Aletsch Glacier
The Aletsch Glacier rises to 2300 m (Valais). Access: cable car; season: toute l'année. The weather above is computed at summit altitude; the “Snow, wind and freezing level” section shows 7-day snowfall, wind, gusts and the snow line — to pick the right day (visibility, cold, wind).
Climate of Aletsch Glacier: 1991–2020 normals
In Aletsch Glacier (2300 m), the mean annual temperature is 1.1 °C. The warmest month is August (9.0 °C on average) and the coldest February (−5.6 °C). About 1234 mm of precipitation falls per year, peaking in December (142 mm) with a minimum in September (64 mm). The mean monthly maximum reaches 19.2 °C and the absolute minimum −16.4 °C.
Mean monthly precipitation (mm) — bar height relative to the wettest month.
| Month | Mean T | Abs. max | Abs. min | Precip. (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | −5.2 °C | 4.9 °C | −16.4 °C | 120 |
| Feb | −5.6 °C | 5.0 °C | −15.8 °C | 81 |
| Mar | −4.1 °C | 5.3 °C | −15.3 °C | 97 |
| Apr | −1.3 °C | 7.2 °C | −11.5 °C | 69 |
| May | 2.3 °C | 11.4 °C | −6.9 °C | 121 |
| Jun | 6.8 °C | 17.8 °C | −2.2 °C | 98 |
| Jul | 8.8 °C | 19.2 °C | −0.1 °C | 114 |
| Aug | 9.0 °C | 19.0 °C | −0.3 °C | 123 |
| Sep | 5.5 °C | 15.4 °C | −4.5 °C | 64 |
| Oct | 2.9 °C | 12.3 °C | −7.4 °C | 96 |
| Nov | −2.0 °C | 8.5 °C | −12.8 °C | 109 |
| Dec | −4.2 °C | 5.5 °C | −15.0 °C | 142 |
| Year | 1.1 °C | 19.2 °C | −16.4 °C | 1234 |
Source: MeteoSwiss open data (1991–2020 normals) — stations Eggishorn (3 km, 2892 m), Jungfraujoch (13 km, 3571 m), Blatten, Lötschental (19 km, 1548 m), adjusted to the elevation of Aletsch Glacier (2300 m) using a 0.55 °C/100 m lapse rate. Indicative, rounded values.
Passes & summits
- Weather Eggishorn (3 km · 2927 m)
- Weather Bettmerhorn (4 km · 2872 m)
- Weather Jungfraujoch (13 km · 3454 m)
- Weather Kleine Scheidegg (17 km · 2061 m)
- Weather Männlichen (21 km · 2343 m)
- Weather Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) (22 km · 2970 m)
Nearby municipalities
- Weather Lax (4 km)
- Weather Fiesch (5 km)
- Weather Bellwald (7 km)
- Weather Bettmeralp (8 km)
- Weather Bitsch (10 km)
- Weather Bister (11 km)
- Weather Mörel-Filet (11 km)
- Weather Riederalp (12 km)
Frequently asked questions about the weather: Aletsch Glacier
Is the Aletsch Glacier open?
The Aletsch Glacier is usually accessible toute l'année. 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 Aletsch Glacier?
Expect about 11 °C less than in the lowlands (mean lapse rate 0.6 °C per 100 m). The mean annual temperature at 2300 m is about 1.1 °C; the coldest month is February (−5.6 °C).
Can it snow at the Aletsch Glacier 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 Aletsch Glacier?
The warmest month in Aletsch Glacier is August, averaging 9.0 °C (1991–2020 normal). The coldest is February at −5.6 °C.
How much does it rain in Aletsch Glacier per year?
Aletsch Glacier receives about 1234 mm of precipitation a year. The wettest month is December (142 mm), the driest September (64 mm).
When is the best time to visit Aletsch Glacier?
For warmth and sunshine: August (9.0 °C on average, — h of sun). The coldest month is February (−5.6 °C). Check the 15-day forecast above for your dates.