Arolla ski resort
Arolla is a ski resort in the canton of Valais, in the municipality of Evolène. The village sits at 2000 m and the ski area tops out at 3000 m (Fontanesses), a vertical drop of 1000 m. The forecast at the top of the page is computed for the village altitude; the “Summit weather” section gives temperature, snow, wind and freezing level at 3000 m.
Snow and season in Arolla
Above 2000 m snow can fall in any season and lies for months; watch the rain-snow limit and avalanche risk in winter.
To judge conditions, compare the snow line (≈ 300 m below the freezing level) with the village (2000 m) and the slopes (3000 m); above 50–60 km/h of summit wind, exposed lifts may close; a warm front lifts the freezing level within hours, a cold front brings snow down to the valley.
Climate of Arolla: 1991–2020 normals
In Arolla (2000 m), the mean annual temperature is 3.3 °C. The warmest month is July (11.6 °C on average) and the coldest February (−4.0 °C). About 749 mm of precipitation falls per year, peaking in July (85 mm) with a minimum in February (39 mm). The sun shines for about 1839 hours a year, mostly in July (212 h). On average there are 158 frost days per year. The mean monthly maximum reaches 22.8 °C and the absolute minimum −14.9 °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 | −3.9 °C | 6.5 °C | −14.9 °C | 50 | 110 | 28 | 0 |
| Feb | −4.0 °C | 7.1 °C | −14.9 °C | 39 | 119 | 25 | 0 |
| Mar | −1.3 °C | 10.0 °C | −12.5 °C | 41 | 159 | 24 | 0 |
| Apr | 1.8 °C | 13.0 °C | −8.8 °C | 50 | 164 | 17 | 0 |
| May | 5.7 °C | 17.2 °C | −4.2 °C | 84 | 178 | 6 | 0 |
| Jun | 9.5 °C | 21.5 °C | −0.6 °C | 82 | 192 | 1 | 0 |
| Jul | 11.6 °C | 22.8 °C | 2.0 °C | 85 | 212 | 0 | 1 |
| Aug | 11.4 °C | 22.3 °C | 1.3 °C | 85 | 194 | 0 | 1 |
| Sep | 7.8 °C | 18.5 °C | −1.6 °C | 57 | 169 | 2 | 0 |
| Oct | 4.6 °C | 15.5 °C | −5.7 °C | 58 | 143 | 8 | 0 |
| Nov | −0.2 °C | 11.5 °C | −10.8 °C | 60 | 103 | 19 | 0 |
| Dec | −2.9 °C | 7.5 °C | −13.5 °C | 56 | 96 | 26 | 0 |
| Year | 3.3 °C | 22.8 °C | −14.9 °C | 749 | 1839 | 158 | 2 |
Source: MeteoSwiss open data (1991–2020 normals) — stations Evolène / Villa (12 km, 1825 m), Les Attelas (20 km, 2734 m), Zermatt (21 km, 1638 m), adjusted to the elevation of Arolla (2000 m) using a 0.55 °C/100 m lapse rate. Indicative, rounded values.
Nearby ski resorts
- Weather Evolène (13 km · 1370–2680 m)
- Weather Grimentz (16 km · 1570–2900 m)
- Weather Zinal (17 km · 1675–2900 m)
- Weather Thyon 2000 (20 km · 2000–2460 m)
- Weather Bruson (22 km · 1080–2200 m)
- Weather Verbier (23 km · 1500–3330 m)
Nearby municipalities
- Weather Saint-Martin (VS)
- Weather Hérémence
- Weather Liddes
- Weather Bourg-Saint-Pierre
- Weather Mont-Noble
- Weather Isérables
- Weather Nendaz
- Weather Veysonnaz
Frequently asked questions about the weather in Arolla
How high is Arolla?
The village of Arolla is at 2000 m and the ski area rises to 3000 m (Fontanesses), a vertical drop of 1000 m.
What is the temperature difference between the village and the summit in Arolla?
Expect about 6 °C less at the summit (3000 m) than in the village (2000 m), using the mean lapse rate of 0.6 °C per 100 m. The “Summit weather” section shows the forecast computed at 3000 m.
When does it snow in Arolla?
In the village (2000 m) the mean temperature stays below 2 °C from November to April (1991–2020 normals), when precipitation mostly falls as snow. Higher up, snow can fall in any season.
Where can I see the weather on the slopes of Arolla?
The “Summit weather” section on this page gives, for Fontanesses (3000 m), min/max temperature, 7-day snowfall, wind and gusts, plus the freezing level and the estimated snow line.
What is the warmest month in Arolla?
The warmest month in Arolla is July, averaging 11.6 °C (1991–2020 normal). The coldest is February at −4.0 °C.
How much does it rain in Arolla per year?
Arolla receives about 749 mm of precipitation a year. The wettest month is July (85 mm), the driest February (39 mm).
When is the best time to visit Arolla?
For warmth and sunshine: July (11.6 °C on average, 212 h of sun). The coldest month is February (−4.0 °C). Check the 15-day forecast above for your dates.