Weather & Climate In Sölden
With average annual temperatures of -1.2 °C | 29.8 °F, Sölden has a tundra climate. Hence, it is rather chilly all year long. The resort’s great height—between 1,350 m | 4,429 ft and 3,340 m | 10,958 ft above sea level—affects the climate. The temperature is lower, and the precipitation is higher in height; Sölden also gets a lot of snow, particularly in winter when, in certain places, the snow cover may reach up to 10 m | 33 ft. Sölden is a heaven for skiers and snowboarders as the snow quality is outstanding.
Sölden in western Austria’s Ötztal Valley in the state of Tyrol. The Ötztal Alps, a mountain range a part of the Central Eastern Alps, ring the valley. On the eastern side of the Alps, the mountains naturally block the moist air masses emanating from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, therefore producing a rain shadow effect. Given an average annual precipitation of 1,515 mm | 59.6 inches, Sölden thus gets less rainfall than other areas in Austria. On the other hand, the valley also produces a funnel effect for the winds, which in Sölden could boost the wind speed and wind chill factor.
| Category | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Temperature in Sölden (°C) | -2 | -1 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 1 | -2 |
| Record high °C (°F) | 9 (48) | 11 (52) | 16 (61) | 21 (70) | 25 (77) | 28 (82) | 30 (86) | 29 (84) | 26 (79) | 22 (72) | 15 (59) | 11 (52) |
| Record low °C (°F) | -23 (-9) | -22 (-8) | -18 (-0) | -12 (10) | -7 (19) | -4 (25) | -2 (28) | -3 (27) | -7 (19) | -12 (10) | -18 (-0) | -21 (-6) |
| Average Precipitation in Sölden (mm) | 64 | 51 | 57 | 60 | 83 | 105 | 115 | 112 | 85 | 69 | 68 | 66 |
| Average Humidity in Sölden (%) | 77 | 74 | 71 | 69 | 70 | 73 | 74 | 76 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 79 |
| Average Wind in Sölden (km/h) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Average Sunshine Hours in Sölden (h) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Sölden
Spring Weather in Sölden
In Sölden, spring is a transitional season marked by progressively rising temperatures after the frigid winter. Whereas the average nightly temperature in March is -6 °C | 21 °F, the average midday temperature is one °C | 34 °F. The precipitation is somewhat low with 55 mm | 2.2 inches dropped in March, mainly in snow. The ski season is still in full swing, and the resort hosts various events and celebrations like the Electric Mountain Festival, a music festival with worldwide DJs and musicians, on the heavy snow cover.
The verdant meadows and the vibrant alpine scene are revealed as spring advances, the temperatures rise, and the snow melts. Whereas the average nightly temperature in May is 1 °C | 34 °F, the average midday temperature is 9 °C | 48 °F. With 97 mm | 3.8 inches dropped in May, mainly in the rain, the precipitation also rose. The ski season finishes in late April or early May, depending on the snow conditions. However, the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, accessible year-round, allow glacier skiing even if their seasons are ending. Spring is also a great season to enjoy various outdoor pursuits, including rafting, hiking, bicycling, and climbing.
Summer Weather in Sölden
With temperatures peaking in July, summer is the hottest season Sölden experiences. Whereas the average nightly temperature in July is 8 °C | 46 °F, the average daytime temperature is 17 °C | 63 °F. With 112 mm | 4.4 inches dropped in July, mainly in rain and thunderstorms, the precipitation is also the highest. The excessive humidity further makes the weather feel muggy and unpleasant occasionally. The snow cover is gone except for the glaciers and the highest mountains, where the snow may last all year.
Discovering the cultural legacy and natural beauty of Sölden and the Ötztal Valley is best done in summer. The resort presents a range of events and attractions, including:
- Hiking: With breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and lakes, Sölden has approximately 300km | 186 mi of hiking paths ranging from simple walks to demanding hikes. The Ötztal Nature Park, a protected region with varied flora and wildlife, and the Ötzi Village, a replica of an ancient community where the well-known Ice Man, a 5,300-year-old mummy, was discovered, are among the most often visited hiking locations.
- Biking: From leisurely rides to adrenaline-pushing downhill runs, Sölden offers approximately 700km | 435 mi bike paths to suit all skills and tastes. The Ötztaler Cycle Marathon, a demanding event drawing thousands of riders annually, and the Bike Republic Sölden, a network of trails, jumps, and bridges, are among the most well-liked riding venues.
