It’s summer: inviting patios, annoying mosquitoes, glowing sunsets, and a thermometer that’s off the charts. And you? You still want to climb. But are you really going to suffer through it—sweating, bug-bitten, uncomfortable? Not if you follow our little guide to summer climbing.
Is summer the best season for climbing? No. But you can still make the most of this hot season.
Choose your destinations wisely
Some places are more summer-friendly for climbing. Think of the Bas-Saint-Laurent, for example. Some walls and boulders are also a bit more tolerable during the summer. Avoid south-facing routes, usually blasted by the sun. Instead, go for shaded walls with a nice forest canopy.
Be strategic
It’s possible to get decent climbing conditions in the summer with a little imagination and flexibility. Climbing early in the morning can shave off a few degrees. Another option: a night session. With proper lighting, headlamps, and motivated partners, you can have a memorable experience. Need gear? The Shop has everything you need… Indoors or out, liquid chalk can also help. The alcohol in it helps dry the moisture off your hands.
Manage your expectations
Sending your project in summer? Not likely. Working on slopers on granite? Pure suffering. Having fun? Totally doable. Summer is a good time to focus on easier volume, which gives you more mileage and experience when fall comes around. Got a project in mind? Tackling it in mid-summer will be brutal—but when good conditions return, you’ll suddenly feel superhuman on the same holds, minus the humidity and heat. Who doesn’t want to feel like Janja Garnbret or Alex Megos?
And if you think indoor climbing is spared? Nope! When it’s a sticky 36°C with high humidity, everything feels insanely hard. That’s normal. Just wait a few weeks—things will get better, don’t worry.
Dealing with those %?#! insects
These tiny hellspawn do play a role in the ecosystem, sure. But you’ll swear they exist just to test your physical and mental limits. Be prepared: bug spray, coils, Thermacell—whatever it takes. Some people even climb or belay with bug nets. Bring whatever gear you need to avoid being eaten alive outdoors.
Prep properly
More heat—both in the city and in nature—means adjusting what you eat and drink. Make sure to bring enough water (and electrolytes!), whether you’re climbing at the gym or outside. Pro tip: have a cold drink ready for when you finish your session. Another veteran tip: pack a change of clothes, whether for the ride home or to carry on with your day. It’s way more comfortable.
With all these tips, you might almost start to believe summer is a tolerable climbing season!