Cloud cover and sunshine

On the mountain ridges, annual periods of extensive cloud cover and reduced visibility last 130 to 150 days, whilst bright days number only 30 to 40. The shortest period of sunshine occurs in the winter months, whilst the longest is in May and June. On average, the total number of hours of sunshine equals around 1,500. Sunny and warm weather occurs especially at times of temperature inversion in the autumn and winter. The ridge sections witness frequent fog, especially in the late autumn and winter when cloud cover is also low. As a result, fog is usually accompanied by rain, ice and fairly strong winds. As fog may fall quite suddenly and unexpectedly, it presents one of the greatest dangers for mountain hikers.