Conditions Pyrenees 1st week of May

[Ernist53]

Off to the Pyrenees on the 27th April. On the Santander ferry if any gsers are on that one I will be mainly at the bar
Will be looking to camp in spain side each night and ride through the Pyrenees in the day with the odd hotel on the way!
My question is any one done this this early am I going to freeze! Do you think there will be much snow! Thinking of buying some thermals ??

 

[mrsroynie]

I can only comment on the French side of the Pyrenees but, from my experience, May can be wet - very wet. I wouldn't expect snow, but it probably won't be very warm either.

 

[John Armstrong]

I enjoy looking at this webcam:

http://www.picdumidi.com/web/fr/12-webcam.php

doesn't predict the weather, but you get an idea of how much snow is around / wind speed and temperature, so will give an idea on what it'll be like at lower levels. IIRC the webcam is pointing towards Spain.

 

[mrsroynie]

I enjoy looking at this webcam:

http://www.picdumidi.com/web/fr/12-webcam.php

doesn't predict the weather, but you get an idea of how much snow is around / wind speed and temperature, so will give an idea on what it'll be like at lower levels. IIRC the webcam is pointing towards Spain.

Ha! And this is what the Pic du Midi looks like from where we are.

 

[cookie]

The Spanish camp sites won't be open. Most open in June iirc.

 

[Ernist53]

Yes we had issues last year with that around the north west spain we have looked on tinternet and there are enough open for us to get by it just means like last year we will have the place to ourselves!!

 

[Oliwoof]

Try this site for camp sites, http://english.guiacampingfecc.com/huesca/pineta/ just had a look at a couple near to Ainsa and both were open. As for the weather all I can say is go prepared for anything and you won't go far wrong. Last year we had snow at the start of June but wonderful weather in May so who knows what it will do!

Cheers Phil

http://www.pyreneesmotorcycletours.com

ride the best roads

 

[John Armstrong]

Ha! And this is what the Pic du Midi looks like from where we are.

Must be useful having that webcam, and, it's looking a lot less white around there compared to last year.

 

[sidestand]

Not really a fair assessment - top of the Pic Du Midi is about 3000 metres

Looks much dryer below 2000 metres - still cold though

Most of the snow should be gone by May - but Col de Tourmalet will almost certainly still be closed - possibly a few other higher passes

 

[WillSp]

Weather has recently turned cold and wet in the Pyrenees.
Heavy snow today and the weekend above 1500m, so choose your route over the high cols carefully.
Tourmalet and Aubisque are still closed.
Came over the col du Pourtalet last week, so that's open.

 

[Ernist53]

Back

Hay all back now! Had a great time Bloody cold at night though! Got 3/4 way up tourmatel but still snow and lots of sheep on the road!lol can't believe the devastation from the floods last year!
We only spent three days in the Pyrenees as it was cold and wet, we did col du tour but very foggy! We spent the rest of our time ion the Spanish side! Pics to follow or check out our blog
Www.earnieandlouse.blogspot.co.uk

 

[Ernist53]

Hay all back now! Had a great time Bloody cold at night though! Got 3/4 way up tourmatel but still snow and lots of sheep on the road!lol can't believe the devastation from the floods last year!
We only spent three days in the Pyrenees as it was cold and wet, we did col du tour but very foggy! We spent the rest of our time ion the Spanish side! Pics to follow or check out our blog
Www.earnieandlouse.blogspot.co.uk

Sorry col de port!