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.

Main image

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.
Monte Cinto
Monte Cinto, Corsica, France
42.3803, 8.9451

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.

Summer hiking season (best)
Jul-Sep · 5-20°C (summit cooler)
Most trails are snow-free and mountain huts operate; summit conditions are still cool-bring layers.
Late spring (variable)
May-Jun · 0-12°C (summit may still have snow)
Lower routes may be snow-free but higher paths can have lingering snow and technical sections.
Autumn shoulder
Sep-Oct · 0-15°C
Fewer visitors and crisp weather, but conditions can change quickly and some services begin to close.

Weather & Climate near Monte Cinto #

Climate

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).

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -2°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

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.

35 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -2°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
13.2h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.4h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

68 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
15.1h daylight

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.

84 Excellent

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
14.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°
60%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
13.7h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

64 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

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.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4° -1°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
8.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

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