Weather in the Pyrenees : where & When ?

A Walking Holiday…

You can enjoy walking independently in the Pyrenees anytime between April and early November – but not necessarily everywhere.

The earlier and later in the season, then the more appealing are walks near, or on, the coast, and, of course, the Mediterranean tends to be drier and warmer than the Atlantic coast, but then in July and August the weather is balmy and warm on the Atlantic coast and Pays Basque when it can sometimes get a little too hot – and busy - on the Med. However, both have essentially maritime climates, so enjoy breezes and temperatures that make life pleasant most of the year.

The season for walking in the central and higher Pyrenees begins really in early June, but continues these days through to early October. The French go walking in any significant numbers only between the beginning of July and mid August. At any other time, you can walk for hours without seeing another human being.

While rain, low cloud and even snow are possible in the higher Pyrenees as elsewhere, the weather is often stunningly god and stable. Indeed, Pyrenean farmers are now suffering summer droughts – something unimaginable even 20 years ago

Our holidays that are not right in the Pyrenees – Rioja, Cathar Country, Atlantic camino routes etc – are all very much April to October seasons, albeit busier in July and August.

Our favourite periods? Late May to early July, and late August to early October with only the 6 weeks from early July to be avoided, if you can.

But do phone to speak to one of our people about a particular holiday that interests you, and they will share their personal experience with you.

All our walking holidays and our walking holidays in the Pyrenees possible in : spring, summer, autumn and winter.

…Or A Cycling Holiday?

You can enjoy cycling independently in the Pyrenees region anytime between April and early November – and almost anywhere.

The earlier and later in the season, then the more appealing are rides near, or on, the coast, and, of course, the Mediterranean tends to be drier and warmer than the Atlantic coast, but then in July and August the weather is balmy and warm on the Atlantic coast and Pays Basque when it can sometimes get a little too hot – and busy - on the Med. However, both have essentially maritime climates, so enjoy temperatures that make life pleasant most of the year.

The season for cycling in the central and higher Pyrenees begins really in early June, but continues these days through to early October. The French go cycling in any significant numbers only between the beginning of July and mid-August – and at weekends. At any other time, you will spot a fellow cyclist here and there, but often surprisingly few.

While rain, low cloud and even snow are possible in the higher Pyrenees, the weather is often stunningly good and stable, and the routes we use are not at high altitudes. Indeed, Pyrenean farmers are now suffering summer droughts – something unimaginable even 20 years ago.

Our holidays that are not right in the Pyrenees – Rioja, Cathar Country, the Canal du Midi etc – are all very much April to October seasons, albeit busier in July and August.

Our favourite periods? Late May to early July, and late August to early October with only the 6 weeks from early July to be avoided, if you can.

But do phone to speak to one of our people about a particular holiday that interests you, and they will share their personal experience with you.

All our cycling holidays