The month in detail
What to expect in January
Off-season for skiing Chamonix — lifts are closed. Consider hiking, mountain biking or summer activities at altitude.
January ranks 11 out of 12 months in Chamonix. Compared to December: −2°C daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-6°
Daylight
8.8h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 25
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Chamonix is August (7.9/10), 6.9 pts higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Chamonix
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Chamonix
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a mountain stay.
Country · France
🗣️LanguageFrench
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeAlpine mountain climate
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 24°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 4°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMay · 44%
🏔️ Mountain stay
⛰️Village altitude1035 m
🎿Ski area1035 → 3842 m
⛷️Ski seasonDec → May
🥾Hiking seasonJun → Sep
🧗High mountains ⓘGuide recommended
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Chamonix ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
FranceAlpine mountain climate climate with a 7.9 → 1.0 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
45.92°N · 6.87°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Chamonix?
It depends on the activity. For skiing: March (ski score 8.1/10). For hiking/summer: March (8.1/10, 8.0°C).
Can you ski in Chamonix in winter?
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 7.6/10. Cold temperatures (4°C max in January) and frequent snowfall.
Is it warm in Chamonix in summer?
In March, temperatures average 8.0°C. Best period for hiking and outdoor activities.
What is the wettest month in Chamonix?
November is the wettest month with November has the lowest climate score of the year.
Do you need sun protection in Chamonix in January?
The average UV index reaches 2 in January in Chamonix (low), with about 8.8h of daylight. No protection needed.