Mont Aigoual

Mountain Mountain in Cévennes with historic meteorological observatory

Mont Aigoual in the Cévennes hosts a working weather observatory at its summit; hikers come for marked trails, panoramic lookout points and to study the region’s mountain weather patterns.

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Mont Aigoual is a 1,567-metre mountain in the Cévennes, Occitania region of southern France, notable for its summit meteorological observatory.

The summit complex includes the weather observatory and offers panoramic views across the Cévennes and toward the Massif Central on clear days, with visibility often exceeding tens of kilometres. Trails from nearby villages provide access for hikers and there are marked routes of varying lengths up to the summit.

The observatory at the summit was established in the late 19th century and the site has long been used for systematic meteorological observation in France. The hut and observatory buildings reflect continuous scientific use and periodic conservation.

Mont Aigoual sits on the crest of the Cévennes range on the border of the Gard and Lozère departments, roughly 80-120 kilometres northwest of Montpellier depending on route, amid rolling mountain pastures and high moorland.

  • Observatory access: Summit weather station is one of France's most famous mountain observatories and is open to visitors seasonally for exhibits and panoramic views.

What to See #

  • Summit observatory: A staffed meteorological observatory and museum sit at the 1,567-metre summit, recording weather observations and hosting displays about mountain meteorology.
Mont Aigoual
Mont Aigoual, Cévennes, France (Aigoual mountain area)
44.1210, 3.5815
Visitor centre and weather observatory may have small fees for exhibits; hiking free

How to Get to Mont Aigoual #

Access by car via the D999 from Florac or by regional roads; there is parking near the summit and marked trails the rest of the way. Public transport options are limited-check local bus timetables seasonally.

Tips for Visiting Mont Aigoual #

  • If visiting the meteorological observatory, check in advance for tour options and opening times.
  • Hiking trails can be steep and exposed-choose routes suited to experience and local conditions.
  • In autumn, look for mushrooming and flock movements as natural highlights.

Best Time to Visit Mont Aigoual #

Best in summer for comfortable hiking; mountain weather changes quickly so plan for wind and sudden showers year-round.

Summer
June-August · 8-20°C
Cooler summit temperatures, ideal for hiking and clearer skies between afternoon storms.
Autumn
September-October · 2-15°C
Crisp air and dramatic weather contrasts with good visibility on calm days.

Weather & Climate near Mont Aigoual #

Climate

Mont Aigoual's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1867 mm/year), wettest in October.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (207 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

207 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

153 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 17°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (269 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

269 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (207 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

207 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

202 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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