Balmhorn

Mountain Mountain peak in the Bernese Alps, glaciated slopes

A high Alpine peak in Valais, Balmhorn attracts mountaineers and hikers to its rocky ridges; routes vary from long trekking days to technical climbs amid glacier-carved valleys.

Main image
Balmhorn
46.4251, 7.6935

How to Get to Balmhorn #

Common starting points are village trailheads in the Kandersteg or Lötschental areas; reach these by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to Kandersteg or Goppenstein and continue by local buses or taxi to trailheads. Check SAC route guides and local transport timetables.

Tips for Visiting Balmhorn #

  • Approach Balmhorn via the Lötschental or Kandersteg valleys depending on route; check local alpine hut openings and plan overnight stays accordingly.
  • Use established mountain routes and hire a certified mountain guide if attempting technical ascents - the peak is glaciated in parts and conditions change rapidly.
  • Summer (July-September) offers the safest window for non-winter climbs; always check the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) bulletins for route conditions.

Best Time to Visit Balmhorn #

As a high Alpine peak the Balmhorn is best attempted in summer for non-technical hiking approaches; technical routes require mountaineering skills and seasonal consideration.

Summer (climbing season)
Jul-Sep · 5-15°C (mountain conditions)
Longer daylight and more stable weather; alpine huts open and glacier travel safer.
Winter
Dec-Mar · -10 to 0°C
Snow and ice cover make the mountain suitable only for experienced winter mountaineers or ski-tourers.

Weather & Climate near Balmhorn #

Climate

Balmhorn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -13°C to 6°C. Moderate rainfall (538 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-26°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-12° -8°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -9°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-13° -9°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -13°C. The wettest month with 53 mm of rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-13° -9°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-12° -7°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-7° -2°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-4° -1°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-9° -5°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
8.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-11° -6°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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