When Is The Best Time To Hike Tour du Mont Blanc?

Thinking of checking the Tour du Mont Blanc off your bucket list? A question you might be asking yourself is, "when is the best time to hike Tour du Mont Blanc?" The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a popular long-distance hiking trail that spans approximately 170 kilometres and passes through three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Generally speaking, the Tour du Mont Blanc has a short trekking season over Europe's summer months (June to the end of September). Even within this time frame, the best time to hike depends on several factors, such as weather, trail conditions, and personal preferences.

Here, you will find everything you need to know about the trail's availability and the ideal months for hiking.

The best time to trek Tour du Mont Blanc is over the summer (between June - September).

It is also possible to hike on the tail end of the season, but you increase the risk of encountering snow or rainy weather.

At the end of the day, the question of when to hike depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to experience during your trek.

Here's a brief overview of the conditions you can expect during different months:

The trail typically opens in June, but the exact opening date can vary depending on the weather and snow conditions from the previous winter. Generally, May still has a high avalanche risk.

June is considered the early hiking season.

During this early part of the season, the weather can still be quite variable. You may encounter some snow at higher elevations.

This may require slight route adaptations or the occasional use of snowshoes (provided free of charge on the Skyhook TMB highlights trip).

The snow-covered mountains create a picturesque backdrop, but be prepared for colder temperatures.

In terms of wildlife, in this season, you may well see marmots, chamois, and ibexes coming out from their winter hibernation.

The flora starts to bloom, with crocuses, primroses, and gentians making their appearance.

Mountain guides are incredible at spotting wildlife and pointing it out to you.

This is the prime season for wildflowers, and the temperatures are warmer.

August is a popular month for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc due to generally favourable weather conditions.

The temperatures are typically pleasant during the day, although evenings can be cold (especially at refuges higher up). However, there's a slightly higher chance of rain during these months.

One week during this time is reserved for the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc), an annual mountain ultramarathon. The trails will be busy with racers, and your guides might be participating as well.

If you prefer a quieter experience, plan your trip around this event (the exact date changes year to year).

In summer, you may spot golden eagles soaring above, as well as marmots, chamois, and ibexes roaming the mountains.

The flora is abundant with colourful wildflowers, such as edelweiss, alpine roses, and various species of orchids.

As the temperatures cool down again, the trails become quieter and more peaceful. This can be an ideal time for those who prefer a serene, introspective experience.

The autumn colours also start to emerge, creating a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere. Various species of mushrooms and berries appear in the foliage, creating a stunning backdrop for your trek.

During this season, you may still encounter marmots and ibexes (although sightings are rare).

Towards the end of September, some services and accommodations along the route may start to close as the hiking season winds down.

In mountainous areas, the weather can change at the drop of a hat.

That said, there are sometimes patterns to be found, for example, in katabatic winds. These winds result from colder, denser air flowing downhill due to gravity. In these conditions, afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon.

Experienced guides can often predict these weather patterns based on the skies the night before or frost in the morning. They use this to time your day, to try and avoid the rain. With an experienced trekking guide, you'll get wet far less than the rainfall statistics suggest.

The table below shows the average monthly conditions in the Tour du Mont Blanc region. It's essential to understand that mountain weather can change rapidly, so there are no guarantees.

Although you can plan your trip for the perfect time (season-wise), there's no guarantee that the weather won't throw a curve ball.

The best you can do is to be prepared for a range of conditions and temperatures on the mountainside.

Wearing layers and bringing a good water and windproof jacket is essential (see our full packing list for Tour Du Mont Blanc).

Joining a tour and hiking with a guided group takes some of the pressure off of you when it comes to planning your trekking hours. If you are hiking Tour du Mont Blanc without a guide, you will need to keep a close eye on the weather and sky conditions.

If you are travelling soon, you can also check the latest forecast for Chamonix at YR Weather (we highly rate this site for mountain weather).