Best time to hike in the alps

Late May - June: lower and mid-level paths in the Bavarian, Austrian and Italian Alps clear of snow, meadows bloom and waterfalls peak, but high passes on routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc, Walker’s Haute Route and Via Alpina can still hold snow. 

July - August is core season, with most huts and lifts open, long days and the best conditions for high routes such as the E5 and High Trails of the Julian Alps, but it’s also the busiest time. 

September - early October brings cooler, clearer days, quieter paths and rich fall colours, though early snow can shorten the high-level season.

Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the world’s most famous mont blanc alps hiking routes. Snow conditions on high passes usually settle from late June, making early July to late August the most dependable period. September is cooler and quieter but some huts and lifts start to close.

Best suited tours:

• Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort – ideal July to early September for comfortable hotels.
• Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts – July and August for full hut atmosphere.
• Classic Walks of Mont Blanc – June and September for flexible day walks.

Walker’s Haute Route and GR5

These are serious hiking vacations in the Alps, linking Chamonix and Zermatt (Walker’s Haute Route) or Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean (GR5). Both have high passes and remote sections, so you’ll want settled summer conditions.

Best months:

• Walker’s Haute Route - early July to early September for snow-free passes like the Pas de Chèvres.
• The GR5 - Lake Geneva to Chamonix – late June to mid-September.

Trans-Alpine Crossings

If you like the idea of “across the Alps” journeys, these routes link Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy in satisfying, point-to-point style.

• The E5 Alpine Crossing – late June to early September for reliable conditions on higher sections.
• Across the Alps: Bavaria to South Tyrol – 8 days – late June to late September, popular with first-time alpine hikers.
• Trans-Alpine Crossing: Germany to Italy / Across the Swiss Alps: Klosters to Tirano – July to mid-September.
• Via Alpina (Full, East or West) – high summer for high passes; June and September for quieter valleys.
• Via Francigena Stage 1 – best tackled June to September when the Great St Bernard and nearby passes are clear.

Is June a good time to hike in the Alps?
Yes, especially for lower and mid-level walks in the Bavarian, Austrian and Slovenian Alps, and for valley-based trips around Mont Blanc or the Bernese Oberland. Some high passes may still have snow early in the month, so high routes like Walker’s Haute Route or High Trails of the Matterhorn usually start a little later.

What is the best month to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
Early July to early September is the most reliable window, when mountain huts, buses and lifts are fully open and high passes are usually snow-free. June and late September can be magical but are more weather-dependent.

Can beginners hike the Alps?
Absolutely. Trips like Walking the Salzburg Lakes, Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail, Mountains & Lakes of the Julian Alps and Across the Alps: Bavaria to South Tyrol are designed with moderate daily distances, good paths and plenty of time to stop. Our team can match you to the right route.

Are the Alps very busy in summer?
July and August are busiest, particularly around Chamonix, Zermatt and the Dolomites, and on famous trails like the Tour du Mont Blanc. Choosing June or September, or focusing on quieter regions such as the Julian Alps, Tyrol or the Lech River Trail, is an easy way to find more space.

How hot does it get when hiking in the Alps?
In July and August, valley temperatures often sit around 68°F to 77°F (low to mid-20s °C), with cooler air at hiking altitude. Heatwaves are possible, so starting early, carrying plenty of water and choosing routes with cable car options on very hot days is sensible.

For high-level classics
Choose July and August for routes like Walker’s Haute Route, Via Alpina, High Trails of the Matterhorn and High Trails of the Julian Alps. Snow is least likely, and you’ll have the longest days.

For quieter trails and cooler temperatures
June and September are ideal for hiking vacations in the Alps if you prefer fewer people and fresher days. Great for the Bernese Oberland, Bavarian Alps, Kitzbühel region and Julian Alps.

For beginners and mixed-ability hikers
Late May to early July and September are good for hiking the alps for beginners on lower-level routes such as Walking the Salzburg Lakes, Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail and Mountains & Lakes of the Julian Alps. Paths are generally clear, and you avoid peak-season crowds.

For culture, lakes and relaxed hiking
Choose June to September for trips like Walking the Salzburg Lakes, The Dolomites to Lake Garda, Highlights of the Bernese Oberland and Classic Walks of Mont Blanc. You’ll combine alpine hiking with time in historic towns and by the water.