Morzine weather forecast
Before you plan your journey to discover Morzine, it is recommended to check the latest Morzine weather forecast.
The weather in Morzine can change quickly and drastically. Whilst you might wake up to blue skies and warm weather by the afternoon a full scale snow storm could have descended on town.
You will find on the Morzine weather widgets below the live forecast for today and the coming days.
The forecasts are generally accurate up to three days in advance. They can get slightly less accurate any further ahead than that, as many different factors can affect the upcoming weather.
The weather in Morzine
It is important to check the Morzine weather every day so that you are fully prepared for your day on the mountain. This could mean wearing extra layers if the forecast is for cold weather or snow. Also making sure you have some sunscreen in case it is going to be a clear and sunny day.
The Morzine weather forecast can give a reasonably accurate prediction of the expected snowfall. It is a good way to predict what the conditions on the mountain will be like. The forecast is also a good way to plan your day. If a storm is coming it is probably wise not to venture too far away from the village, sticking to slopes closer to home. It is also a good idea to stay in the trees if the weather is not good. A clear sunny day is a good day to head further afield and explore the area more. You will also be able to enjoy nicer views on days like this.
The forecast can change rapidly, so it is not to be taken as 100% accurate. Although it is certainly a good place to start. The mountain climate means that temperatures and conditions can change rapidly, and the seasons can also be vastly different from each other. In the space of just a few days in winter, temperatures can go from minus ten degrees to plus 10 degrees. It is important to be prepared for both possibilities and any in between. Whilst winter probably sees the greatest variation all the other seasons can show a lot of change from day to day as well. The weather forecast will provide some idea of what to expect.
The weather in Morzine is amazingly varied, ranging from warm sunny days to cold snowy days. The extremes of its climate make it perfect for both winter and summer holidays. The forecast can also change pretty quickly in the mountains so it’s important to always be prepared.
Morzine weather depends on the season
The different seasons can largely be categorised by the different weather. The weather in Morzine affects the number of visitors in town. Winter snow brings keen skiers and snowboarders to the village and the hot summer months bring families and mountain bikers.
Although there are four distinct seasons in Morzine, there are some crossovers between them. For example, snow that is usually found in winter can fall during spring and autumn. Even on rare occasions in summer in Avoriaz.
Winter
Winter is the season that the resort is most famous for and lasts from December till April. It is one of the premier destinations in the Alps for skiing and snowboarding. The higher slopes have some of the best snowfall in the whole of Europe and there is a wide variety of different terrain throughout the Portes Du Soleil ski area. Temperatures can range from the minus twenties to the plus twenties.
Snowfall usually begins in October and continues throughout the winter. Morzine may not be the highest resort in the Portes du Soleil ski domain, but we can definitely count on the snow. After all, a high altitude does not necessarily mean that the snow is absolutely reliable, but is mainly due to geography. As the Portes du Soleil is located in the northwest of Mont Blanc, the winds are not very strong, so snow can accumulate. Morzine is a relatively low altitude ski resort around 1000m. This can actually be a good thing as a treeline keeps the winds out, making it easier to hold snow. Especially compared to other resorts that have strong altitude winds, no treeline, rocks and sometimes located on a glacier.
Even though temperatures rise in April, that does not mean winter is over. Often there will be more snow falling around Easter. Morzine weather can change quickly and there may be new snow by the end of the winter ski season. There is even a chance of light snow on the highest mountains in the summer!
Spring
By April the snow is beginning to melt and Spring has begun. Spring runs till early June. There is still often late snowfall during these months, even after the lifts have closed for winter at the end of April. Generally though temperatures will be rising as summer gets closer. Towards the end of April the town begins to get quieter and it is very quiet throughout May. There can be heavy rainfall during this time. However, there can also be beautiful warm sunny days.
As spring approaches, the resort usually becomes noticeably warmer. It is not unusual for heavy rain to occur, and snow to fall at higher altitudes. Rainfall can also lead to flooding, but this is rarely experienced in Morzine, and we don’t typically have rainy, miserable springs. The weather regularly changes throughout spring time and there are often beautiful warm and sunny days.
