Month guide · Chamonix · France
Chamonix in February
What February is really like in Chamonix: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Garrondo, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
February is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 4°C (39°F), lows of -6°C (21°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 10.3 hours of daylight. Peak ski season, with French and British school holidays filling hotels and lift queues; days start to lengthen.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 4°C (39°F) / -6°C (21°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 10.3 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in February
February is the 10th-warmest month in Chamonix: days average 4°C (39°F) against a yearly average high of 12°C (54°F), and nights fall to about -6°C (21°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 28 days. Compared with January (3°C (37°F)), February is about as warm; by March highs climb to around 8°C (46°F).
- Sunrise (15 February)
- About 07:35
- Sunset (15 February)
- About 17:58
- Daylight
- About 10.3 hours
Winter (December–February). Snow-covered valley and full ski season from mid-December; cold, with busy holiday weeks and higher prices in February.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, February rates 5 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: February is one of the pricier months.
Events in February
- French and British school winter holidays (usually throughout February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in February
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Viewpoint · Chamonix centre
Le Brévent
A gondola from the top of town to Planpraz and a cable car on to the summit at 2,525 metres face Mont Blanc head-on across the valley, so this is the best place to see the whole massif.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Views
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
- Kids
Nature · Les Praz
Lac Blanc
Start early in July and August; the trail and the hut terrace fill up by midday.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Outdoors
- Active
- Nature
- Views
- Photo spot
Landmark · Chamonix centre
Place Balmat and the Saussure statue
By the river in the town centre, a bronze statue shows Jacques Balmat pointing Horace-Bénédict de Saussure towards the summit of Mont Blanc, which Balmat and Michel Paccard first climbed in 1786.
- Time needed
- 15 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
Park · Chamonix Sud
Lac des Gaillands
Come at sunset and watch climbers on the crag while the peaks turn pink above the lake.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Views
What to pack
For highs near 4°C, lows near -6°C and 9 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is February a good time to visit Chamonix?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, January, March and July–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Chamonix in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is February a good time to visit Chamonix?
It is a shoulder-season month. Peak ski season, with French and British school holidays filling hotels and lift queues; days start to lengthen.
+How warm is Chamonix in February?
Average highs are around 4°C (39°F) and lows around -6°C (21°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Chamonix in February?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.