Visiting Chamonix in summer
As the snow and crowds recede, Chamonix opens up to a whole new set of adventures.Summer can be the best time to visit Chamonix
The warmer summer months offer an escape from the crowds of winter, opening Chamonix up to a whole host of different adventures. With the snow gone, the resort transforms into an alpine oasis appealing to everyone from the adrenaline junkies to those looking for a more leisurely mountain break.
The Chamonix Resort team are here year-round, and there is nothing we love more than sharing our love of the mountains with our guests, so be sure to ask if you want some local insights to help design your perfect trip. If you like to plan ahead, give us a call before you arrive and we can help you map out your days. If you’re more of a see-how-the-mood-takes-you type, come and see us after you arrive and we’ll point in the right direction.
Come for the winter, stay for the summer.
What is there to do in summer?
In Chamonix, you are surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery you will ever see. Make sure you make some time to explore, whether it be on foot, wheel or, for the more equine inclined amongst you, hoof. Not sure where to go? Come and see us! We are bursting at backpacks with hikes, treks and hacks for all abilities, including some super secret routes you won’t find in the guidebooks.
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Horseriding
- Mountain biking
- Trail running
- Walking
Happier in the waves and water than on terra firma? There are plenty of opportunities to suit up and dive in. Canoeing the Arve offers some of the most breathtaking views you’ll get all trip, while, for those who like to pack in a little more action, there are plenty more heart-racing endeavours such as white-water rafting and hydrospeeding, a sort of river-friendly form of bodyboarding. Let us know if you prefer the life aquatic and we can book you in with our partners Evolution 2 who have over 20 years of experience taking people out on the water.
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Hydrospeeding
- White water rafting
Got a head for heights? Take to the skies for a unique perspective on the Alps you won’t get anywhere else. The comfort of the helicopter, the tranquillity of the hot-air balloon or the white-knuckle ride of the paraglider…which one are you? Let us know and we will make it happen thanks to the experts at Evolution 2.
- Helicopter flights
- Hot-air balloon
- Paragliding
Want to get a little more up close and personal with the mountainside? There are experiences to match all abilities from rank beginner to seasoned mountaineer. Let us know your experience level and what you would like to try and we can help you choose an activity, route and Evolution 2 instructor that’s right for you.
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Rock climbing
- Via ferrata
A climbing route that employs steel cables pre-fixed to the rock. - Step into the Void
Step into an entirely see-through box that hangs over Aiguille du Midi with nothing but a thin piece of glass separating you from the void below.
Holidays aren’t just about action and adventure. It’s just as important to treat yourself to a little rest and relaxation. All of the facilities available in winter are also open throughout the summer along with a few notable extras made possible as the snow retreats such as the not-to-be-missed Chamonix Yoga Festival. Trust us, everyone needs to experience Warrior pose et al. at altitude at least once in their lifetime.
- Beauty treatments and salons
- Golf
- Gyms and leisure centres
- Spa treatments
- Swimming
- Yoga
One of the best things about summertime in Chamonix is the great nightlife. There’s always something to do, starting with aperitifs in town at one of the many bars. You can dance the night away in one of the four nightclubs or, if beer-tasting is more your thing, be sure to head to the MBC, Chamonix’s first microbrewery. For the foodies amongst you, Chamonix also has some world-renowned restaurants, open throughout the year so you’re never stuck for something delicious to eat. Across the team, we’ve had the pleasure of sampling pretty much every venue in Chamonix and will be happy to give you our recommendations.
- Bars
- Cafés
- Casino
- Cinema
- Microbreweries
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
Join the party
Take part in one of the many events happening in Chamonix in summer.
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July
August
August
September
September
How busy is Chamonix in the summer?
It varies. Chamonix is a year-round destination but that’s not to say that there aren’t times the valley doesn’t offer a break from the crowds. July and August is peak summer season with the most going on and the best atmosphere. Crowds are likely to be higher during these months, particularly in the town as people take advantage of the amazing weather and plentiful activities. If this sounds like your kind of scene, this is when you want to visit. If you are looking for a quieter affair, we suggest trying the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, when life tends to take a slightly more relaxed pace with more time and space to enjoy all the mountainside has to offer.
