Andorra is already well known as a skiing destination and, with so many high mountain landscapes, it takes a while for the freeze to ease. Which is why our hiking trips in Andorra are available between May and mid-November when temperatures are warming up, and starting to resemble its nearby Catalan coastal neighbour. Andorra ranges between a balmy but also barmy combination of both mountain and Mediterranean influences, but we love her all the more for it. The mountains are the ultimate rulers, however, and temperatures can plummet when you least expect them to. Making it even more biodiverse and bio beautiful. Here are top tips on the best time to go to Andorra.
Andorra in May sees snows, saunas and seedlings
We have only one holiday available in May in Andorra, and that’s our more laid back walking and spa adventure. Where you still get to experience Pyrenean trails, but at a more chilled pace. And less chilly elevations than some tougher Andorran tours. Because in May, temperatures still have that transitional feel, as the season here changes from snow to nature on show. Meaning that you still get peaks dusted with white on your walks, and a freshness in the air accompanied by blossoms appearing. Which is why you’ll particularly enjoy the warmth of the spa in the two hotels where you stay at the end of a day’s walking.The first of these is in Canillo and the second in Escaldes-Engordany, where you will experience daily average highs of 17C, but these could go down to single figures at night. Not in the sauna though.
It’s all about flora in Andorra in June
Spring comes late to Andorra and, as a result, the flowers burst through as if they’ve been patiently waiting to pounce on the world and present their prettiness. The flora in Andorra is worth waiting for, in particular the grandalla which is the national flower, and the prettiest of white narcissi with a yellow centre. Its Latin name is narcissus poeticus or poet’s daffodil, which is thought to be one of the oldest narcissi. It’s also at risk in Andorra, due to the melting of glaciers, changing snowfall patterns and other reasons for habitat destruction. So don’t pick the pretties.
June is also a time to see a proliferation of blue iris in the valleys and wet meadows below 2,500m, before temperatures get too hot. And in June, with average highs of 23C, which could plummet to half that at night, the iris maintains the limelight. It’s also still orchid season, although they huddle up tight when temperatures drop quickly (don’t we all?), with the likes of early-purple, elder-flowered, common spotted and fragrant orchids matted through the meadows. Some also hang on until July at higher elevations. Two of the best locations for wildflowers are Incles Valley and Comapedrosa National Park, both of which feature on our walking holidays in Andorra.
The jewels of Andorra in July
This is peak season for arnica flowers, their vibrant yellow peppering the grasses of higher mountain meadows. Well known for its healing property for bruises (never open wounds), and used throughout generations by local people, it’s thankfully not harvested for mass production as these mountain flowers are becoming more at risk in their natural habitats. So again, best not touch. As mentioned above, orchids are still overwhelmingly beautiful at higher elevations in July, but you also have blue gentians, alpine buttercups and yellow hawkweeds. There’s a lot of yellow in fact, to mirror the sunshine which provides generous Andorra temperatures of up to 25C.
July is also the best time to go to Andorra for festivals, such as Fiestas de Roser, which are community-led festivities in early July, with a mix of folk, fun, food and some religion, given that it’s historically centred on the Virgin of the Rosary. The most celebrated of these festivals is in Ordino. It’s unusual to travel to a small community on the weekend in July and not find a Fiestas de Roser, or a Festa Major, which has more traditional dancing (sardanas), outdoor concerts and large village-wide dinners. So it’s not only the wildflowers that burst forth in summer when the snow melts. The local people come out to party too.
The party continues into August in Andorra
The capital city, Andorra la Vella, waits until August for its Fiesta Mayor, which takes place on the first Sunday of the month. Get ready for street parades, music, costumes and an all round carnival feel and fireworks. Similarly, Encamp’s Fiesta Mayor takes place on 15 August, which is where this holiday comes to a close, so you can join in with the drinking and dancing, community sports and even a Festa de l’escuma (foam party).
If your idea of a wild carnival is wild swimming in a mountain lake, however, then August is your best time, as water temperatures can go as high as 20C in lower elevation lakes, although higher elevation ones don’t go beyond the mid teens. Such as Lake Engolasters (1,616m) and Lake Juclar, the largest lake in Andorra, and part of the trail through Incles Valley to Coll de Juclar (2,450m), on the border with France.
It’s also important to adhere to all the rules of cold water swimming: go in slowly, breathe deeply and warm up properly afterwards. Also, never swim alone and note that July and August can bring short showers and thunderstorms, so never go in water when there’s a risk of lightning. For more information on general mountain hiking safety tips, see here.
Autumn in Andorra
September sees the beginning of autumn, with the full-on colour explosion in October and November. As our hiking holidays run until mid-November, you’ve plenty of opportunities to see the Pyrenees in pyrotechnic-like colours. Although accommodations and restaurants are more than well equipped to deal with seasonal change in Andorra, you definitely need a few winter warm clothes, as temperatures drop to mid-teens in September and single figures in October and November.
The warmth of the autumn foliage in Andorra, however, is worth wrapping up for, with high-altitude forests and valleys turning fiery red, orange and gold. Such as the beech and maple forests of Sorteny Valley Natural Park and beech forests of Comapedrosa Natural Park. Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley Natural Park is also home to colour-changing beech and birch, with smatterings of aspen yellow and wild cherry tree reds. This is also a lovely time of year to take things easier in Andorra, and opt for our aforementioned relaxed walking and spa adventure, where the trails are shorter and you stay in two spa hotels throughout the tour.
As the chill kicks in in September, the country warms things up with their national day on 08 September, which is called Meritxell Day locally. This is more about spiritual and community warmth, rather than carnival craziness as it’s a religious festival. The main event takes place at the Basilica of Meritxell in Canillo, where, according to Andorran tradition, there was an apparition of the Virgin Mary. If you’d rather worship at the altar of gastronomy, then you won’t want to miss Andorra Taste, which is all about serious mountain fare, feasts and epicurean experts, and takes place in El Prat del Roure in mid-September.
We hope you’ve enjoyed your seasonal saunter around Andorra. You may also enjoy our blog, Everything you need to know about hiking in Andorra, A travel guide to walking in the Pyrenees and, if you want to combine Andorra with Catalonia, Our expert guide to cycling and walking in Catalonia. For any other information, please don’t hesitate to contact our adventure specialists.
