and very cold (-20ºC) on the summit, with strong winds too. For the Mont Blanc to Matterhorn trek, fair weather is to be expected late June to early October, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. There is always the possibility of snow, even in August, and in September trips may find snow on the passes. For the Tour du Mont Blanc generally, the climbing window is between June and September. September is great - the trails are generally a little quieter whilst the weather is usually still warm and clear. November isn’t ideal as you have less daylight hours and unpredictable weather. For snowshoeing, there is usually a blanket of snow between December and March. Higher peaks offer deep snowfields and spectacular views. Be prepared for cold temperatures dropping to more than -10º C in the shade”.

Bernard Marclay, Mountain Wilderness France:

"The mountain is magnificent in September and October, as the flowers are in full colour, there are a lot fewer people and these days the good weather is lasting until then too."

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Written by Catherine Mack

Best time to go to Mont Blanc

Best time to go to Mont Blanc