Summer in Andorra is a wonderful time of year. As the snow melts and the green landscapes appear again, this small Pyrenean principality transforms from a skier’s dream to a hiker’s paradise. But, what is the Andorra summer weather really like? And how should you prepare for it?
In this guide, we’ll break down the average temperature in Andorra, as well as providing tips on what to pack and how to deal with the Andorra summer weather no matter which region you’re staying in. So, let’s take a look and cover the basics of the Andorra climate!
Average summer temperatures
weather-andorra-summer
The Andorra climate in summer is defined by its altitude and mountainous terrain, which create pleasant daytime temperatures and then cooler nights. The temperatures aren’t nearly as hot as in some of Europe’s most popular holiday hotspots, and that might be exactly what you’re looking for it you want a vacation in a place where it’s possible to move around during the day without overheating in a puddle of sweat.
According to recent Andorra climate data, July and August are the hottest months of the year, while September is actually the slightly drier month of the summer season. Looking at specifics for the temperature in Andorra, these are the average minimum and maximums and also the precipitation per month:
- Andorra weather in May: 2.2°C to 12.6°C, 112mm of precipitation
- Andorra weather in June: 6.3°C to 17.3°C, 98 mm of precipitation
- Andorra weather in July: 8.6°C to 20.8°C, 75 mm of precipitation
- Andorra weather in August: 8.9°C to 20.6°C, 74 mm of precipitation
- Andorra weather in September: 5.4°C to 16.3°C, 70 mm of precipitation
What to pack
Given the variation in Andorra summer weather, packing smart is key. Light layers are your best friend, meaning breathable t-shirts, hiking shorts and just a light waterproof jacket. It also makes sense to pack a warm fleece or hoodie for those cooler evenings, especially if your Andorra accommodation is at higher altitude.
Packing will also depend a little on which Andorra activities you plan to do. For example, comfortable hiking shoes are also a must if you plan to explore the countless trails. If you plan to go swimming or try out a water activity like canyoning, then you’ll want to bring a couple of swimsuits with you as well. On top of that, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are important as well, especially if you’re going to be outside a lot.
Weather by region
Although Andorra is a small country, measuring in at just 468 square kilometres, the weather can vary between regions, largely depending on the different elevations. The capital city of Andorra la Vella, which sits at around 1,000 metres, tends to be slightly warmer and sunnier than other areas. For example, Ordino and La Massana, known for their green valleys and hiking trails, are generally a few degrees cooler, as are Canillo and Encamp, known for their higher elevation.
Best activities by weather
Thanks to the mild temperature in Andorra during summer, nearly every outdoor activity is possible. If it’s a particularly warm or sunny day, then spending some time by one of the beautiful Andorra lakes is a lovely way to pass the time, while visiting one of Andorra’s mountain bike parks is another popular activity on the hottest and sunniest days, because these parks are located in forests and largely covered by trees.
It the Andorra summer weather is a little cooler, that means it’s the perfect day to go hiking in Andorra. This is one of the most popular activities in the region and there are tails for all skills levels, whether you’re an experienced mountaineer keen to reach the highest peaks or whether you’re just looking for a simple walk for the entire family to enjoy.
As for rainy days, there is still plenty to do in Andorra. For example, you can relax at the Caldea Spa, the largest thermal water spa in southern Europe, or visit some of the fascinating museums Andorra has. Andorra actually has 25 total museums, making it one of the countries with the most museums per capita. So, there really is an activity for every nuance of the Andorra climate!
Tips for summer travel
Given that the weather forecast Andorra has can be a little unpredictable, be prepared for all kinds of weather across a single day. Luckily, though, and as mentioned above, there are so many activities for every kind of Andorra summer weather.
As for other tips for dealing with the Andorra climate in summer, make sure you understand the effects of altitude. Although most people will be absolutely fine and notice minimal effects, altitude can affect some more than others and it’s important to take it easy if you or a member of your group starts to feel queasy.
Finally, be sure to pack and use a lot of sunscreen when exploring Andorra in the summer. It might not always feel boiling hot, because of the higher elevation and the refreshing breezes, but the sun is right there, so you should apply high-SPF sunscreen and wear sunglasses, even on slightly cooler days.
All in all, just be sure to enjoy yourself. A summer holiday in Andorra will be a lot cooler and pleasant in terms of temperature than sitting in the sun on a southern European beach, meaning you’ll have more energy and options to explore and do activities.