Spring is actually one of our favourite times to ski because you can experience the best of both worlds. On the mountain the snow remains fresh and cold. But when you step off the slopes you can experience warmer weather and enjoy a beer or two in the sun.
Summer
By June the snow will mostly have melted except on the highest mountains, and summer has begun. Summer runs from June till September. The temperatures are usually at their highest during July and August, regularly getting to 30 degrees or more. There can still be rainfall including spectacular thunder storms. There can even be occasional snowfall at higher altitudes, although it doesnít tend to last long as the temperature usually goes up again very quickly. Storms can come in very quickly so it is important to check the forecast and pay attention to the conditions if you are going up the mountain, whether hiking or on a bike. Lifts can be closed if there is a storm.
In summer, temperatures in the village rise sharply compared to the cold winter days. Temperatures can rise into the mid-thirties and are usually around the mid-twenties. Warm air that rises during the day can cause spectacular thunderstorms in the evening as the air cools. It is especially true in August. Heavy rains can occur during the summer, but they usually don’t last long and once the sun comes out, the area dries up again.
Mornings and evenings are usually cooler, so we recommend hikers explore the mountains either at sunrise or sunset. It's cooler then and you can’t beat the spectacular colours in the sky. During the day it's ideal for taking a dip in the lake or local swimming pool.
Autumn
Autumn lasts from mid September till early December, when winter begins again. Throughout October and November the snowline begins creeping down to town. Early snowfall usually melts at lower altitude but if the temperature stays low enough it will begin to accumulate higher up. From September the temperature will start to get lower, but there are still warm and sunny days throughout Autumn.
In September, temperatures begin to drop again. The weather can still be very variable. There can be warm, sunny days, but also heavy rains. In late October/November, snow settles regularly in the higher areas such as Avoriaz and the summit of Nantaux. At lower elevations, the snow can still melt quickly, but the lower temperatures help it stay further up the mountain.
No matter what the weather in Morzine, autumn in the mountains is always beautiful. On a rainy day you can’t help but be absolutely mesmerised by the golden colours of the leaves, they really are beautiful.
The Mountain Climate
Climate is a way of describing the average weather conditions in a place over a long period of time (usually 30 years or more). Morzine's unique mountain climate means that it can be difficult to accurately predict the weather. Morzine weather can change massively from one day to the next.
The mountain climate differs from other climates in its vertical dimension. The altitude of the mountain and its individual orientation to the sun have a great influence on its climate. This means that the risk of unstable events such as showers or storms is higher compared to the lowlands or the coast.
The summer climate in Morzine is generally hot and sunny in the lower valleys and relaxingly cool in higher altitudes. By being sheltered from the sun-drenched ground for longer, the valleys accumulate heat, thereby raising the temperature. This condition is typically reversed during the winter, when the cold, dense air sinks down the mountainside and forms pools within the valley itself. This is why many alpine villages are built part way up the mountain rather than on the valley floors, so they can take advantage of summer breezes and winter sun.
Some of the more exposed slopes at the higher elevations of the mountain may be subject to harsher conditions, especially in winter. The town of Avoriaz is at a higher elevation with lower temperatures, and its exposed position results in stronger winds. In Morzine-Les Gets, trees protect the resort from the elements as it is lower and therefore less exposed. When there are strong winds and possible lift closures in Avoriaz, Morzine-Les Gets is definitely the resort to ski.
Anyone who has spent time in Morzine or checked the weather forecast regularly will know that the weather in Morzine can change quickly and drastically.
High mountain ranges can have their very own unique climate. The proximity of Mt Blanc also affects the climate in Morzine, due to the Mt Blanc micro climate. Mt Blanc also acts as a border between the two separate climate regions of the north and west Alps and the southern Alps.
Morzine lies in the Chablais region of France in the Northern Alps and, due to the specific climate, experiences varied and changeable weather. With their crescent shape, the Alps separate the west-coast climates of Europe from the Mediterranean areas of France, Italy, and the Balkan region creating their own individual climates based on the local differences in mountain location, elevation and relief. In fact, most climatic conditions, other than tropical conditions, that exist on earth can be found somewhere in the Alps.
