Wind, thermals, cloud cover, stability: Meteoblue’s meteogram brings together everything you need to decide whether to fly. A guide to interpreting it, written by DEJEPS instructors who consult it before every flight at Gréolières.
Weather · ParaglidingMeteoblue is a high-resolution weather forecasting tool used daily by paragliding pilots around the world. Its detailed meteogram allows for hourly analysis of the vent, les moteurs thermiques, la couverture nuageuse et la stabilité atmosphérique — all essential data for deciding if flight conditions are met.
The tool relies on several weather models (GFS, Arome, Arpège) to provide forecasts for several days with remarkable accuracy, in free or premium Point+ versions. But between the diagrams, the wind curves at altitude and the thermal indices, reading Meteoblue correctly is not something that can be improvised.
At Accessories, our state-certified instructors consult this tool before each flight since Gréolières, Gourdon or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Here you’ll find out how to interpret each parameter, which thresholds to use, and how to complement Meteoblue with other apps. For the physical reasoning behind this data, see our guide aerology.
Developed by the University of Basel, originally for climate research, Meteoblue has established itself as a benchmark for paragliding thanks to the accuracy of its forecasts and the richness of its data.
Meteoblue cross-references several models: the GFS for large-scale trends, but also Arome et Arpege from Météo France for fine-scale resolution across French territory. This combination offers a detailed, hour-by-hour overview of conditions for several days.
The free version provides wind at ground level, temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover. Point+ add premium diagrams, higher resolution, detailed upper-level winds and ad removal. The free version is sufficient for occasional use; Point+ is useful if you fly regularly.
Meteoblue covers the entire world, both on its website and its mobile application. Simply search for your flying site to get a complete meteogram – whether you're flying in the Alpes-Maritimes, Haute-Savoie or Puy de Dôme.
The meteogram condenses all the essential information for your flying day. Knowing how to read it is knowing how to decide. Here are the four families of data to observe.
Two levels to monitor: ground wind (take-off and landing) and high-altitude wind (wing behaviour). An arrow indicates the direction, and the colour/thickness shows the strength. A steady, moderate wind is favourable; Sudden changes between ground and altitude signal wind shear..
Meteoblue displays low, medium and high clouds. For paragliding, especially low and medium ones: dense cover at low altitude can signal a ceiling that is too low. Air that is too humid limits the development of thermals and weighs down conditions.
Any rain forecast for your slot = Cancel signal. Beyond that, observe stability: cold air at altitude over warmed ground creates instability, favourable for thermals but potentially dangerous (developing cumulus clouds, thunderstorms).
Ground temperature and its development anticipate thermal activity. Meteoblue also offers the Average speed of internal combustion engines Positive and rising values late in the morning signal good convective activity – valuable for preparing for a thermal or soaring flight.
Reading a meteogram is good; knowing from which thresholds we fly—or give up—is better. Here are the benchmarks our instructors use on a daily basis.
For a christening or introductory flight, the wind at ground level must not exceed 20 to 25 km/h, including gusts. The wind direction is also crucial: at Gréolières, a south to south-westerly wind is ideal. A crosswind or tailwind on take-off means the flight is immediately cancelled.
A favourable day: ground gradually warming under a partly cloudy sky. Monitor the average thermal speed — 1 to 3 m/s ideal For a pleasant flight, anything above 4 m/s is turbulent and reserved for experts. The height of the convective layer indicates how high it goes.
Systematic report if: cold air at altitude with steep gradient (rapid storms), wind at altitude > 30 km/h (mechanical turbulence), low, dense cloud cover (making it impossible to see the ground), rain or thunderstorms forecast. At Ailéments, update at 8 pm the previous evening: borderline conditions = postpone without hesitation.
Meteoblue is powerful, but not the only option: experienced pilots systematically cross-reference several applications to refine their analysis. Here are the most commonly used tools.
Developed for aerial sports, it's the most used app by paragliders in France: very detailed high-altitude wind, Layered visualisation to identify shear forces, model calibrated on French relief (very reliable in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur). Its limitation: coverage restricted to France and neighbouring countries.
Animated and intuitive interface: the map visualises air flows in real-time at different altitudes, ideal for a quick overview on a large scale. Access to models ECMWF, GFS and Icon, A good complement to Meteoblue. Weak point: the very local data is less accurate than Météoparapente.
Météociel gives access to the raw outputs of the Arome and Arpège models (wind, precipitation, cloudiness maps) — appreciated by pilots who know how to interpret the models. Météo-France This remains the official source for aerological bulletins and alerts.
Connected weather stations installed at many sites, they transmit in real time the strength and direction of the wind at take-off. It's the last link: after the Meteoblue and Météoparapente forecasts, we check the beacons before heading up to take-off to confirm – or deny – the forecasts.
