The hiking season in the Alps generally runs from June through to September. If you’re wondering when is the best time to go, here’s our guide to the pros and cons of each month:Â
MAY
May is not considered part of the official Tour du Mont Blanc trekking season. The high passes are usually still snow-covered, and nearly all of the mountain refuges are closed, meaning hut-to-hut trekking isn’t yet possible. Although some highly experienced trekkers do complete the circuit by camping in winter conditions, this requires specialist skills and equipment. For this reason, we don’t offer Tour du Mont Blanc trips during May.
JUNE
June is the start of the official Tour du Mont Blanc trekking season. While some of the higher passes may still hold patches of snow early in the month, increasing foot traffic naturally helps to clear the trails as the season gets underway. We recommend packing a lightweight pair of microspikes, just in case you encounter any lingering snow. One of the highlights of trekking in June is enjoying the quieter trails before the peak summer crowds arrive, along with beautiful alpine meadows coming to life with vibrant wildflowers.
JULY and AUGUST
July and August are generally the best months to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc and the time of year we’d most recommend. The trails are usually free of snow, all of the mountain refuges are open, and the long summer days give you plenty of time to enjoy the hike without feeling rushed. It’s also a fantastic time to spot alpine wildlife, like marmots and ibex and maybe the rare edelweiss flower.
Bear in mind these are also the hottest months in the Alps, so it’s worth getting an early start each day. Hot days often bring the chance of thunderstorms, and walking in the cooler morning temperatures makes for a much more enjoyable day on the trail. So an early start is an excellent idea to ensure you get your hiking finished in the best part of the day and before any storms hit. In particularly hot summers, some natural water sources can become unreliable or dry up altogether, so make sure you carry enough water and top up whenever you have the chance.
SEPTEMBER
Early September offers cooler temperatures and quieter trails, and actually a lovely time to be hiking. However, with some of the refuges and lifts starting to close, it does require a little bit more logistics (don’t worry, that’s why we are here!). Conditions can also be quite variable. Sometimes September can be like a second summer, and other times it can be pretty cold and harsh. So as always with the mountains, being prepared for every situation is key!
Thinking about hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc? With our Operations Team based in Chamonix, we have eyes on the ground as to the best time of year to be out on the trails. Explore our self-guided TMB and guided TMB options.Â
