We would like to plan out our vacation to Europe in October and were considering the Alsace region- the pictures look so pretty! However, we are worried that it might be too cold and wet in October. We will most likely be traveling in the first week (or latest being the 2nd week) of October. What would you suggest? Should we plan this region for this time or would you rather we visit this area some other time during the summer months?
Are there similar, charming towns elsewhere in Europe like maybe Italy where there would be better weather in October?
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
"Too cold and wet" is sort of in the eye of the beholder, I think. And every year is different. I suggest going to wunderground.com and looking at the historical monthly data for Strasbourg (and/or Colmar if available) for October 2016, October 2015, October 2014, etc. You will find a graph showing hour-by-hour temperatures, so you can see what extremes are possible. For rain you may have to be satisfied with higher-level data.
If you're interested in wine, check to see whether there are any hharvest festivals scheduled during your anticipated travel period. That might help make up for some rain.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I went this May. I enjoyed that the area was uncrowded and lodging was easy to find but I felt it was too early in the year. It felt too cold and too early in Spring to enjoy. The new growth on the vines were just starting. When I go back, it will at least be well into June - but not in July or August when I think it will be too crowded.
October? I think if you go the first half of October, it might be pretty nice. I've spent time in Germany and Italy in October. I find in southern Germany the month starts off nice then turns cold by the end. The day that it turns cold depends on the year. Italy is ideal in October, I wouldn't go earlier. I'd expect Colmar and Strasbourg to be a lot like southern Germany.
Posted by
Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years
1166 posts
We were on the Wine Trail through Colmar and the Mosel and Rhine valleys the first two weeks of October last year.
Our 4 days around Colmar and the wine trail were very beautiful and warm. As we entered Germany, we had an afternoon shower in Bacharach. But the weather was pleasant and cool through the Mosel and Rhine, not cold.
We have been in Italy several times during September and October and the weather was nice and warm there too.
I would follow the advice of doing a search on wunderground to see the temperature averages. They may not be that different. And the weather truly cannot be totally predicted, unfortunately !
Posted by
Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada
776 posts
We got there October 20th 2015 and it was in the mid 60's during the day. We had no rain and only needed sweaters but we are warm blooded Canadians. We day tripped to Haut Koenigsburg Castle (spelling must be wrong) and also Eguisheim and Basel Switzerland. Lovely weather each day and no rain.
Posted by
101 posts
We were there for several days during the third week in October a few years ago. We had a shower or two, but most of the days were sunny with mild days and cool nights (60s and 40s). The payoff was the bright gold color of the grape vines. The drive along the Wine Road was glorious.
Bruce
Posted by
51 posts
We were there at the very end of September a few years ago, and it was gorgeous! Need to layer, as it was slightly chilly in the am & pm, but could not have asked for better weather during the day. Personally, the countryside was not as pretty as some other areas, but the towns were delightful.