Consulting Meteoblue is part of the daily routine for our state-certified monitors. With over 19 years of experience and thousands of flights, this habit is part of a rigorous process.
The evening before, our instructors consult Meteoblue and Météoparapente for the next day: wind, cloud cover, risk of precipitation. If it's favourable, a Confirmation SMS leaves at 8 PM for each client. The morning of the flight, a second check confirms that the models have not evolved unfavourably.
No model is perfect: Meteoblue and Météoparapente can differ on the same slot, especially in the mountains. Our instructors cross-reference at least two sources and supplement with pioupiou tags when available. This method greatly reduces the risk of misreading.
If Gréolières (1,800 m) is not possible (strong wind, low cloud base), our instructors will switch to: Gourdon offers a regular option, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin allows for over-the-sea flight in specific conditions. This flexibility means you can fly almost every day, except in January.
Whether you're a beginner or an improving pilot, here's how to get the most out of Meteoblue — and where to properly develop your weather skills.
Create a free account and bookmark your favourite sites (Gréolières, Gourdon…). Avoid the three classic mistakes: looking only at surface wind speeds, relying on a single source, and confusing multi-day forecasts with daily forecasts. And always supplement this with the'Terrain observation.
Understanding Aerology
Reading the weather is something you really learn by flying. If you're considering flying solo, it's one of our first skills courses and of our training Sky reading and GO / NO-GO decision making.
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For a baptism, no need to master these settings: your monitor will take care of it. You enjoy the flight, we'll handle the weather. And for gifting, think of gift voucher, valid for one year.
Book a flightThe Meteoblue meteogram provides detailed data that allows for rigorous decision-making. However, an tool, no matter how powerful, does not replace observing the sky or'professional supervision. Learning to read Meteoblue is a skill that's acquired, and it's really developed by flying with passionate instructors.
Fancy trying paragliding in complete safety? Book a baptism since Gréolières. Want to work towards becoming independent? Discover our courses.
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Free of charge, reading the wind, thresholds, app comparison, reliability: concrete answers to prepare your flights.
Yes, the free version gives wind speed, temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover. The subscription Point+ add premium diagrams, better resolution, detailed upper winds and ad removal. The free version is sufficient for occasional use; Point+ is useful if you fly regularly.
Focus on the surface wind (take-off/landing) and the upper wind (wing behaviour). An arrow indicates direction, colour/thickness indicates strength. A steady, moderate wind is favourable; Sudden changes between ground and altitude signal wind shear. To keep an eye on.
For a baptism, ground wind must not exceed 20 to 25 km/h, including gusts. The management states: for a Gréolières flight, a south to south-westerly wind is ideal; a crosswind or tailwind at take-off means the flight cannot go ahead. At altitude, mechanical turbulence becomes dangerous at speeds exceeding 30 km/h.
Values of 1 to 3 m/s are ideal for a pleasant flight. Above 4 m/s, conditions become turbulent and are for experienced pilots only. A good day is characterised by the ground gradually warming up under a partially clear sky. For the «why», see our guide aerology.
The two are complementary. Meteoblue offers global coverage and cross-references several models; ; Paragliding weather, calibrated to French terrain, it offers very detailed upper-level winds by layer (useful for shear) but is limited to France. Pilots cross-reference at least two sources, supplemented by real-time "pioupiou" beacons.
Reliability is decreasing after 48 hours, especially in the mountains where conditions change quickly. Use multi-day forecasts for a general trend, but confirm with the forecast for the day itself, cross-referenced with a second source and, if available, the site's 'piou-piou' beacons.
Three common mistakes: only looking at surface wind (when it can be strong at altitude); relying on a single source; confusing a forecast for several days with the forecast for the day. And never forget the'Terrain observation Sky, cloud movement, windsock, reports from pilots already in flight.
No: for your first flight, your instructor will take care of all the weather analysis. At Ailéments, a weather assessment is carried out the evening before at 8 pm and again in the morning, using multiple sources. However, if you’re aiming to fly independently via a internship, reading the weather forecast will be one of the first skills developed.
An essential tool for rigorously preparing your flights — provided you read it carefully and cross-reference it.
Vent (soleil + altitude), couverture nuageuse, précipitations, stabilité et speed of thermals everything needed to decide, hour by hour, over several days.
Ground wind Under 20-25 km/h For a baptism, ideal thermals are 1-3 m/s. Wind at altitude > 30 km/h or rain means postponement. Take-off direction is as crucial as strength.
Meteoblue + Paragliding weather Real-time pioupiou beacons. No model is perfect, especially in the mountains: at least two sources, and reliability drops beyond 48 hours.
Data cannot replace field observation or supervision. For a first flight, the instructor handles everything; to fly alone, the weather is learned by internship.
