Weather Morzine
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.
You will find on the weather widgets below the live weather forecast for today and the coming days in Morzine.
The weather forecasts are generally accurate up to three days in advance and can get slightly less accurate any further ahead than that as many different factors can affect the upcoming weather.
Morzine weather depends on the season
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, and even on rare occasions in summer in Avoriaz.
Winter
During winter in Morzine, temperatures can range from well below zero to warm sunshine. 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
As spring approaches, Morzine 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
In summer, temperatures in Morzine 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
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.
Typical Morzine Weather
Due to its mountain location and unique microclimate, the weather in Morzine 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.