Col du Marchairuz
The Col du Marchairuz is a mountain pass at 1447 m (Vaud). Access: road; usually open toute l'année (fermetures neige). The weather above is computed at the exact pass altitude; the “Snow, wind and freezing level” section gives 7-day snowfall, gusts and the snow line — check it before crossing by car, motorbike or bike.
Climate of Col du Marchairuz: 1991–2020 normals
In Col du Marchairuz (1447 m), the mean annual temperature is 5.3 °C. The warmest month is July (14.1 °C on average) and the coldest January (−2.6 °C). About 1404 mm of precipitation falls per year, peaking in December (148 mm) with a minimum in April (94 mm). The sun shines for about 1808 hours a year, mostly in July (211 h). On average there are 151 frost days per year. The mean monthly maximum reaches 25.9 °C and the absolute minimum −11.9 °C.
Mean monthly precipitation (mm) — bar height relative to the wettest month.
| Month | Mean T | Abs. max | Abs. min | Precip. (mm) | Sunshine (h) | Frost days | Summer days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | −2.6 °C | 7.0 °C | −11.9 °C | 120 | 111 | 27 | 0 |
| Feb | −2.3 °C | 8.3 °C | −11.7 °C | 96 | 118 | 25 | 0 |
| Mar | 0.9 °C | 12.2 °C | −8.9 °C | 99 | 154 | 23 | 0 |
| Apr | 4.2 °C | 16.3 °C | −6.3 °C | 94 | 157 | 16 | 0 |
| May | 8.3 °C | 20.7 °C | −1.9 °C | 119 | 166 | 6 | 0 |
| Jun | 12.0 °C | 24.3 °C | 1.7 °C | 117 | 189 | 1 | 0 |
| Jul | 14.1 °C | 25.9 °C | 4.1 °C | 117 | 211 | 0 | 0 |
| Aug | 13.8 °C | 25.3 °C | 3.6 °C | 114 | 201 | 0 | 0 |
| Sep | 9.8 °C | 20.6 °C | 0.1 °C | 116 | 162 | 2 | 0 |
| Oct | 5.9 °C | 16.5 °C | −3.8 °C | 135 | 141 | 8 | 0 |
| Nov | 1.0 °C | 11.4 °C | −7.9 °C | 130 | 103 | 18 | 0 |
| Dec | −1.8 °C | 7.8 °C | −11.1 °C | 148 | 95 | 24 | 0 |
| Year | 5.3 °C | 25.9 °C | −11.9 °C | 1404 | 1808 | 151 | 1 |
Source: MeteoSwiss open data (1991–2020 normals) — stations Nyon / Changins (17 km, 458 m), La Dôle (18 km, 1670 m), Mathod (32 km, 435 m), adjusted to the elevation of Col du Marchairuz (1447 m) using a 0.55 °C/100 m lapse rate. Indicative, rounded values.
Passes & summits
- Weather Col du Mollendruz (14 km · 1180 m)
- Weather Col de la Givrine (15 km · 1228 m)
- Weather La Dôle (18 km · 1677 m)
- Weather Chasseron (40 km · 1607 m)
- Weather Rochers-de-Naye (57 km · 2042 m)
- Weather Le Moléson (59 km · 2002 m)
Nearby municipalities
- Weather Saint-George (4 km)
- Weather Gimel (4 km)
- Weather Le Chenit (5 km)
- Weather Bière (5 km)
- Weather Longirod (5 km)
- Weather Berolle (6 km)
- Weather Marchissy (7 km)
- Weather Saubraz (7 km)
Passes & summits Weather Saint-George
Frequently asked questions about the weather: Col du Marchairuz
Is the Col du Marchairuz open?
The Col du Marchairuz is usually accessible toute l'année (fermetures neige). The official status depends on snow and roadworks (check TCS or the canton); the snow forecast above helps anticipate closures.
How cold is it at the Col du Marchairuz?
Expect about 6 °C less than in the lowlands (mean lapse rate 0.6 °C per 100 m). The mean annual temperature at 1447 m is about 5.3 °C; the coldest month is January (−2.6 °C).
Can it snow at the Col du Marchairuz in summer?
Yes: above 2000 m, snow can fall in any season during cold spells. Watch the freezing level and the forecast snowfall in the dedicated section.
What is the warmest month in Col du Marchairuz?
The warmest month in Col du Marchairuz is July, averaging 14.1 °C (1991–2020 normal). The coldest is January at −2.6 °C.
How much does it rain in Col du Marchairuz per year?
Col du Marchairuz receives about 1404 mm of precipitation a year. The wettest month is December (148 mm), the driest April (94 mm).
When is the best time to visit Col du Marchairuz?
For warmth and sunshine: July (14.1 °C on average, 211 h of sun). The coldest month is January (−2.6 °C). Check the 15-day forecast above for your dates.