Alsace - May or October?

The climate-summary chart in the Wikipedia entry for Strasbourg indicates May is, on average, quite a lot warmer than October, but also somewhat wetter. But a lot would depend on what time of the month you traveled. Stats for Colmar look similar.

Weather is unpredictable. You could travel in late May and hit a cold, wet period; you could travel in late October and have glorious weather the entire time. What is not unpredictable is the daylight hours, which will be much, much longer in May. This doesn't both a lot of people, and some even enjoy seeing cities under illumination. It bothers me a lot, and I begin to be affected by the shortening of the days before the end of September. But if this is an issue for you, it's something you're already aware of and you probably wouldn't be asking this question!

If you're a wine-lover, fall might be better. I imagine there are some wine festivals in Alsace related to the harvest.

It was fun to be there at harvest time. However, I think in France, harvest time is more mid September. There were some wine celebrations going on while we were there. Colmar had something and folks were tasting new wine. We enjoyed seeing foliage in the vineyards and in some places grapes on the vines. I guess I can't say when the vines start to bud out in the spring. I would say, Alsace would be nice most times of the year. I have been told the smallest wineries may be closed to tasting at harvest time

Listen to Jules, not to me. I don't even drink the stuff, so what do I know?

Honestly, I listen to Acraven, when I plan my travels. . .

I will also add, that we have always traveled in the fall. It has worked best for our family. Usually, October and perhaps a bit into November. Currently, I am planning a trip for September. As usual, there is WAY more that I want to do than time. I am loving that there will be sunlight until 8pm, daylight savings time change doesn't impact our trip and places like wineries are open until 7pm. (This is not to say that Alsace wineries are open that late, we are going to la Rioja, Bordeaux and beyond)

OTOH, Christmas in Strasbourg and Colmar is magnificent!

Laura B.,
I agree that December in Colmar and Strasbourg is magical. We also did day time wine touring with a wonderful guide !

Well, if you like asparagus, pick May. I have fond memories of my one trip to Colmar and entertain the idea of repeating the fabulous asparagus experience or going during Christmas.

Please report back on your choice and on your trip to feed our community knowledge.

We visited the Champagne region in mid-late September, at harvest time, which was wonderful. October may just miss that.

But doing a Web search just now for “Alsace Festivals” shows nothing in May, and some in October. One’s an Old Music festival, late Sept. through early Oct., if you’re interested in traditional Alsatian music.