The Pyrenees have two main seasons: winter (December–April) for skiing and summer (June–September) for hiking. For walkers, late June and September are the sweet spots.
The seasons
Winter (December–March)
Ski resorts open from December; January to March has the most reliable snow. February school holidays are the busiest weeks. Valley towns are quiet and cosy.
Spring (April–May)
Spring skiing in April at higher resorts, then a between-season lull. Valleys turn green and waterfalls are at their most powerful, but high trails and passes are still snowy.
Summer (June–August)
High passes open, refuges are staffed and lakes thaw. July and August bring French and Spanish holiday crowds, warm days and afternoon thunderstorms.
Autumn (September–November)
September is often settled and quieter. October brings autumn colours and mushroom season. November is quiet, with many hotels closed.
Weather tips
- The Spanish side is generally sunnier and drier than the French side.
- The east (Cerdanya, Pyrénées-Orientales) is sunnier than the Atlantic west.
- At altitude, it can snow in any month; pack layers.
Events
- February/March: Carnival in mountain villages.
- June: Summer solstice fire festivals and the Flama del Canigó (23 June).
- July: Tour de France stages; Fêtes de Bayonne; Gavarnie Festival.
- October: Espelette pepper festival; transhumance descents.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.