Grande Dixence Dam
The Grande Dixence Dam is a gravity dam and a class A Swiss cultural property of national significance. It is part of the Grande Dixence hydroelectric power plants and was opened in 1961 after starting in 1953. This site is one of the 29 most looked-up sights in Switzerland on English Wikipedia.
Planning a visit
The warmest months are July and August, when daily highs reach 12 °C. January is the coldest month, with a high of -11 °C and a low of -18 °C. Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, with May having the most rainy days at about 20, and December having the highest rainfall at 146 mm.
The dam is 97 km from Bern. Travelers can reach the area via Bern Airport, which is 93 km away, or Turin Airport, located 100 km away. Standing 285 m high and 700 m long, the dam is at an elevation of 2285 m. A visit can be combined with seeing the Matterhorn, 22.8 km away, or Mont Blanc, 49.9 km away.
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 12 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -11 | -8 | -4 | -1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 3 | -5 | -10 |
| Average low, °C | -18 | -17 | -14 | -10 | -5 | -2 | 2 | 1 | -2 | -7 | -14 | -18 |
| Rainfall, mm | 131 | 107 | 124 | 112 | 145 | 136 | 136 | 134 | 116 | 130 | 127 | 146 |
| Rainy days | 13 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
