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Altitude trekker

Science | Must-know weather tips for the Tour du Mont Blanc season

Updated: Jun 17

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a hiking route that is unanimously recognized by mountaineers as one of the world's top 10 classic hiking routes, and has been named one of the world's top 20 Dream Trails by National Geographic. With a total length of 160 kilometers around Mont Blanc, it is important to choose and prepare your equipment before embarking on the Tour du Mont Blanc.


Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Guide: Weather Insights

环勃朗峰徒步指南:天气篇


During the summer months of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek, from June to September, each month displays unique climatic characteristics that determine the weather conditions the trek will face. Choosing a different month means experiencing different climatic variations, from cool and dry to warm and humid, offering a wide variety of challenges and scenic views.




Summer Weather Guide: Different Months

夏季天气指南:月份



May

5月


Late May is usually the earliest time for the Tour de Mont Blanc to begin, with global warming, more and more people are starting to trek the Tour de Mont Blanc in May, and with the high Alpine passes often still covered in snow, this time of year the Tour de Mont Blanc trek tends to offer an extra challenge, and a different kind of view on the journey.



June

6月


The climate is usually quite dry and cool for a June trek around Mont Blanc, with valley temperatures usually around 18°C (64°F). In mid-June, the climate starts to get hotter. One of the most important things you can't miss in the Alps in early June is the mountain flowers that cover the mountains, and again, everything is in season. If, for example, you want to see a sea of flowers, or if you are a plant lover, this month is not to be missed.



July

7月


As July approaches, the valley will see a significant rise in temperature, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms gradually becoming part of the landscape on the hike. The average temperature in the valley during this period is around 21°C (69°F), providing an extra challenge and variety to the hike. The Tour du Mont Blanc hike at this time has the warmth of summer and hides the coolness of the mountains, providing a colorful and natural experience for hiking adventures.



August

8月


August is the hottest month during the Tour du Mont Blanc trek, with valley temperatures sometimes exceeding 30°C (86°F). Such high temperatures make August often the month with the most precipitation. The risk of afternoon showers and thunderstorms is extremely high during this period, and trekkers need to pay particular attention to the weather forecasts and prepare their equipment accordingly to cope with possible changes in the weather and to ensure a safe trek.



September

9月


By September, temperatures begin to drop again and the frequency of storms decreases. September is actually the driest month of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek! This provides hikers with more stable climatic conditions, and as a result, mid-September is an ideal time to explore the beauty of the Tour du Mont Blanc as it enters autumn in Mont Blanc relative to the other months, with the leaves of the mountain trees slowly turning yellow and a riot of color throughout the Mont Blanc massif.



October

10月


Early October is the end of the Tour du Mont Blanc trekking season, which generally avoids encounters with hordes of other trekkers and makes it easier to see more wildlife, while the climate turns relatively cooler, and the views out into the distance at higher altitudes offer magnificent views of freshly snow-covered Mont Blanc.



Summer Weather Guide: Safety Instructions

夏季天气指南:安全



Hazard Risks

应对突发天气


Typically, during the Tour du Mont Blanc, showers are more likely to occur in the evening. At this time, everyone is usually safe in their evening accommodation. However, the weather in the mountains is changeable and clear weather can suddenly change with very short warning. Therefore, it is very important to be prepared. Always make sure you have a high quality waterproof jacket, and a highly waterproof backpack before your trek.



During the Tour du Mont Blanc trek, you may climb 1000 meters in a day. Typically, the temperature in the valleys is much warmer than the temperature higher up. Therefore, make sure you have warm clothing that is easily accessible before you set off. It is advisable to keep them on top of your rucksack so that everyone can add clothing to keep warm if they feel cold. A warm hat is also a necessity, and we also recommend bringing a pair of thick gloves. Other extreme weather such as lightning, flash floods, fog, snow, etc. may be unpredictable, and you should listen to your guide and may need to take immediate safety measures.



The vast majority of Tour du Mont Blanc trekkers successfully complete the entire challenge. However, there are always objective dangers in the mountains, so it is recommended that everyone, whether you are a casual hiker or with a group, should be aware of the do's and don'ts to ensure your safety during the Tour du Mont Blanc.


Plan Each Day

做好每天规划



For clients who sign up for our Altitude Trekker customized tours, the guides will make daily flexible adjustments according to the weather, everyone's fitness and physical condition, and do a scientific and reasonable physical planning, so that everyone can get the best hiking experience. For free-traveling clients, it is recommended to record the daily route data, distance and altitude. Do not overestimate your own or your group's physical fitness. Make sure you have enough time to descend safely. Re-evaluate yourself or your group at the end of each day.



Check the weather forecast

关注天气预警



Check for weather warning information as often as possible. The easiest way to do this in a small town is to check the weather forecast online. Alternatively, check the weather with the tourist information center. At the high altitudes of the Tour du Mont Blanc, there is generally no signal. Most alpine huts will have weather forecasts displayed in the restaurant area. If you don't see one, ask the hut staff. During the trek, it is advisable to keep an eye out for signs of deteriorating weather. If you notice that the weather is deteriorating, it is best to return or wait for the weather to improve, and never venture into unknown and dangerous areas.



Avoid lightning

警惕闪电雷暴



Generally, if the weather forecast indicates storms in the late afternoon, the guide will lead an early departure. This is because thunderstorms can usually be avoided through good planning. However, if a thunderstorm occurs during the hike, be sure to avoid mountain passes and exposed ridge areas. During this time, do not leave the forest or hide under rocks. Instead, you should immediately remove your backpack and kneel on it, which will keep you isolated from the ground. Keep your head down and your hands on your knees. If you are using a walking stick, make sure you place it on the ground and remember not to hold any metal objects.



Carry a first-aid kit

备好急救装备



We recommend that everyone carry a good first aid kit, including Band-Aids, blister patches, alcohol wipes, and bandages that can be used for cuts or to immobilize sprained ankles. We also recommend packing an insulating blanket. During the hike, you can pay more attention to your own and your teammates' fatigue or discomfort. Typically, as you gradually gain altitude, you will experience some physical discomfort. We recommend that you take some basic first aid training for yourself or your team members before the hike.



Accident protocol

事故应对程序



If an accident occurs, move the injured person to a safe location, immediately put on warm clothing and wrap the injured person with an insulating blanket to maintain his or her body temperature. If you have cell phone reception, call 112 immediately. This number is available in France, Italy and Switzerland. There may be no cell phone reception in some areas of the Tour du Mont Blanc. For trekking groups, the guides take the fastest professional emergency measures to achieve the best possible first aid treatment.


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