Colmar in May

December transforms Colmar into a Christmas card come to life. Five different markets fill the squares with mulled wine, handcrafted ornaments, and the kind of holiday magic that makes cynics believe again. But crowds pack the streets like sardines, and hotel prices triple. May through September offers the best weather for exploring wine villages and hiking the Vosges trails. July brings the Colmar International Festival — classical music in venues like the Dominican Church, where acoustics make violins sound like angels singing. August means harvest season approaches and winemakers get generous with tastings. Here's the insider move: visit in October. Autumn colors paint the vineyard hills while temperatures stay comfortable for walking. The summer crowds have departed but restaurants and attractions remain open. Plus, new wine releases hit the market and prices drop before winter tourism kicks in. Just pack layers — morning mist can chill you to the bone while afternoon sun has you shedding jackets.