Tyrol (Zillertal)

Tyrol (Zillertal) – What you should know

The Zillertal is a year-round destination with two clearly separated seasons — and the climate data show why the periods between them are awkward. Summer reaches 24°C in July and August with a comfortable 12°C at night. Winter sits reliably below freezing at 2–3°C in January and February, which together with elevations above 3,000 metres on the Hintertux glacier explains the snow reliability.

Summer is the wettest time of year, and markedly so: 151 mm in July and 170 mm in August, across thirteen to fourteen rain days. This is typical of the northern Alps, where moist air backs up against the range. It is mostly afternoon thunderstorms rather than persistent rain, but for mountain tours it means starting early and taking the forecast seriously.

The most agreeable months for walkers are June and September at 20–23°C, with noticeably less precipitation than midsummer. September also brings the Almabtrieb, when decorated cattle are driven back down to the valley. Anyone coming in winter should know that at 4.1 hours of sunshine in January the valley often lies in the shadow of the mountains, while the pistes higher up sit in the sun.