Monte Cinto
Mountain Highest mountain peak of Corsica
Corsica’s highest peak at about 2,706 metres, with glacial cirques and alpine ridgelines; climbers and long‑distance hikers approach via GR20 segments and use mountain refuges for multi‑day ascents.
Monte Cinto is the highest mountain on the island of Corsica with a summit reaching 2,706 metres above sea level. It forms the core of the Monte Cinto massif in the island’s mountainous interior.
The mountain is a popular objective for experienced hikers and climbers, featuring steep ridges and alpine terrain. Routes approach the summit from multiple valleys and require mountain equipment and good navigation skills outside summer paths.
Geologically the massif is part of Corsica’s highland backbone and displays rugged granite and schist formations typical of the island’s central range.
Monte Cinto sits in north-central Corsica within the island’s interior mountain region, accessible from mountain refuges and marked trails.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 2,706 metres, making it the highest point on the island of Corsica.
Tips for Visiting Monte Cinto #
- Plan ascents during Corsica's main alpine season (generally late June through September) when snow is least likely and mountain refuges are open; outside that window technical snow and ice are common.
- Approaches from the Asco valley and from GR20-adjacent trails are the usual routes-break the trip with an overnight at a mountain refuge and reserve refuge beds in advance during July-August.
- Summit routes involve exposed scrambling and route-finding; check recent local route reports and, if you're not experienced in high-alpine scrambling, consider hiring a local mountain guide.
Best Time to Visit Monte Cinto #
Visit in midsummer (July-September) for the best hiking conditions and minimal snow on routes.
Weather & Climate near Monte Cinto #
Monte Cinto's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (975 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 24 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (121 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.