Chamonix in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Chamonix

12°C (54°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Autumn foliage peak season - larch trees turn golden yellow across the valley, creating spectacular photography opportunities especially around Lac Blanc and Aiguillettes des Posettes
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to summer peak, with mid-range hotels averaging €80-120 versus €150-200 in July
Stable weather windows - October typically offers 4-5 consecutive clear days perfect for high-altitude hiking before winter closures begin
Fewer crowds on trails - popular routes like Tour du Mont Blanc sections see 60% fewer hikers than summer months while remaining fully accessible

Considerations

Cable car closures begin mid-October - this destination and Grands Montets typically close for annual maintenance from October 15-30, limiting high-altitude access
Unpredictable mountain weather - conditions can shift from sunny 15°C (59°F) to snow flurries within hours, requiring flexible planning
Shorter daylight hours - sunrise at 7:45am and sunset at 6:30pm limits hiking windows compared to summer's 14-hour days

Best Activities in October

Larch Forest Hiking Trails

October is the only month when European larch trees display their spectacular golden needles before dropping. The Aiguillettes des Posettes trail offers the best concentration, with trees peaking between October 5-20. Clear morning light (8-11am) provides optimal photography conditions. Temperatures range 8-15°C (46-59°F) at 2000m (6,562ft) elevation - perfect for comfortable hiking without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking requires no advance booking. Download IGN maps offline as cell service is limited above 1800m (5,906ft). Trail conditions posted daily at Chamonix Tourist Office. Guided nature photography tours typically cost €65-85 per person and book 5-7 days ahead.

Valley Cycling Routes

October's cooler temperatures make valley floor cycling ideal - summer's 25°C+ (77°F+) heat is replaced by comfortable 10-18°C (50-64°F) conditions. The Petit Balcon Sud offers 15km (9.3 miles) of trails with minimal elevation gain and impressive Mont Blanc views. Autumn colors peak along the Arve River path. Morning fog clears by 10am, creating dramatic mountain photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Electric bike rentals typically cost €35-45 per day. Book 2-3 days ahead as many rental shops reduce fleets after September. Standard mountain bikes cost €25-35 daily. Most routes are self-guided with downloadable GPX tracks available from local bike shops.

Alpine Lake Photography Tours

Lac Blanc and Lac des Cheserys offer mirror-perfect reflections in October's calmer conditions. Morning temperatures around 5°C (41°F) create mystical fog effects that clear by 9am for crystal-clear Mont Blanc reflections. The 2-hour hike to Lac Blanc (2352m/7,717ft) provides autumn larch foregrounds with alpine lake compositions impossible in other seasons.

Booking Tip: Guided photography workshops cost €95-130 per person and include technical instruction. Book 7-10 days ahead as group sizes limit to 6 people. Independent hiking requires parking at Flegere cable car base (€8 per day). Check weather forecasts 48 hours prior - clear mornings essential for reflections.

Thermal Spa Experiences

October's cooler mountain air makes thermal spas particularly appealing after hiking. QC Terme Chamonix offers outdoor thermal pools at 36-38°C (97-100°F) with Mont Blanc views. The contrast between crisp 8°C (46°F) air and warm mineral waters creates a uniquely Alpine wellness experience. Indoor saunas provide refuge during afternoon rain showers.

Booking Tip: Day passes typically cost €35-55 depending on duration and treatments. October weekdays offer 20% discounts compared to weekend rates. Book spa treatments 3-5 days ahead. Entry includes towels and robes. Sessions recommended after 2pm when hiking weather becomes unpredictable.

Mountain Hut Dining Experiences

October marks the final weeks for high-altitude refuge dining before winter closures. Traditional mountain huts serve hearty autumn specialties like tartiflette and locally-sourced game. The 1.5-hour hike to Plan de l'Aiguille refuge offers panoramic dining at 2317m (7,602ft) elevation. Crisp October air enhances appetite and makes the warming mountain cuisine particularly satisfying.

Booking Tip: Mountain huts typically cost €25-35 per person for traditional meals. Most close between October 15-31, so verify operating schedules. Reserve tables 24-48 hours ahead, especially weekends. Bring layers - outdoor terraces close when temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F).

Paragliding Valley Flights

October's thermal conditions provide smooth, stable flights with exceptional visibility. Cooler air reduces turbulence common in summer months. Tandem flights from Planpraz (2000m/6,562ft) offer 15-20 minute scenic flights over autumn-colored valleys. Clear mountain air and lower humidity create optimal conditions for photography and video during flights.

Booking Tip: Tandem paragliding costs €95-120 per person. Book 3-5 days ahead as weather dependency limits daily flights. Flights typically scheduled 10am-4pm when thermal conditions are most stable. Weight limits 90kg (198lbs) maximum. Include GoPro footage for additional €20-30.

October Events & Festivals

Early October

Fête de la Pomme (Apple Festival)

Traditional harvest celebration featuring local apple varieties, cider tastings, and Alpine folk music. Local farmers showcase heritage apple cultivars grown in Chamonix valley orchards. Traditional pressing demonstrations and fresh cider tastings highlight autumn agricultural traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Merino wool base layers - temperatures fluctuate 10-15°C (18-27°F) daily, requiring adaptable layering system

Waterproof hiking boots rated to 1500m (4,921ft) - October trails include wet leaves, morning frost, and occasional snow above 2000m (6,562ft)

Packable down jacket - essential for early morning starts and high-altitude activities when temps drop to 2°C (36°F)

Rain jacket with pit zips - October averages 8 rainy days with afternoon showers lasting 30-60 minutes

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV reflection off snow at high altitudes remains significant despite lower UV index

Headlamp and extra batteries - daylight hours limited to 10.5 hours, essential for early hiking starts

Microspikes or light crampons - morning frost and occasional snow above 2200m (7,218ft) create slippery conditions

Insulated water bottle - prevents freezing during high-altitude activities and maintains warm drink temperature

Waterproof gloves and warm hat - essential above 1800m (5,906ft) where windchill can make 8°C (46°F) feel like freezing

Cash in small denominations - many mountain huts and refuges don't accept cards, typical meal costs €25-35

Insider Knowledge

Cable cars run reduced schedules starting October 15 - many operate only weekends or close entirely for maintenance. Check current schedules at chamonix.com 48 hours before planned activities.

Morning fog in the valley usually clears by 10am, revealing perfect mountain visibility. Locals start hiking activities after fog clearance rather than at sunrise.

October hotel rates drop significantly after October 15 when summer tourists leave but before ski season pricing begins. Midweek stays cost 40-50% less than summer peak.

Fromageries offer seasonal Alpine cheese selections in October featuring summer-aged varieties. Local Reblochon and Beaufort reach optimal aging just before winter storage.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all cable cars operate daily - many high-altitude lifts close mid-October for annual maintenance, stranding unprepared hikers at valley level

Underestimating weather variability - conditions can shift from sunny hiking weather to snow flurries within 2 hours, requiring complete gear regardless of morning forecasts

Planning inflexible itineraries - October weather requires 2-3 backup indoor activities for every planned outdoor excursion due to sudden weather changes