Best Time to Hike the Pyrenees

January is deep winter in the Pyrenees, with snow covering even the lower valleys. Hiking is limited to the lowest foothills, as anything higher is unsafe. Conditions are cold, snowy, and icy, with very short days, and typical highs sit around 0–10°C (32–50°F). It’s a month better suited to snowshoeing than hiking, with frequent avalanches, closed roads and refuges, and high terrain that should be completely avoided.

February is still deep winter in the Pyrenees, though the days grow slightly longer. Hiking remains limited to the Basque foothills and the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, with anything higher still unsafe. Upper regions stay snowy and cold, and typical highs reach 4–12°C (39–54°F). Northern slopes remain frozen, low-elevation Atlantic ridge walks can be pleasant, mid-altitude trails stay snowbound, and high routes remain completely inaccessible.

March brings the first hints of spring to the lowest elevations, but the mountains remain in winter mode. Hiking is best in the Navarra foothills, the Basque Country, and the Aragonese Pre-Pyrenees. Typical highs reach 8–15°C (46–59°F), with snow retreating below roughly 1,200m. High valleys are icy in the mornings and muddy in the afternoons, avalanches are still active, and occasional sunny days can feel springlike. It’s an excellent month for early-season lowland hikes — but still not for alpine routes.

April is one of the best months for foothill and mid-altitude hiking, even though the high mountains remain snow-covered. The Basque Country, the Catalonia Pre-Pyrenees, the Aragonese sierras, and the French foothills offer the best conditions. Typical highs sit around 12–18°C (53–64°F). You’ll find green hills, spring flowers, and strong, full rivers, with frequent rain on the Atlantic side and a snowline often still around 1,800–2,000m. It’s a beautiful month — just stay below the high cols.

May is a true transition month — exceptional in the foothills but still unreliable in the high mountains. The Massif du Canigó, the Pre-Pyrenees, and mid-altitude valleys offer the best hiking. Typical highs reach 15–22°C (59–72°F). Snow lingers above 2,000m, rivers and waterfalls are at peak volume, the western Pyrenees stay wetter, and a few south-facing high trails may open toward late May. It’s a fantastic month for scenery, but still not ideal for the classic high routes.

June marks the start of true hiking season across much of the Pyrenees. The best routes now include national parks below about 2,300m, the classic valleys, and mid-altitude circuits. Typical highs reach 18–25°C (64–77°F). Some high passes can still hold snow early in the month, wildflowers are everywhere, and refuge season begins. The weather is generally stable, though still changeable. It’s perfect for most hikers — though HRP-level routes may remain partly blocked.

July brings warm temperatures, long days, and fully open high mountains. This is the time for the GR10, GR11, the HRP, high passes, and the big glacial cirques. Typical highs reach 22–28°C (72–82°F). Snow has mostly vanished except for a few north-facing gullies, afternoon thunderstorms are common, and popular areas like Gavarnie, Néouvielle, and Ordesa can get busy. It’s an ideal month for multi-day hut-to-hut treks. This is prime season — expect crowds in the major hotspots.

August is the peak of both hiking season and tourism in the Pyrenees. The entire range is accessible, including the highest terrain. Typical highs reach 23–30°C (73–86°F). It’s hotter on the Spanish side, afternoon storms remain common, refuges often book out months ahead, and valleys in Catalonia and Aragon can spike to 35°C. If you prefer solitude, hike early in the morning or choose lesser-known valleys.

September is arguably the best all-round month to hike the Pyrenees. The entire range is still accessible, with typical highs of 18–26°C (64–79°F). Clear skies and stable weather dominate, thunderstorms are fewer, and high lakes and passes remain open. By late month, the first touches of autumn color appear. It’s the perfect balance of great conditions and lighter crowds.

October still offers great conditions, especially on the Spanish side. The best areas now include the Central Pyrenees, Catalonia, Aragon, and the lower French valleys. Typical highs sit around 12–20°C (54–68°F). Expect golden beech forests and calm weather, though early snow is possible above 2,200m, the western Pyrenees turn wetter, and northern slopes cool quickly. High routes can close suddenly with the first snowfalls.

November marks the transition to winter in the Pyrenees. Hiking is limited to the foothills, with typical highs of 7–14°C (45–57°F). The high mountains are snowy, trails become muddy, and the days feel short, with frequent rain on the Atlantic side. Still, crisp and clear days are possible in the Spanish Pre-Pyrenees. It’s not ideal — but some low-elevation hiking remains feasible.

December is full winter at all but the very lowest elevations. Hiking is best limited to the Basque foothills and the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, with typical highs of 4–12°C (39–54°F). Snow returns to mid-altitude, high routes are inaccessible, and many trails become icy or muddy. It’s the best month to shift toward snow activities. Stick to low terrain unless you’re snowshoeing.