Chamonix - When to Visit

When to Chamonix

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Chamonix Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -12°C -2°C 8°C 18°C 28°C Rainfall (mm) 0 64 129 Jan Jan: 2.0°C high, -7.0°C low, 94mm rain Feb Feb: 5.0°C high, -6.0°C low, 84mm rain Mar Mar: 8.0°C high, -3.0°C low, 86mm rain Apr Apr: 12.0°C high, 0.0°C low, 89mm rain May May: 17.0°C high, 4.0°C low, 122mm rain Jun Jun: 21.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 130mm rain Jul Jul: 23.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 119mm rain Aug Aug: 23.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 127mm rain Sep Sep: 19.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 104mm rain Oct Oct: 14.0°C high, 2.0°C low, 117mm rain Nov Nov: 7.0°C high, -2.0°C low, 102mm rain Dec Dec: 2.0°C high, -5.0°C low, 109mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Chamonix experiences a classic Alpine mountain climate with distinct seasonal variations. The town sits in a high-altitude valley, creating cold winters with significant precipitation that falls as snow, making it a world-renowned skiing destination from December through March. Summers are pleasantly mild with temperatures reaching the mid-70s°F, though rainfall is notably higher during the warmer months (May through August receiving 4.7-5.1 inches), creating lush mountain conditions but requiring weather preparedness for outdoor activities. The climate follows a clear pattern with the coldest months (December-February) seeing temperatures well below freezing at night and modest precipitation, while the warmest period (June-August) offers comfortable hiking weather but with increased rainfall. Spring and fall serve as transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and precipitation, making them excellent for those seeking fewer crowds while still enjoying reasonable weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
Not applicable - Chamonix is a mountain destination without beaches, though summer months offer lakeside relaxation opportunities.
Cultural Exploration
May through September when temperatures are mild (54-75°F) and most cultural sites and mountain railways are fully operational.
Adventure & Hiking
June through September offer the warmest temperatures (66-75°F) and accessible mountain trails, though pack rain gear due to higher precipitation.
Budget Travel
April-May and October-November provide shoulder season pricing with moderate temperatures (54-58°F) and fewer crowds.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

Peak winter conditions with freezing temperatures and excellent snow conditions for skiing. The coldest month with highs barely above freezing and nighttime lows of 19°F. Moderate precipitation of 3.7 inches falls primarily as snow.

36°F High
19°F Low
3.7 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

February

Continued winter conditions with slightly warmer days but still freezing nights. Prime skiing season continues with 3.3 inches of precipitation, mostly snow. Days begin to lengthen noticeably.

41°F High
20°F Low
3.3 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

March

Late winter transitioning to spring with warming daytime temperatures reaching 48°F. Nights remain cold at 26°F, and 3.4 inches of precipitation may fall as snow or rain depending on elevation.

48°F High
26°F Low
3.4 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

April

Spring arrives with milder temperatures and the snow line retreating to higher elevations. Daytime highs reach 54°F while nights hover around freezing. Moderate rainfall of 3.5 inches as winter sports season winds down.

54°F High
32°F Low
3.5 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

May

Pleasant spring weather with comfortable temperatures reaching 63°F and nights staying above freezing at 40°F. Rainfall increases to 4.8 inches as the region transitions to its wetter summer pattern.

63°F High
40°F Low
4.8 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

June

Early summer brings warm, pleasant temperatures of 70°F during the day and comfortable 45°F nights. The wettest month with 5.1 inches of rainfall, requiring rain gear for outdoor activities.

70°F High
45°F Low
5.1 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

July

Peak summer with the warmest temperatures reaching 75°F and mild nights at 48°F. High rainfall of 4.7 inches creates lush mountain conditions but requires weather preparedness for hiking and climbing.

75°F High
48°F Low
4.7 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

August

Continued summer warmth with highs of 73°F and comfortable nights at 47°F. Significant rainfall of 5.0 inches means frequent afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains.

73°F High
47°F Low
5.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

September

Early autumn with cooling temperatures to 66°F but still pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Rainfall decreases to 4.1 inches and crowds begin to thin as summer season ends.

66°F High
42°F Low
4.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

October

Autumn conditions with crisp air and temperatures dropping to 58°F during the day and 36°F at night. Moderate rainfall of 4.6 inches and beautiful fall colors in the valleys.

58°F High
36°F Low
4.6 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

November

Late autumn transitioning to winter with temperatures falling to 45°F during the day and 28°F at night. Precipitation of 4.0 inches begins falling as snow at higher elevations.

45°F High
28°F Low
4.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

December

Winter returns with cold temperatures of 36°F during the day and 21°F at night. Precipitation of 4.3 inches falls primarily as snow, building the snowpack for the upcoming ski season.

36°F High
21°F Low
4.3 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

Activities in Chamonix