- Climbing: Sölden boasts more than 600 routes for beginners and specialists across over 20 climbing locations. The AREA 47, an adventure park comprising a high ropes course, a water park, and a boulder hall, and the 007 Elements, a cinematic installation honoring the James Bond movie Spectre, which was partially filmed in Sölden, are among the most well-liked climbing sites.
- Rafting: Sölden boasts various rivers and streams that provide fantastic chances for kayaking, canyoning, and rafting. The Ötztaler Ache, a fast-flowing river with rapids and waves, and the Inn, a longer, calmer river with breathtaking vistas, are among the most often visited rafting sites.
Autumn Weather in Sölden
Another transitional season in Sölden is autumn when temperatures progressively drop from the balmy summer months. September’s average nightly temperature is 5 °C | 41 °F; its average midday temperature is 14 °C | 57 °F. With 101 mm | 4 inches of rain in September, largely in rain form, the precipitation is rather high. The temperature can be erratic; bright days alternate with gloomy and wet ones. Once again falling, particularly at higher elevations, the snow contrasts the snowy summits with the golden vegetation of the lower slopes.
In Sölden, autumn is a calm season marked by few visitors and reduced rates. With so many hotels and restaurants closed for repairs, the resort is preparing for winter. Still, there are things to see and do, including:
- Hiking: Sölden boasts several hiking paths accessible in the fall that provide excellent views of the changing leaf colors and the first snowflakes. Among the most often visited hiking sites are the Stuibenfall, the tallest waterfall in Tyrol at 159 m | 522 ft, and the Wilder Mann, a rock formation shaped like a human face.
- Biking: Sölden boasts several bike paths available in fall that provide exhilarating rides and unique surroundings. The Timmelsjoch, a mountain pass linking Austria and Italy, and the Ötztal Glacier Road, the highest paved road in Europe at 2,830 m | 9,285 ft, are among the most often visited riding sites.
- Climbing: Sölden has several climbing sites with arduous paths and breathtaking vistas that are still fit for October. The Similaun, a 3,606 m | 11,831 ft high peak where the Ice Man was found, and the Wildspitze, the highest mountain in Tyrol with a height of 3,768 m | 12,362 ft, are among the most well-liked climbing sites.
- Skiing: Sölden boasts two glaciers available for year-round skiing: the Rettenbach and the Tiefenbach. The glaciers provide various slopes and first-rate snow conditions.
Winter Weather in Sölden
Winter is the coldest season Sölden experiences, with temperatures lowest in January. January’s average daytime temperature is -3 °C | 27 °F; its average nighttime temperature is -9 °C | 16 °F. With 49 mm | 1.9 inches dropped in January, mainly in snow, precipitation is also the lowest. Strong winds, poor visibility, and frostbite hazards define severe weather conditions. Snow lovers will find a winter paradise created by heavy, continuous snow cover.
With thousands of visitors visiting the resort to experience the world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities, winter is Sölden’s busiest season. The resort presents a range of events and attractions, including:
- Skiing: Sölden boasts more than 140 km | 87 mi of easy-to-challenging ski slopes with a total vertical drop of 1,990 m | 6, 529 ft. There are thirty-three lifts on the slopes—gondolas, chairlifts, and draglifts. Comprising roughly 280 km | 174 mi of linked slopes, the resort is a component of SkiWelt, Austria’s most significant ski region. The resort also hosts the FIS Ski World Cup, an annual competition drawing top skiers worldwide.
- Snowboarding: From freestyle to freeride, Sölden has approximately 70km | 43 mi of snowboarding trails to suit all skills and styles. Twelve lifts—draglifts, chairlifts, and gondolas—serve the trails. Snowboarders may display their abilities and tricks in the resort’s snow park, a specialized space including jumps, rails, boxes, and halfpipes.
- Cross-country skiing: With nearly 50 km | 31 mi of cross-country ski paths, Sölden provides demanding, picturesque paths for traditional and skate techniques. The trails go from simple to challenging and are marked and manicured. The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, a high-altitude region with panoramic views, and the Vent, a classic town with a rustic appeal, are among the most often visited cross-country ski locations.
- Snowshoeing: Sölden boasts around 30 km | 19 mi of snowshoe paths, a leisurely and enjoyable approach to see the winter scene. The defined pathways fit all ages and skill levels. The Brunnenbergalm, a historic farm with a museum and cheese factory, and the Gaislachalm, a little mountain house with a fireplace and terrace, are two of the most often visited snowshoe locations.
