When is the best time to go on a hiking trip?
Discover the Secret season and our favorite month
By Dahn
When is the best time to hike?
The answer is anytime of the year – but not anywhere. The best month to hike in the Alps is rarely January, and Andalusia's interior can be quite hot in July. But there are also lesser-known combinations of place and season that are absolutely fantastic for hiking. We guide you whether you only know where, or when, you want to travel.
When should you hike in the Mediterranean?
Ah, the Mediterranean! A seductive combination of mild climate, beautiful landscapes, charming seaside resorts and culture, history and food in abundance. This vacation favorite traditionally suits hiking best in spring and autumn, but our tip is to not get stuck on May and September. Warmer summers open up April and October in the northern Mediterranean (hike in Liguria, Provence and Tuscany), and March and November a bit further south (hike in Andalusia, Greece or in Sicily). One shouldn't forget the winter months December-February either, for a southern "coolcation" with bright days and a definite break from dark Northern Europe. Many places receive most precipitation in spring and autumn which means winter is actually somewhat of the secret season in the Mediterranean. In smaller towns much is closed during the winter months but we offer trips where everything you need is available when you travel.
The best months to hike in the Mediterranean are...
May and September - The classic season
- Advantages: pleasant warmth, warm water (September), everything open
- Disadvantages: more people than before since seasons are extending and hiking becomes more popular
April and October – The new mid-season
- Advantages: cooler, still warm for swimming in October, most things open
- Disadvantages: slightly higher risk of rain showers
March and November – The southern mid-season
- Advantages: pleasant hiking temperatures, significantly fewer people
- Disadvantages: not everything is open in smaller towns (but everything you need)
December to February – The "Secret hiking season"
- Advantages: cool, many clear days, unfiltered contact with locals
- Disadvantages: storms can occur, no outdoor evening dining, only open in larger towns.
When should you hike in the Alps?
The Alps combine harsh high-alpine zones with embracing environments in the valleys. You just need to choose a program with the environment you prefer. The classic hiking season in the Alps (and other mountains) is July and August, but like in the Mediterranean, the season is increasingly extended. Popular areas like the Dolomites and around Mont Blanc can get very crowded during vacation times, so if you can, avoid peak vacation periods or book early. The heat usually stays in check if you go high, but in the valleys it gets warm. We think the best period for hiking in the Alps is June and September. June has less risk of afternoon showers than July, and September is very reliable for sun and clearly cooler than summer. What you should consider are two things: are lifts that are needed open, and are you going so high that remaining snow can cause problems early in the season?
The best months to hike in the Alps are...
July and August – The traditional season
- Advantages: "Swedish summer" in the mountains and life in the villages
- Disadvantages: very crowded in places, can get warm if you do lower tours (>1500 masl)
June – Pre-season
- Advantages: lingering snow adds another color to the palette, few people, pleasant weather
- Disadvantages: lifts and establishments haven't always opened yet
September – Post-season
- Advantages: sublime climate, less crowding
- Disadvantages: none, this is our favorite month in the Alps!
What about May and October?
Two answers: May is almost always low season, when everyone closes for rest and repairs. October can be absolutely fantastic weather-wise, just check that all infrastructure you need is open at your destination (we of course only sell trips when they work).
When should you hike in northern Europe?
In pace with warmer summers and many having already seen and done Southern Europe, the countries north of the Alps have emerged as major players on the hiking scene. The entire summer half-year from April to October is fantastic in most places. In Scotland and Norway, June–September is often best, while hiking in England, Germany and the Netherlands works excellently from April through October. It's milder near the coasts and never as seasonal as the Alps or Mediterranean: weather varies more and hotels, pubs and restaurants stay open for the most part.
The best months to hike in Northern Europe are April to October
- Advantages: choice of month is less critical since differences between seasons are often blurred by incoming colder or warmer weather
- Disadvantages: same as the advantages!
Find your departure month
- Want the most sun? → September
- Want to avoid crowds? → October-April and June
- Want to combine hiking and swimming? → September–October
- Want to hike in mountains? → June–September
- Want to escape winter darkness? → November–February in southern Mediterranean or in the Canary Islands, Madeira or Cape Verde
Extra: when should you book the hiking trip?
The earlier the better always applies when booking trips. Then there's a greater chance you'll get exactly what you want and won't have to compromise with dates or second-choice hotels. You'll also likely save money on the flight. At the same time, we can almost always confirm a trip booked at short notice. Our online booking closes 30 days before departure but you're always welcome to contact us for an inquiry.
Book early for:
- Get what you want
- Lower flight prices
- Peace of mind
- More time to look forward to the trip (half the fun?)
- Especially applies to popular destinations where it can be fully booked six months in advance
