Chamonix Weather in November 2026
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 14 rainy days across the month, on average.
November in Chamonix delivers the annual pre-season lull: highs of 8.6C/47F, lows at 0C/32F exactly, 157mm of precipitation across 13.7 days, and just 6.2 hours of daily sunshine, the year's second darkest month. Snow accumulates on Grands Montets from mid-month, and the valley floor sees its first proper frosts by dawn.
The town enters its quietest fortnight of the year in the first two weeks; several restaurants close for annual maintenance, and hotels offer their lowest rates outside the shoulder season. Grands Montets typically opens the last weekend of November if snowpack cooperates, and the Aiguille du Midi telepherique operates a reduced winter schedule. The guide bureau shifts entirely to ski-touring reconnaissance and avalanche-course teaching.
Ten-year records show November warming 0.7C with the ski-opening date drifting slightly later; 2026 pre-season snowpack indicators as of late October point to a normal opening window at Grands Montets. Precipitation totals hold near the long-term mean but arrive in wetter bursts than historical patterns.
Travelers visiting Chamonix in 2026 should target the last weekend for opening-day skiing at Grands Montets, book heavily discounted hotels in the first two weeks for pure alpine quiet, and verify restaurant openings by phone. Photographers get low, golden-angle light on the Drus with almost no other visitors in frame.
Chamonix is a mountaineering town, not a resort; the guide bureau in the town square is the real command center. Le Panier des 4 Saisons or Munchies are locals' post-ski food, not the Rue Vallot tourist strip. Argentiere is quieter than Chamonix center and closer to the Grands Montets lift. Never underestimate the Aiguille du Midi 3800m altitude jolt; walk slowly the first 20 minutes or headache guaranteed. The PGHM rescue helicopters fly daily; respect the closure signs on the glacier.
What to pack for Chamonix in November
November needs true winter kit for altitude and warm valley layers for cafe evenings; late-month brings the first real snow.
- Insulated waterproof winter jacket
- Merino thermal base layers
- Waterproof winter boots with tread
- Warm beanie plus insulated gloves
- Micro-spikes for early ice on trails
What to pack for Chamonix in November
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Chamonix
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Watch Grands Montets opening day, book a spa evening at Deep Nature Chamonix, take an early-season avalanche course, hike the low-elevation Petit Balcon Nord, browse the town's ski-shop pre-season sales.
Other places with a similar climate right now
Chamonix in November — FAQ
Q01Is November a good month for Chamonix?
Is November a good month for Chamonix?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In November, Chamonix averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of -0°C (32°F), with 159mm of rainfall across roughly 14 rainy days. Mid-July when Aiguille du Midi telepherique runs all cabins, Mer de Glace ice grotto is safely refreshed, and Tour du Mont Blanc trekkers hit their sweet spot.
Q02How warm does Chamonix get in November?
How warm does Chamonix get in November?
The average high temperature in Chamonix during November is 9°C (48°F), with an average low of -0°C (32°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Does it rain a lot in Chamonix in November?
Does it rain a lot in Chamonix in November?
Chamonix averages approximately 14 rainy days in November, with a total monthly rainfall of about 159mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. Late spring rain in the valley means fresh snow up high; ski touring windows open, but the Chamonix-Argentiere road slushes to a crawl.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Chamonix in November?
What clothes should I bring to Chamonix in November?
For Chamonix in November, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month. A lightweight crampons-compatible microspike; the Mer de Glace stairs and Plan de l'Aiguille trail ice over even in July mornings.
Q05Are there many tourists in Chamonix in November?
Are there many tourists in Chamonix in November?
Tourist crowds in Chamonix during November are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Chamonix is a mountaineering town, not a resort; the guide bureau in the town square is the real command center. Le Panier des 4 Saisons or Munchies are locals' post-ski food, not the Rue Vallot tourist strip. Argentiere is quieter than Chamonix center and closer to the Grands Montets lift. Never underestimate the Aiguille du Midi 3800m altitude jolt; walk slowly the first 20 minutes or headache guaranteed. The PGHM rescue helicopters fly daily; respect the closure signs on the glacier.