hiking in the alps

I don't think it's ever "more rainy" in the Mt. Blanc area than anywhere else in the Alps. We've hiked in both areas days apart on two different trips and enjoyed both. But overall, we like hiking in the Berner Oberland (Jungfrau) way more than in the Chamonix/Mt. Blanc area. But we like Mt. Blanc itself way more than the Jungfrau - that's why we've been to both areas twice. In July '06 we had beautiful weather in Chamonix/Mt. Blanc, then moved on to Murren in the Swiss Alps (Jungfrau) and had good weather there. In July '08 we had some minor scattered showers in Chamonix, then moved on to Murren, where it rained very heavily for 2 whole days. So, on our second trip, there was less rain in Chamonix than in Murren. No one can predict what the weather will be for sure, anywhere, ever. But in the summer, you are more likely to have good weather anywhere in the Alps than you are likely to have rain.

We have done four two-week hiking trips in Switzerland and Chamonix, in late June, July and August, and have had some rain but mostly sunshine on every trip. It is the mountains and you have to take what you get. We had four glorious days at Chamonix and one of rain, which we used to daytrip to Chateau de Chillon. From what I have read, the weather in the south side of the Alps tends to be a bit sunnier, but on any particular visit you could still encounter rain. If you are looking for lots of hiking n varied terrain in the Valais region, consider Zermatt as a base. Or I will mention one of our favorites for hiking, also in the Valais, which is Bettmeralp, a car-free village much like Mürren. That has been our sunniest place so far, but a friend who visited found fog. So you can never predict mountain weather.

Lola is correct. At least in Switzerland, the valleys of the Berner Oberland receive more precipitation than the Rhone valley to the south. You can see an obvious change in vegetation as you descend the Grimsel Pass from the canton of Bern into Valais. However, this is all relative, because there are no truly "dry" regions of the Alps. Even in the driest months of the year (September and early October), you should prepare for at least some rain, then be thankful if it stays sunny.

Thanks for your replies. What about time of year? I get more vacation time if I don't go in the summertime. When does the weather turn wintry?

Snow usually starts to accumulate at high elevations anywhere from late September to late October. I wouldn't plan any extensive Alpine hikes after the 15th of October. September is, in my opinion, the best month of the year for hiking in the Alps.

As Tom said, your best time for off-season hiking would be September or early October. The Upper Engadine area, in the canton of Graubunden, is reputed to have especially nice weather in the fall. At least that is what their tourist literature claims.

How about the Italian Alps? What are the most scenic areas? I hear the food is really good and the prices less pricey.

I stayed in the Orlter Alps (Val di Sole), north of Trento for a week and the scenery was stunning. Yes, it was significantly cheaper than Switzerland and Austria. Judging by the vegetation, though, I don't think this is a particularly dry region.