Generally these high mountain areas have heavier levels of precipitation and lower temperatures than the rest of France throughout the year. In the colder months most precipitation above 1500m falls as snow. In areas above 2000m this snow cover can lie on the ground from mid-November to the end of May. Although, relatively snowless winters aren't unheard of.
One distinct local factor which impacts on the Chablais climate and temperatures is the presence of Lake Geneva. In the winter, the warmth from the lake can magnify the temperature difference between the lake and the mountains. But also in the winter and the autumn the lake increases the amount of stratus clouds which hang low in the sky, often causing a sea of clouds which lies between the summits and the valley bottoms. This means that temperature inversions are not uncommon and that areas above 1000m can be warmer and sunnier than the low-lying valley bottoms.
During the summer the additional evaporation from the lake increases air pressure which leads to cumulonimbus clouds, which in turn give rise to storms in the mountains.
Precipitation
The Alps, due to their altitude, generally have higher precipitation and lower temperatures than other areas. In winter this combines to bring the snow that is such a draw for skiers and snowboarders. Wind is pushed up the mountain and as it cools it condenses and forms clouds.
Wind patterns
The combination of mild, moist air from the west, cold Arctic winds from the north, dry continental air from the east and the Mediterranean air from the south converge in the mountains leading to the often unpredictable weather. A daily flow of air up and down the valley throughout the day creates its own wind patterns. In winter high winds at altitude can cause significant wind chill and it is important to be prepared for this. Higher altitudes also mean thinner air, so less UV protection. It also makes breathing more effort which can take a bit of time to get used to.
Wind also plays an important role in the weather and climatic conditions. Foehn winds, which can last from 2 to 3 days are warm dry winds. As the wind passes upward to the mountain crests it cools, leading to precipitations and continues to slow the rate of cooling. As this drier air descends on the lee side of the mountain, it warms up and therefore has a higher temperature at the same altitude than when it began its upward flow.
Morzine weather from winter to summer
Whilst winter is usually cold and snowy, the weather changes massively in summer. The weather in town is often hot whilst higher up it is slightly cooler. Large and spectacular thunderstorms also occur. During winter this can be reversed as cold, dense air sinks to the valley floor. When this happens fog can form lower down, whilst higher up the mountain it can be clear and sunny. Generally, however, the higher altitudes are colder. Temperatures drop by, on average, 6.5 degrees per 1000 metres. The thunderstorms in summer are caused by warm, moist air rising rapidly and forming cumulonimbus clouds.
Inversion
As the sun heats the ground, warm air rises causing thermals which causes an inversion in temperature - the higher air being warmer than that at the lower altitudes.
Contrasting seasons
The Morzine climate is one of contrasts, with very cold winters and very warm summers. There is certainly some crossover between the seasons with occasional snow in summer and unseasonably warm and sunny days in the middle of winter.
Typical Morzine weather
Due to its mountain location and unique microclimate, Morzine weather can be very unpredictable. However, with a typical temperature of 20 degrees in July and August and 11 hours of sunshine, Morzine is a wonderful place to enjoy the summer.
The warmest month in Morzine is July with average temperatures of 21°C and average highs of 27°C and 11 hours of sunshine a day. In August, the average temperature stays at 21°C and the maximum temperatures are slightly lower at 26°C. August has an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day and has also recorded the highest temperature in recent years of 35°C. Despite the high season in July and August, the average temperature reaches the 20°C mark in May and into September.
Morzine is at an altitude of 1000m and the air is thinner and cleaner at higher altitudes, so UV exposure is greater in the mountains than in the valleys. This also means it's easier to get burnt, so don’t forget your sunscreen.
Despite the pleasant summer temperatures, Morzine is in the mountains and the weather in the mountains can be quite unpredictable. Morzine weather can change quickly due to the proximity of Lake Geneva. The extra evaporation increases air convection, leading to cumulonimbus clouds in the mountains, which in turn produce storms. Precipitation averaged 92 mm in July, with September being the wettest month, averaging 127 mm.