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Climbing in the sun on a winter's day in the South of France is always delightful, in fact many Brits may
prefer to visit the south-facing cliffs in this book in the winter season. If you want to climb on the south-
facing crags like Calamès or Sinsat, winter is definitely a good time for it always bearing in mind that this is
a mountainous area and not one of the Costas. Other crags may be in poor condition at this time though.
Average Temp ˚C Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Foix (maximum)
10 13 16 16 20 22 24 26 23 19 12 11
Foix (minimum)
1 3 4 5 10 13 14 15 12 9 3 1
For most of the crags spring and autumn are the best times when you can choose between optimum cool
climbing conditions in the shade or relish the warmth of the sun. Summer is the time to visit the north-
facing venues - the steep caves like Sabart with its micro-climate, or head into the hills. Alternatively,
choose your venue and time of day so that you chase the shade - the cliffs around Niaux are ideal for
this. Consider choosing somewhere close to one of the rivers where you can go for a swim to cool off
after a hot day on the rock.
Hours sun / day Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Foix (average)
3 4 6 7 8 9 10 9 7 5 4 3
The number and variety of crags in the Ariège means there's always somewhere to climb, no matter what
time of year you choose to visit. Factor in the other activities on offer at different times of the year and
summer or winter and you should never be short of something to do.
Rain days / month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Foix (average)
13 11 11 9 10 7 6 7 8 10 12 12
The average rainfall for the areas covered by in book is low but not as low as sun-seeking climbers
might be used to in Spain and the Côte d'Azur. On a week trip you could well have a few days of rain
to contend with which might mean a rest day, or a visit to a steeper crag for some ever-dry routes. After
prolonged rain most of the steeper crags will suffer from some seepage.
Th e P l a n t a u r e l
Ca l amè s A r e a
N i a u x A r e a
Au z a t A r e a
S i n s a t A r e a
Ax - l e s -Th e rme s A r e a
Moun t a i n
Wa l k s
18
Ariège Logistics
When to Go
Early season exploration in the mountains. If the
sign says "closed" it means it! Photo: Chris Craggs