Best time to visit · Chamonix · France
The best time to visit Chamonix
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kristoferb, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
For skiing, January and March give good snow with fewer crowds than February's school holidays. For hiking and the high lifts, late June to mid-September is the season, with July and August busiest and September often the clearest and calmest. May, October and November are between seasons, when many lifts, hotels and restaurants close.
Key facts
- Best months
- January, March and July–September
- Shoulder season
- February, April, June and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 23°C (73°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 3°C (37°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May and November
Seasons
Chamonix has a mountain climate: cold, snowy winters in the valley and much colder conditions at altitude, mild summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and precipitation spread through the year. High-mountain lifts close in strong wind or poor visibility.
March–May
Spring
Sunny spring skiing at altitude through March and April, then a quiet May when many lifts and businesses close and trails are still snowbound.
June–August
Summer
All lifts and trails open, long days and warm valley weather; afternoon storms are common, and July and August are crowded and expensive.
September–November
Autumn
Clear, settled September days and golden larches in October, with most lifts closing during the autumn and a grey, quiet November.
December–February
Winter
Snow-covered valley and full ski season from mid-December; cold, with busy holiday weeks and higher prices in February.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -7°C | 10 | 9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 4°C | -6°C | 9 | 10.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 8°C | -3°C | 10 | 11.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 12°C | 0°C | 11 | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 16°C | 5°C | 13 | 14.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| June | 20°C | 8°C | 12 | 15.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 23°C | 10°C | 11 | 15.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 22°C | 9°C | 11 | 14.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 18°C | 6°C | 9 | 12.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 13°C | 3°C | 10 | 10.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 7°C | -2°C | 11 | 9.4 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| December | 3°C | -6°C | 11 | 8.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | French and British school winter holidays (usually throughout February) |
| April | Easter holiday skiing (dates vary) |
| June | Marathon du Mont-Blanc — mountain running races (usually late June) |
| July | Cosmojazz — free mountain jazz concerts (usually July); Bastille Day fireworks (14 July) |
| August | Fête des Guides — mountain guides' festival (usually around 15 August); Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) week (usually late August to early September) |
| September | UTMB finishes (usually early September) |
| December | Ski season opening (usually mid-December, snow permitting); New Year's Eve celebrations in the centre |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May and November, and the sights are quietest in May and November. Many visitors avoid May and November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Chamonix?
For skiing, January and March give good snow with fewer crowds than February's school holidays. For hiking and the high lifts, late June to mid-September is the season, with July and August busiest and September often the clearest and calmest. May, October and November are between seasons, when many lifts, hotels and restaurants close.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Chamonix?
Usually in May and November. Between seasons: many lifts, hotels and restaurants close for maintenance, and high trails are still under snow.
+What is the rainiest month in Chamonix?
May, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Chamonix get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F).