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Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable and the Pyrenees are no exception!
The climate is variable in function of the altitude and orientation, oscillating between the continental sub- Mediterranean zones in the lower parts and Boreal-Alpine climate in the highlands.
Generally, in this part of the range, winds blow from the humid Atlantic north, creating cooler, cloudier and wetter conditions on the French side. The southern-facing Spanish side, where most of our walking takes place, sits in the rain shadow and enjoys a much better climate, usually dry and sunny during the summer, although during July and August thunder storms often develop late in the day.
The very best months to come are probably from early June to mid-July when the conditions are typically the most stable, temperatures are pleasant and most snow has usually melted from the highest parts of our trails. There are also tons of flowers! Late July and August are hot although cool at night. September is cooler and increasingly wetter, while October can be quite wet and is usually the limit since soon snow will begin to fall at the higher elevations.
Remember that on most routes you will usually be hiking well above the overnight bases (see below) and therefore temperatures will be considerably cooler and rainfall will be more frequent and heavier. In addition, higher up it will inevitably be windier (and therefore increasing the sensation of cold “windchill factor”).
The following statistical data for June and July is summarised from the 3 year period of 2013-2015, collected by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), at their weather stations at or very near the following sites (NOTE: September weather is similar to June):
Barcelona, a usual start point city for most of these trips, tends to be somewhat warmer than the Pyrenees. In June, average highs of 21ºC and average lows of 12.5ºC. In July, average highs of 28.5ºC and average lows of 19.3ºC. 66-67% Humidity in both months.
Torla—1020 m elevation, in Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park. In June, highs range from 17.5ºC to 31.5ºC and lows range from 5ºC – 16.5ºC. in July, highs range from 22.5ºC to 33.5ºC and lows range from 9ºC – 17.5ºC.
Goriz Mountain Hut—2200 m elevation in Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park.
In June average highs are 13.6ºC and lows 6.5ºC. Average rainfall in June is 107ml.
In July the average high temps are 14.8ºC and lows 7.6ºC; average rainfall is 65 ml.
Taüll —1500 m elevation, in Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. In June, highs range from 13.5ºC to 28.5ºC and lows range from 1ºC – 12.5ºC. in July, highs range from 17ºC to 30.5ºC and lows range from 5ºC – 14ºC. In June, average rainfall is 43 ml and 19 days with NO rain, while in July 73 ml and 20 days with NO rain.
La Guingueta d’Aneu —950 m elevation, just outside Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.. In June, highs range from 17.5ºC to 33ºC and lows range from 5ºC – 14.5ºC. in July, highs range from 17ºC to 30.5ºC and lows range from 5ºC – 14ºC.
For the Ordesa Canyon y Monte Perdido National Park area, use the following sites in combination for current conditions and short-range forecasts:
For the Aiguëstortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park area, use the following sites in combination for current conditions and short-range forecasts:
You can see current conditions by checking out one of these webcams in various locations in areas where we run our trips in the Pyrenees.
