The climate of Chamonix
Chamonix features a Subarctic climate according to the Köppen climate classification, classified as Dfc. This indicates severe winters, cool summers, and no dry season associated with its geographical location.
Commencing with temperature, the annual highs range from -2.3°C (27.9°F) during the coldest months to 16.8°C (62.2°F) during the warmest months. Low temperatures follow a similar pattern, registering a low of -11.4°C (11.5°F) to a warmer 6.7°C (44.1°F), painting a picture of a place with a wide temperature amplitude. Weather behavior with respect to humidity varies less, seeing a year-low of 77% to a year-high of 91%.
Rainfall in Chamonix is an element worthy of attention. The volume of rainfall registers at 15mm (0.59") during the driest month but sees a considerable spike reaching up to 72mm (2.83") in
December, the wettest month. With respect to snowfall, the situation is quite striking. There is no snowfall from
June to
September. However, in December, the region is blanketed under a snowfall of 245mm (9.65"), making it the month with the highest snowfall.
Daylight hours fluctuate between 8.7 hours in December, the month with the shortest day, and 15.7 hours in June, the month with the longest day. Sunshine is somewhat proportional to daylight, with the peak sunshine hours reaching 10.3 hours in
July. The variation of cloud cover is not substantial throughout the year, varying from 35% to 51%.
The best time to visit Chamonix
The suitable time to visit
Chamonix depends largely on the activities one wants to undertake. For individuals inclined towards warmer temperatures and outdoor activities, the period between
June and
September offers the highest temperatures with moderate rainfall. During this period, the average high temperature ranges between 12.8°C (55°F) and 16.8°C (62.2°F) while rainfall is between 15mm (0.59") and 49mm (1.93"). It is also the period with extended daylight hours and lower cloud coverage, ideal conditions for outdoor explorations.
The worst time to visit Chamonix
Adversely, the most challenging time to visit
Chamonix is during the winter months of
November through
February. These months are extremely cold with average high temperatures ranging between -2.3°C (27.9°F) and 2.7°C (36.9°F), and low temperatures from -11.4°C (11.5°F) to -4.5°C (23.9°F).
Spring weather in Chamonix
Between
March and
May,
Chamonix experiences spring. The temperatures rise from a high of 0.8°C (33.4°F) in March to 8.8°C (47.8°F) in May. Corresponding low temperatures warm up from -7.4°C (18.7°F) to 0.5°C (32.9°F) over the same period. Rainfall goes from 43mm (1.69") in March to 58mm (2.28") in May, while snowfall decreases significantly from 194mm (7.64") to 18mm (0.71") respectively.
Summer weather in Chamonix
Characterized by high temperatures and extended daylight hours, summer in
Chamonix starts in
June and ends in
August. During this period, temperatures range from 12.8°C (55°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F) with low temperatures from 4.6°C (40.3°F) to 6.7°C (44.1°F). Rainfall is moderate with ranges of 37mm (1.46") to 49mm (1.93"), while there is absence of snowfall.
Autumn weather in Chamonix
Autumn months, from
September to
November, experience a drop in temperatures with highs falling from 12.8°C (55°F) in September to 2.7°C (36.9°F) in November. Corresponding low temperatures drop from 3.6°C (38.5°F) to -4.5°C (23.9°F) respectively. Rainfall increases from 15mm (0.59") in September to 35mm (1.38") in November, whereas snowfall starts from zero in September, steadily increasing to 66mm (2.6") in November.
Winter weather in Chamonix
The winter season in
Chamonix comes with severe cold and extensive snowfall. From
December to
February, temperatures fall to the lowest in the year, with high temperatures between -2.3°C (27.9°F) and -1°C (30.2°F) and corresponding low temperatures from -11.4°C (11.5°F) to -9.5°C (14.9°F). Snowfall reaches its peak in this period, particularly in December with a recorded 245mm (9.65").
Weather in January
January witnesses weather conditions typical of a winter month in
Chamonix,
France. The frigid air is often accompanied by significant snowfall, making it apt for winter sports. The highest temperature usually does not exceed -2.3°C (27.9°F), while the lows can reach up to -11.4°C (11.5°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Chamonix maintains the winter season's chill, although slightly less intense than
January. The frosty conditions continue, most notably in the evenings and at night. Reprieve comes in the form of increasing daylight hours, hinting at the approaching end of winter.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals the first whispers of spring in
Chamonix, with temperatures moderately rising from those in
February. Sunlight begins to break through the icy haze, and the snow underfoot slowly starts to thin. March witnesses maximum snowfall, with up to 194mm (7.64") of snow accumulation.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By
April,
Chamonix transitions into the full bloom of spring. The weather becomes milder yet remains unpredictable with occasional rain showers and fluctuating temperatures. Amidst the blossoming flowers, temperatures range from 5.3°C (41.5°F) during the day to -2.8°C (27°F) at night.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Chamonix sees a consistent rise in temperatures and longest daylight hours in the year, marking the arrival of late spring. The town dresses up in lush green as the last traces of the winter snow melt away. Expect the highest temperatures during the day to touch 8.8°C (47.8°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the beginnings of summer weather to
Chamonix, with longer days and warmer temperatures. The dwindling rainfall characterizes a shift toward drier weather conditions but also makes for less humidity. As temperatures go up to 14.3°C (57.7°F) in the day, it forms excellent conditions for open-air activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the height of summer in
Chamonix, bringing the most favorable weather of the year. The relative humidity is at its lowest, providing clear skies and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. July's peak daytime temperature climbs up to 16.8°C (62.2°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend of warm summer weather, with daytime temperatures mirroring those of
July, holding at 16.8°C (62.2°F). The summer suites various outdoor activities, ranging from hikes to mountain biking and paragliding.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With
September's arrival,
Chamonix sees the beginning of autumn. Temperatures begin to drop, signaling the gradual change into the colder months. The peak daytime temperature decreases to 12.8°C (55°F), but the overall weather remains pleasant.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a more significant drop in temperatures, as
Chamonix descends firmly into autumn. The change of season brings forward a unique blend of picturesque landscapes, chilly temperatures, and striking fall colorations.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in the beginning of winter weather in
Chamonix. The town sees a drop in temperature, hinting at the severe cold to follow. As the temperatures hover from 2.7°C (36.9°F) during the day to -4.5°C (23.9°F) at night, the first snows start to fall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By
December,
Chamonix unconditionally settles into the winter season. The temperatures plunge, and the landscape is enveloped in a cloak of snow. December receives the maximum snowfall, about 245mm (9.65"), indicating a promising ski season ahead.
Weather in December » [Resources]