What's the weather like?

The weather in the Pyrenees is rarely that of Paris and much closer in temperature to Provence (4-5C warmer than Paris); in recent years the fruit trees have blossomed at the end of March or in early April. Weather patterns are often stable for 3 or 4 days. However when in the Pyrenees even the local forecast should be only taken as an indication; often the weather changes from valley to valley with, for example, a local thunderstorm in one and brilliant sunshine in the next. The unpredictability of the weather can bring t-shirt temperatures in February and then snow at Easter. There is enough precipitation to keep the valleys and mountains lush and green but in the heat of summer the rivers slow and often only fill the middle of their courses.

You can phone Metéo France for a 5 day forecast for Ariège at 08 92 68 02 09 (2.23 F per minute) or visit their web site. You will be prompted to press *1 at the beginning of the recording for a forecast for the entire department, *2 for the mountains. In winter they give average snow depths at the different elevations.

Summer: June is very warm, even hot depending on the climate you come from. July and August can get quite hot--hats and sunscreen are essential when hiking or cycling. Beware of violent thunderstorms when in the mountains. Try to go into towns in the morning when the heat is less intense.

Autumn: Generally beautiful, dry sunny weather until late October, when the mornings have a touch of frost. Often rainy in November with snow falling at the highest elevations. The autumn foliage is warm and bronzey.

Winter: This season used to have more consistent weather: cold and snowy. In the past decade snowfall has decreased and the Pyrenees regularly enjoy long stretches of very mild temperatures (10-20° C/ 60-75° F), especially in February and at medium elevations (500-1000 m). The ski stations are well-equiped with snow cannons and have been extended to higher altitudes. The sunny winter weather is wonderful for walking in the woods, where the leafless trees let through the warm rays. You can rent raquettes (snowshoes) to hike at higher elevations. Middle elevations will feel warmer than the valleys. Be careful of black ice on roads in the river valleys. It's prudent to bring chains.

Spring is the season with the least predictable weather. April can see long stretches of cold, rainy days followed by glorious sun and mild temperatures. The sun is more reliable the second half of May but hikers may still encounter snow at high elevations.