Rain or Shine, April’s Fine! | Eurohike HikingBlog

Tip # 1 - The right mindset

In bad weather or rain, you have a few choices:
You can stay indoors, venture out and grumble about the rain,
or you can embrace nature and experience it from a different, beautiful, and even mystical perspective.

When the paths are empty, a rainbow stretches across the hillside, and the air carries the fresh scent of rain – that's when the mountain world radiates a unique atmosphere. Dive into this extraordinary journey, even – or especially – because it’s raining.

Tip # 2 - The right gear

Everyone knows the saying: "There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear." This is especially true for hiking. It’s hard to appreciate the beauty of rainy weather when you're soaked to the bone. To stay comfortable on a rainy hike, make sure you're equipped with the following gear:

Waterproof hiking shoes or boots with a non-slip sole are essential (leave the gumboots at home).
A water-resistant and breathable rain jacket is a must for hiking in nature (ideally longer and with a hood that has a brim).
Waterproof overpants.
Layered hiking clothing (dressing in layers).
Quick-drying base layers and breathable functional wear (avoid cotton).
A beanie or hiking hat.
Planning a tour in high-altitude mountains? Don’t forget warm clothing, including a hat, scarf, and gloves—temperatures can be chilly even in summer.
Optional: Many hikers swear by gaiters for extra shoe protection against rain and mud.

The right equipment for the Pitztaler Steig Alpenueberquerung E5

To tackle the rain with the right gear, it’s essential to maintain and prepare it properly. Shoes should be regularly treated with water repellents, and functional clothing should only be gently washed using a special detergent for outdoor and performance wear, on a delicate cycle with a low spin speed.

When purchasing outdoor clothing, check whether it’s waterproof or simply water-repellent. Waterproof hiking jackets and pants should have a water column rating of at least 5,000 millimeters to withstand light to moderate rain. For longer tours in very wet areas, a higher water column rating is recommended. We also suggest a water column of more than 5,000 millimeters for children, as they spend a lot of time on the ground and can quickly become uncomfortable from the wet conditions.

For more information on the optimal hiking clothing for every season, check out our hiking blog.

Gasteg Golf Course Kitzbühel Alps in the rain

Hiking trail Monte Sante du Lussari in Friuli

Rainy weather and cows Ramseiden Kitzbühel Alps

Tip # 3 - The weather forecast

Always check the weather before heading out, no matter the conditions. It's crucial to look beyond your phone app and get a full picture of what to expect. Whether you're trekking through the Alps, enjoying a family getaway, adventuring with your dog, or setting off on individual hiking tours, plenty of weather services provide reliable forecasts. And don't forget to check the local tourist office website for the latest updates before you head out into the wild.

The more weather forecasts you check in detail, the better you can gauge what to expect. If all sources provide the same information, that's a good sign—the weather is likely stable and predictable. However, if the forecasts differ significantly, be cautious, as the weather may be unpredictable. In this case, plan your hike based on the worst-case forecast. For tips on hiking in higher altitudes, visit our hiking blog.

Weather Services to choose from

For weather information in Austria, you can rely on services like www.wetter.at and www.bergfex.at (for areas such as the Alps). On Bergfex, you’ll find detailed weather forecasts specifically for hiking.

The DAV Deutsche Alpenverein provides daily updates on the current mountain weather in the Alps. Simply select your region to view both short-term and long-term forecasts.

The Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) and GeoSphere Austria (available in English) also provide data to the DAV, ensuring reliable information. You can check for the latest weather updates for the Alpine region daily at 4:00 PM.

For mountain weather in Switzerland, Meteoswiss is your go-to source. It offers comprehensive details, including a rain radar, covering areas from Graubünden to the Jura.
For weather information in South Tyrol, visit https://wetter.provinz.bz.it/default.asp
Another trusted source for weather forecasts is the online weather service meteoblue.

Tip: In many mountain huts, the current weather forecast is posted. If in doubt, ask the hut keeper.

Tip # 4 - Choose the right route

The general rule is: During a thunderstorm, stay out of the mountains.

If you’re caught off guard by a thunderstorm, find shelter quickly. When hiking in the rain, it’s best to steer clear of tough, high-altitude terrain. Valleys or lower-lying trails are far more suited for wet conditions. Even a straightforward hut tour is a solid choice—it’s a perfect place to warm up, get out of the rain, or change into dry clothes.

Hiking trail Alpenueberquerung E5 Pitztal

Thunderstorms in the mountains – what now?

If you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm despite careful planning, here’s what you need to do to stay safe: Seek shelter in a solid, enclosed building—like a mountain hut—if possible. If you’re out on a meadow, get off the ground by sitting on something insulating (like your backpack) or find a hollow to lower your profile. Huddle down into a crouch, pull your legs in close, and ride out the storm. Additional tips:

Steer clear of exposed spots like summits and ridgelines.
If you're on a via ferrata, make a beeline for the nearest exit and stay well away from the steel cable.
Never seek shelter under a tree—this is the highest risk of lightning strikes.

Tip # 5 - What I pack in my backpack...

Especially in rainy conditions, packing everything properly is crucial. Forgetting a spare shirt on a sunny day isn't as problematic as forgetting your rain jacket when it’s pouring. Even if you have a rain cover for your backpack, we still recommend placing items inside separate plastic bags. This is especially important for wet gear and dry spare clothing. Searching through a drenched backpack in heavy rain isn’t fun, and it can also make everything else soggy. The bag-in-bag principle makes it much easier to find what you're looking for.

For more tips, feel free to check out our Eurohike travel checklist.

Tip # 6 - Put on your rain gear in time

A fully packed backpack won’t do you any good if you don’t put on your rain jacket and pants in time. Wearing your rain gear over already wet clothes is uncomfortable and, more importantly, dangerous, as it can lead to rapid cooling and increase the risk of getting chilled. Wet clothes underneath your rain gear will hardly dry at all.

Tip # 7 - Warm up from the inside

When the weather turns cold and uncomfortable, it’s essential to keep your core warm from the inside. Hot teas, soups, or broths are perfect for this. Plan to enjoy a warm drink during a hut stop, or if no huts are around, bring a thermos along to keep it hot. For an extra touch, thermal containers (often called lunch pots) are a great way to keep both your drink and food warm, so you can refuel and keep pushing forward.

Kaspressknoedelsuppe Braunschweiger Huette Alpine crossing E5

Tip # 8 - Slippery trails – watch your step

When hiking in the rain, stay alert to wet rocks, roots, and leaves. Keep your eyes on the trail and be mindful of every step, as slippery surfaces can catch you off guard. To stay balanced on tricky terrain, hiking poles are a game-changer. They offer solid support and stability, helping you stay steady as you navigate those slick, rain-soaked paths.

Tip # 9 - The sauna

After a long, cold, rainy hike, there’s nothing better than warming up and relaxing in a sauna or steam room. Let the day fade away, boost your immune system, and follow up with alternating hot and cold baths to revive your body and soul.