French Alps in mid-late Oct, weather
 

Hi guys, just a quick question, something thats remarkably tricky to get a proper handle on via the web, but me and my friend are planning a motorcycling trip to take in some of the mountain passes and areas around the French Alps in the next couple of weeks, can anyone give advice on the likely weather conditions, it would appear to be around 5c at the moment. has anyone been at this time of year.

any advice would be appreciated


thanks

Paul

Weather by its very nature can be unpredictable so a degree of keeping your fingers crossed might be needed but October in the French Alps can be fantastic. We have a place in Alpe D’Huez and I’m often there in Oct - although not this year.

The passes will almost certainly be open - it’s rare to get snow in Oct, but you will notice the temperature starting to drop high up. Counterbalancing that you’ll be treated to some great autumn colours on the trees. Mostly the tourist industry will be quiet - Oct is in the gap between the hikers / bikers in the summer and the skiers in the winter.

Leave it until Nov and you might have problems but Oct should be good.

Thank you so much for your reply, that gives me a little more insight, I’ll make sure I’ve got some good warm gear, and will look forward to the trip !

Thanks again

Paul

You may not need it all the time - down in the valleys it's not uncommon to get 25-30C days in Oct. It does depend on the weather patterns though. Get a few days of high pressure and you'll be in shorts in the valleys and only layering up as you climb. High up in the mornings can be cold until the sun gets up - I was chipping ice at the end of August this year.

Enjoy the trip :mchappy:

Alps in October pic from a few years ago -

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...14-adh-oct.jpg