weather mid to late september, French alps and dolomites

[John Boy]

Hello.
Planning a trip to French Alps and Dolomites this year. Myself and Parny go at least once a year.
However, this year we may have to go later than normal, leaving uk 16th september.
Can anyone tell us what the pass conditions are usually like at this time of year. We were nearly stuck in Andermatt at the end of August last year but escaped. By tihe way, what has happened to Andermatt? It used to be a fun night out.
Thanks in advance, John and Parny.

[Michael J]

Look up "Glitch" - either here or on AusTouring - that's his preferred time of year.

[John Boy]

Thanks Michael. Will look into that.
It's only the potential closure of the passes that concerns us, due to any snow.

[BourneToRide]

Ludwig also takes his last trip in Sept so he should be helpful.
You are much more likely to see a covering of snow late sept, I guess its just luck if it will stop you

[John Boy]

Thanks for that Guys. Can't be too careful. I will pick the brains of both Glitch and Ludwig for their expert opinions.
I suppose a lot of luck is involved but we have been caught out in 2008 and 2011 now. That was Switzerland though.

[mingy]

Hi John boy,

Last year I did a two week tour leaving on the 18th of sept Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and France. never saw a drop of rain, quite warm too,

Cheers Dave,

[Mark]

In my experience you're far less likely to see snow on the road in September than in May. I have never seen snow on the road in September, but then I live close enough not to go if there is

[iomrob]

, but then I live close enough not to go if there is

oh just rub it in, why dont you ...........

[John Boy]

Well it seems like a mid September trip could be possible.
Thanks again guys.

[ludwig]

Sorry for the what late reply ( only saw your message now ) , but september is indeed my favorite month , and more specific , the French Alps in sept . Mountain weather is unpredictable , but 8 times out of 10 , I had exellent weather. Lots of climate info on the web , like here :
http://meteo05.sepcs.fr/climat/hautes-alpes.pdf
September days are of course shorter and nights can be cool , but the light and the colours are so much nicer .
When the sky is clear , it is cristal clear , without that typical summer haze .
Traffic (France ) , away from the major routes is almost non existent .
With a little luck , you can do a less frequented col , say, Col de la Cayolle , from bottom to top without seeing ANY other vehicle .
Sometimes , you really have the road for yourself .
Compared to the French Alps in september , the Dolomites are like Paris at rush hour .
Typical for september is morning fog in the valleys , and if you camp , pay attention where you put your tent , to catch the rising sun .
Also : the combination of frost at night and the morning sun causes rockfall . Mostly small stuff , but still someting to watch out for , and unlike the Swiss , the French are not in a real hurry to clear the roads ..
In the afternoon , the low sun can be a nuisance too .
Boy , I wish it was september already ..

[John Boy]

Thanks for the information Ludwig. It is much appreciated.
It is now looking like we will be down the French Alps about the 16th September.
Our experience of Switzerland, even in August, is of unpredictable weather.
We usually spend one day travelling to the Alps. It is then play time in the mountains before we head north to Zebrugge about a week later, avoiding the main routes.
I agree, bring on September, although we have to ride the Pyrenees first, in June.
Thanks again, John.
 

[Rasher]

We were in the French Alps in the second week of September last year and it was fantatic, I assume being a bit futher south and closer to the Med than Andermatt probably helps keep it a bit warmer.

[Ali in Austria]

September is a glorious time of year to Tour The Austrian Alps and Dolomites. Day time temp are very pleasant, evenings can be a bit chillier. Snow is rare and doesn't normally hang around except at altitude. The roads are cleared very quickly.

I would recommend this time of year over May any time. Late September can see the leaves start to fall so it's something to bear in mind. 2011 was a brilliant Autumn with shirt sleeve weather right up to the beginning of December, although there were a couple of dumps of snow, one in September and one in October.

Oh, and I live right in the middle of it so only have to look out of the window to decide if it's play time in the mountains. We're at 1200m on the side of the Dachstein Massive.

[John Boy]

You are making me jealous now. I know the area a little and your hotel looks very nice. Last time we were down that area we stayed in Zell Am See,
So it looks like mid to late September is a good time to visit the alps, the latest we have been is early September
Thanks for the advice everyome,
John.

[Ambroise]

Hello All,

To help you in your decision, please find below the forecasted dates when the main french alps passes are opened.

The "week" column gives the number of the week it usually opens to the one it usually closes.
23 is the first week of June.

Of course, this is just a forecast, and snowfalls can happen anytime because of the altitude. If it is closed within the range of opened weeks, it should reopen soon... It should...

To me the best period to go is june or september : good weather and less crowded roads.



Regards,

Ambroise.