Mont Tendre Mountain
Highest Jura massif peak offering panoramic views
Mont Tendre, the highest summit of the Swiss Jura in Vaud, provides broad viewpoints, marked hiking trails and cross‑country ski routes. Day hikers and nature walkers use its ridges for clear vistas over the plateau.
Mont Tendre at a Glance#
About Mont Tendre#
Mont Tendre is a mountain in the Jura range in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, with an elevation of approximately 1,679 meters. It is the highest peak of the Vaud Jura chain and is well known locally for accessible hiking routes and viewpoint terraces.
Trails lead to the summit from nearby valleys and pastures, and the summit area includes open terrain that provides broad views across the Swiss Plateau, Lake Geneva and the Alps when visibility is good. The mountain is used for hiking in summer and snowshoeing in winter.
Mont Tendre is located in the Jura mountains of western Switzerland in the canton of Vaud, north of Lake Geneva and within reach of regional towns in the Vaud canton.
- Elevation and views: At about 1,679 meters it is the highest summit of the Vaud Jura and serves as a popular hiking destination with panoramic views to the Alps and Lake Geneva on clear days.
Tips for Visiting Mont Tendre#
- Set off early from St‑Cergue or Col de la Givrine for clearer air and panoramic views from Mont Tendre toward Lake Geneva and the Alps on good days.
- Use the marked Jura hiking routes that approach the summit from the south-the summit plateau rewards less hurried walkers with wide views that many day-trippers miss.
- In winter the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; check local trail conditions and closures before you go as routes can be differently maintained.
Best Time to Visit Mont Tendre#
Summer and late spring/early autumn are best for visiting Mont Tendre for hiking and views; winters are snowy and colder.
Weather & Climate near Mont Tendre#
Mont Tendre's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1626 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - -1° | -9° | 151 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -6° - 0° | -9° | 150 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 4° | -3° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 10° | 3° | 129 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 135 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 116 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.8 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 135 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.2 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 3° | -4° | 160 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 0° | -7° | 167 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
