The county of Ripollès is located in the province of Girona and is divided between the Axial Pyrenees (the axis of the mountain range, i.e. the border with France) and the Pre-Pyrenees. Being in the Pyrenees, the weather in Ripollès is characterised by high mountain weather at the highest altitudes, but the influence of the Mediterranean Sea is also present in the valleys and areas of lower altitude.

Despite this typical variability of the weather in Ripollès and the unpredictability that climate change brings, here you can find information of the weather you will find in Ripollès each season of the year:

What is the weather like in Ripollès in winter?

In winter, temperatures are cold (especially at high altitudes where they are usually below 0°C) and the humidity in the atmosphere is high. The peaks of the highest mountains are covered with snow, while in the valleys, snow and rain alternate. This climate and landscape are ideal for winter activities such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Vall de Núria or Vallter 2000.

Caution with the ‘Torb’ wind, a very strong wind that usually blows from December to February, and which, due to its strength, drags the snow accumulated on the ground which, together with the snow in the form of precipitation, dramatically worsens visibility.

Springtime

Although during the spring months the weather in Ripollès is still quite varied between the villages at higher altitudes such as Toses (1,444 m above sea level), Setcases (1,265 m), Queralbs (1,236 m) or Molló (1,182 m) and the municipalities at lower altitudes such as Ripoll (691 m) or Vallfogona de Ripollès (956 m), the climate is milder and more pleasant during the sunny hours; the nights, however, are still very cool.

It is the time of thawing snow, of full rivers and vigorous waterfalls, of vibrant green mowing meadows and the appearance of wild flowers such as the snow lily or the blue anemone.

It is also the ideal time for outdoor sports and leisure activities such as hiking and cycling. See the page ‘What to do in Ripollès’ for a complete list of things to do in the county.

The summer months in the county of Ripollès

Although the weather in Ripollès has been changing over the last few decades, summer temperatures are traditionally pleasant (around 20-25 °C in the valleys) and the days are generally sunny. However, caution is advised, as the influence of the mountains generates afternoon thunderstorms that can catch you unaware.

The months of June to August are also good for outdoor activities as the days are long and we can take refuge from the heat in the shade of the forests of ash, oak, chestnut and, in the mid and high mountains, fir trees. Discover the natural and scenic heritage of the Caçaleres del Ter i del Freser Natural Park.

Autumn

With the arrival of autumn in the Ripollès, temperatures start to drop and the days become cooler again (between 10-18 °C in September and between 5-12 °C in November). This drop is more evident in mid and high mountain areas such as Ribes de Freser and Planoles.

Although it is traditionally the rainy season, especially in October, autumn is an ideal time of year to visit the Ripollès and enjoy the transformation of its forests, when the green tones of the trees change to reds, golds and browns.

Another good reason to visit Ripollès are the important fairs that are held in the region:

• The Santa Teresa livestock fair in Ripoll on the second weekend in October.
• The Pumpkin Fair in Sant Joan de les Abadesses, also in mid-October.
• The Trunfa Potato Fair in Molló, where the local potato is celebrated in mid-September.
• The Trunfa Market in Villalonga de Ter in mid-October.
• The Livestock Fair in Ribes de Freser, also in mid-October.
• The Mulats Fair in Espinavell de Molló on 13 October.

You will find all the fairs, festivals and events in the county in the Ripollès Turisme agenda.