How do I get around?
First and foremost, most places within the town are accessible on foot. If you are going further afield, the buses in Chamonix are amazing (not to mention free with the tourist guest card we provide on arrival) and can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go. Head down to the Chamonix Sud bus station for buses all around Chamonix and the surrounding valley. If you’re ever unsure, ask a bus driver and they’ll be able to tell you when you need to get off.
For journeys up the mountain, don’t worry; all the lifts and cable cars remain open in the summer and are actually quite a lot cheaper, making them ideal ways to get around. Most of them are attractions in themselves offering stunning views across the valley. The journey on the famous little red train- the Montenvers- for instance, is not to be missed (you have the option to go inside an actual glacier at the end of it!) and the views from the Aiguille du Midi cable car are the best you’ll see throughout your trip.
For everything else, there is the usual array of bikes, taxis and car rentals available year-round.
What is the weather like?
Chamonix in summer is vastly different to winter. Quite apart from the absence of snow, the weather does tend to get noticeably warmer and can at times be a little unpredictable. Snow is rare in the summer months but you can get rain, particularly in May and June which tend to be the wettest months, along with the occasional cold winds.
For the best chance of warm, sunny days, July and August are your best bets with highs of around 15°C and much less rainfall. Either way, nights on the mountain will be much chillier no matter what the season, dropping to 2-5°C so this is an ideal time to cosy up by the fire and sample some warming alpine cuisine. Raclette, anyone?
What do I wear?
Because you can have multiple seasons within the same day, it’s wise to take a bit of a range of clothing for your summer trip to Cham. Pack layers for during the day, especially if you plan on doing activities that will take you up into the mountains where temperatures can get colder and snow is possible. A fleece and some form of water (and ideally wind) proof layering are essential carry; it’s common to find yourself adding and removing layers multiple times throughout the day as you move between altitudes and activities.
Speaking of which, it goes without saying if you intend on doing any specific activities make sure you know what is provided and what you need to bring. Hiking boots are a must if you going up the mountain to protect your ankles when the path gets a little rocky. If you only intend to stay around the town, casual clothing and footwear will be fine (although we’d probably still advise bringing some walking boots or trail runners just in case the mood takes you).
For the evenings, think of casual winter fare to protect you against the drop in temperature.
If you’re at all unsure, ask and we can help make sure you’re covered for every eventuality. And in the event you realise you’ve forgotten something, there are plenty of places in town where you can augment your wardrobe, from fashion boutiques to outdoor activity stores.
Can I ski in the summer?
No, the ski season in Chamonix runs from around mid-December to the start of May depending on snowfall. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, book during this window.
Is it cheaper?
Almost certainly. As you would expect, the months out of season offer an incredible amount of holiday for your money. Starting with getting here, the flights are usually a lot cheaper and mean just a short airport transfer to the resort when you land (about an hour from Geneva).
Make sure you check out the airport transfer guide for a special 10% discount for Chamonix Resort guests, helping you to save even more money and get you from Geneva Airport to the resort for as little as €36 per person.
You’ll also have the lion’s share of amazing properties to choose from at a fraction of the cost of the winter months. We work proactively with our property owners every year to secure the best discounts on out-of-season stays for our guests.
Once you’re on the resort, there are also significant savings to be had on dining out, activities and getting around. Bars and restaurants are often cheaper in the summer (not to mention easier to book), the public transport savings make getting from place to place a breeze (most of it is free using the tourist guest card we provide on arrival) and as for activities, well we’ve got you covered there too: Chamonix Resort works with Evolution 2, a nationwide adventure school offering just about any activity you can shake an oar, pick or hiking pole at. Let us know what you’re itching to do whilst you’re here and we’ll not only make sure you are in safe hands, but we’ll also get you the best price.
Look out for free events whilst you're here. Summer plays host to some fantastic celebrations you can join in on, Chamonix Jazz Festival and La Fête des Guides are two particular highlights that will cost you little to no money and are lots of fun.
Where can I stay?
We thought you'd never ask.