Chamonix Seasons

The weather in the Chamonix valley is similar to that of all mountainous regions…always varied, always exciting and always awe-inspiring. Read our month by month guide on what to expect throughout a typical year, along with some fun suggestions as to how to make the most of it…come rain or shine!

December: Another year has passed and winter returns again. Unpack your skis ready for the first lifts, as the cold begins in earnest with the first flurries of good quality snow. Outside of the Christmas and New Year weeks there are few people on the mountain, so this is a perfect time to enjoy a relaxed Alpine experience.

January: The valleys and peaks are carpeted in white… now is the time to enjoy the first of the powder kept fresh and crisp by the season's cold air. January's consistently chilly temperatures often mean some of the best quality snow of the year, conveniently at a time when accommodation is very reasonable.

February: A bustling time, coinciding with English and French school holidays, why not book an invigorating family break to shake off all of that work lethargy as the snow reaches its maximum depth.

March: The excellent snow depth coincides with good weather to provide wonderful holiday experiences savouring lazy lunches on the slopes and enjoying the fabulous views.

April: You only have a few more weeks of skiing, so grab your sunglasses and sunscreen and come out to play while you still can. 'April showers' in the lowlands mean snow-fall higher up, at a time in the season when it can snow all night and be sunny all day.

May: Skiing is still on the agenda for the first two weeks of this month after which the spring sunshine melts the remaining snow and brings the first scatterings of crocuses. Unpack your hiking boots and start to explore the footpaths at a slower and more relaxed pace.

June: The days grow longer and it is the perfect time to light the barbeque and relax with friends late into the evening. Walking, mountain biking, climbing, golf and tennis are fantastic pursuits to enjoy while the weather is mild.

July: Summer in the Alps is a vibrant and exhilarating time offering a multitude of activities you can try in an effort to stay cool, like rafting, hydro speeding, canoeing, and canyoning on white-water rivers.

August: As the season reaches its hottest and most intense, you might be lucky enough to catch an incredible lightening display from the cosiness of your chalet balcony after a delicious dinner of local delicacies.

September: A lovely time to sight-see with a variety of interesting places to visit. Annecy, known as the 'Venice of the Alps', and the bustling Geneva are both only a short journey away and offer great shopping opportunities.

October: A quiet and relaxed time of year, ideally suited for meandering through town stopping occasionally for a freshly cooked crepe and a good French coffee.

November: An autumnal chill seeps into the valley and the rolling deciduous forests turn rusty shades of browns, oranges, and reds…delicately crusted in frost and the first flakes of snow.