Best time to go to Andorra

Andorra's mountain climate is tempered by its proximity to the Mediterranean, bringing cold but dry winters and warm, humid summers.
The best time to go to Andorra is from May to mid-July, and in September, when you’ll benefit from the Mediterranean sunshine and warmer weather on the Pyrenean slopes. June sees rhododendrons in full bloom, with fruits ripening midsummer and mushrooms emerging in autumn. Winter trips here take advantage of the heavy snow and blue skies, with opportunities to explore snow clad landscapes on snow shoes or cross country skis.

Andorra Weather Chart

 
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
-6
0
114
FEB
-7
1
97
MAR
-6
3
100
APR
-4
5
106
MAY
0
9
132
JUN
3
14
112
JUL
6
18
78
AUG
6
17
105
SEP
4
15
102
OCT
1
9
124
NOV
-4
4
141
DEC
-6
1
118

Things to do & not do in Andorra

Things to do in Andorra…

Andorra is small and mountainous, within easy reach of the UK and a hub for outdoor activities – in short, it’s a superb destination to bring the kids. Small group family holidays here generally have a minimum age of five, and your holiday company will try to ensure you are matched with children of a similar age. The activities are suited to all levels with plenty of beginner options – from downhill mountain biking to zip lining through treetops and even snow shoeing and husky sledding in winter. And once you’re in Andorra, driving distances are short, so there will be no choruses of “are we nearly there yet?”
Perhaps this is your first family holiday away from the beach, your first small group tour, or your first activity holiday – but either way, Andorra is a wonderful place to step outside your comfort zone. Excellent group leaders and activity guides ensure you’re always safe and happy, with daily hikes and bike rides tailored to ensure no one gets left behind. All activities are optional, snow shoeing and cross country skiing are designed for absolute beginners, and on cycle trips, support vehicles mean you can opt to walk instead or just hop in the back of the 4x4 if the pedalling gets a bit too much. There is also free time for you to sign up for activities such as the Via Ferrata or a horse ride through the exquisite Pyrenean scenery.

Things not  to do in Andorra

Lie in. Andorra may be tranquil with some of the most serene landscapes that Europe has to offer, but don’t come here for a relaxing, laid back break. Adventure holidays here usually involve early starts and long days to make the most of your time in Andorra – itineraries are packed with outdoor activities, with picnic lunches usually taken on the go, as well as the odd lakeside barbecue. You are sure to return home refreshed though, and with a guaranteed healthy glow.
Go downhill skiing. Andorra boasts some brilliant skiing – but spending a week on the pistes would mean missing out on some of the most stunning regions of the country. If planning a winter holiday here, try cross country skiing instead to cover plenty of ground – or perhaps snow shoeing, which can take you to the parts even cross country skiers can’t reach. Learn how to build your own igloo, mush huskies, and even locate people trapped in avalanches using transponders – a sort of very grown up – and potentially lifesaving – game of hide and seek.
Come for the tax free shopping. Chances are you’ll have a free day during your holiday to venture into the compact capital of Andorra la Vella if you do fancy a mooch around the shops. But personally, we think the mountain views and pristine lakes are what really sum up “priceless” here.

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Andorra travel advice

Nick Elrington, from our leading Andorra supplier Intrepid Travel, shares with us some of his top tips for holidays in Andorra:

Why choose Andorra?

“Andorra is quite unique as it is bordered and surrounded by both France and Spain but has managed to keep its independence over the years. Andorra has a great mixture of rural high altitude mountains and a very modern and stylish capital city. It is one of the average highest areas in the Pyrenees and Spain, making it great for skiing in the winter, but as it is south along the Pyrenean range and close to the Mediterranean sea it enjoys many days of sunshine and it makes it a perfect climate for summer activities averaging most days in the 20°Cs - very comfortable for walking and biking throughout the day.”

Family travel tips

“Andorra is one large playground. Its largest industry is tourism and with skiing as its backbone things are set up and designed to be ideal for families, with a large range of fun activities from hiking to off road biking and then zip wires, rafting (just over the border in Spain), rock climbing, tax free shopping and its famous spa centre the Caldea. It is a great place for families not wanting a beach holiday but wanting plenty of entertainment.”

The best time to go to Andorra

“Being at high altitude, spring arrives late here; so the most amazing time to visit is in June when the mountain are a technicolour of wild flowers – though being spring you can expect a few wet days. July is still green, many flowers are still around and with the drier weather it would probably be the best month; however, even though it can be a little hotter in August, it is never too hot to enjoy.”

Basing yourself in Soldeu

“My personal favourite place is Soldeu where the hotel is located – right on the door step we have Incles Valley with many marked treks up to the numerous mountain lakes and the then possibilities of scrambling up to a peak of nearly 3,000m, and then on the opposite side of the valley we have the ski resort which have lifts open in the summer for mountain biking. Soldeu is also only a 30min bus ride to the capital where there are shops, a spa centre and plenty of great restaurants – all you would find in a modern city.”
Written by Vicki Brown
Photo credits: [Page banner: Huche] [Top box: Alex Baker] [Things to do/not do: Marc Rafanell Lopez] [Best time to go: Albert]