Europe starts October with a pronounced west-to-east contrast. Heavy Mediterranean rainfall remains the most serious weather story in south-eastern France, while western Germany is also unsettled with rain. Farther east, Austria is largely calm and mild, and much of Italy remains dry.
Morning temperatures vary widely across the region. Central Europe ranges from single digits in sheltered Alpine valleys to the mid and upper teens in cities and coastal areas. France starts mostly between 10 and 20°C, while parts of Italy are already near 18-20°C along the coast.
Afternoon temperatures remain mild for the season: around 18-25°C across much of Germany, 20-25°C in Austria, 19-24°C across most of France and roughly 21-25°C at many representative Italian locations. Corsica can still reach 25-28°C.
The main hazard zone is the western Mediterranean. Red flood and rain-flood warnings are in force in parts of southern France, while heavy rain shifts gradually eastwards. Central and eastern Europe stay considerably quieter, although cloud will increase from the west in several areas.
Travellers crossing western Europe should allow extra time where heavy rain affects roads and rail lines. Across the Alps and farther east, conditions are much more favourable for outdoor plans, with only local fog or later cloud changes to consider.