When to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc (Les Houches to Les Houches)

For most walkers, starting the Tour du Mont Blanc (Les Houches to Les Houches) in June to August gives the best conditions. Summer brings open high passes, long daylight, and full hut/transport services, with the usual Alpine caveat: weather changes fast, so early starts and flexible plans pay off.

Outside summer the route shifts quickly—shoulder months can be lovely but cooler and more unsettled, and late autumn through spring is winter territory with snow, ice, and limited services.

June–August: the main hiking window

June – spring still clinging to the cols

• Feels fresh and changeable: a mix of sun, cloud, and regular showers; a late flurry isn’t unheard of on the highest ground.
• Lingering snow can sit on the bigger passes early in the month. Expect cold mornings and shaded sections that stay icy.
• Often a touch quieter than mid‑summer. Be ready to detour onto lower variants or carry light traction if you’re early.

July – warm valleys, lively afternoons

• Summer proper: many mornings start fair, with cloud building and the chance of short, sharp afternoon storms.
• Long dry stretches feel bright and comfortable; ridges stay cool even when valleys heat up.
• Peak foot traffic. Book refuges ahead, start early to use the calm morning weather, and aim to be over high cols before any rumble of thunder.

August – high summer, long light

• Warmest in the valleys; crisp on the ridges. Plenty of usable days with clear starts and the odd quick storm popping up later.
• Snow is rarely an issue on the standard route by now, though a brief snap can chill the highest cols.
• Busy during holiday weeks. Hydration, sun protection, and early starts help on exposed climbs.

Shoulder options

September – a cooler, often beautiful fallback

• A mix of bright spells and passing showers; first dustings of snow can land on the highest passes during cold snaps.
• Days are shorter and mornings crisp. Some huts begin to close toward late month.
• Great if you’re happy with cooler temps and a small chance of fresh snow or a weather‑led detour.

May – not quite ready

• Changeable and damp, with fresh snow still possible on the cols. Many higher sections feel wintry after fronts pass.
• Low‑level paths can be pleasant in breaks, but the full circuit is often disrupted.

Late autumn to spring (October–April): winter territory

• October/November: frequent rain or snow, cloudier days, and icy starts. Services taper off quickly.
• December–March: deep winter—regular snowstorms, very cold temperatures, short daylight, and avalanche concerns. This is a ski or winter‑mountaineering season, not standard trekking.
• April: still unsettled; snow holds on the higher ground with only brief springlike windows.

In short: aim for June–August for a straightforward trek, pick September if you want cooler air and can roll with early snow, and treat the rest of the year as a different kind of trip.

Of course, while these recommendations provide a solid starting point, everyone's preferences and circumstances are unique. Our search tool allows you to customize your journey to align with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the best possible experience on the trail.

Furthermore, if your plan differs from walking the standard stages from Les Houches to Les Houches, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.