I feel confident about packing light and packing layers until it comes to outer layer. I've read everything from a heavy wool coat to a good raincoat to a packable puffer jacket with a foldable rain shell you carry.
I seem to be overthinking the chance of rain. I have a good raincoat (live in the Pacific NW) but don't know if I want to take up the real estate in my suitcase or if will be worth bringing.
Thoughts or experiences? Thanks!
I never travel without a packable rain jacket. Because I, too, am from the PNW. A packable rain jacket (that fits over your puffer jacket) doesn't take up much room and will protect you from wind, which might a bigger factor in Vienna in October, and provides additional insulation. If you were going a month later, the heavy outer layer might be necessary, but you can probably get away with this combo. All the better if you have a longer set that hit mid-thigh instead of at the hip. Keep checking the weather before your trip and adjust as needed. If you find you've under packed, they do sell coats (and sweaters, etc) in Austria.
Hi Amyp,
We were just there last October, and we definitely needed a puffer type jacket and an umbrella. We had nice fall type days but it definitely gets cool. And yes, we got rain but with the umbrella or raincoats, you are good to go.
We are going in November and I plan to bring my usual rain jacket and possibly a puffer underneath, but only if the forecast is really dire. We have been to Salzburg in December and I was fine with just one jacket, same with Dresden in January. I run warm though. I never take a heavy coat of any sort on any trip, even our winter Iceland trips. Layers work so much better, IME. My standard packing is a waterproof rain jacket, and then one, possibly two layers underneath.
Average weather in Vienna in October 59F/15C 1.5" month rain total. If it showers tuck into a Cafe and have some Coffee and Chocolate Cake. If weather is fair go to one of the Wine or Beer Gardens or Taverns. Plenty of wonderful museums and palaces to visit. Concert Season will have started; check online for what's playing and tickets. I don't think you will need that heavy wool coat, but maybe some fleece or tech layers. I wore a trenchcoat with a removable lining when traveling in Europe one Autumn. I wore sweaters, skirts and slacks and comfortable shoes for an Urban Look. I did have a hooded jacket for casual. Another time I wore puffer jacket over a fleece pullover which also worked great in windy Spring weather.
I’m looking at my photos from late October from the past few years. Blue skies, colorful leaves and fleeces. Nothing too cold yet.
Of course check the weather as your dates approach.
We will be arriving the 2nd week of November. I run cold and unless it’s summertime I take a packable down jacket that fits into a stuff sack. I always travel with my foldable waterproof rain jacket. Neither of them takes up much space or adds much weight and I would rather be prepared.
Average weather in Vienna in October 59F/46C
59° F = 15° C
Alternate idea...
I carry my heavy coat and hat to the airport in a small cloth shopping bag. If the gate agent stops me for too many bags, the coat and hat go on and the bag goes in my pocket. A small bungee cord allows me to secure the bag to my roller carry on. The bag is also then great to have for shopping.
Thanks for all the great responses! The more I read responses the weather sounds like early summer in Alaska, and I was successful with layers only so unless the forecast is extreme I'll pull out that list.
And you can buy clothing here :). Decathlon, for example, is a great budget sporting goods store. Also great thrifting here, if that's your thing.
Yes! I'm trying to pack extra minimal in anticipation of doing some shopping. Thrifting sounds marvelous as well. Thanks for the tip!
And you can buy clothing here :). Decathlon, for example, is a great
budget sporting goods store. Also great thrifting here, if that's your
thing.
I under packed for a trip in Germany and Austria last October. Ended up getting an inexpensive coat at C&A in Munich. I shopped some of the global brands (e.g. Patagonia) and found prices significantly higher than the US.
I see you are also going to Budapest and the weather in Vienna isn't terribly different. I think you are traveling late October and early November so the average will run close to the average of each month. So your coldest will be 45F before sunrise and maybe 60+F as a high.
My standard, living here, is a light puffer that packs small and a layer or two as needed. I've also got a backpack that fits into a pouch the size of my fist that I hang on my belt. Then it is where I stuff the jacket in thr afternoon.
There are only a couple of months in the year that have fewer days with rain than do October and November. And on those dates its generally light and short lived. I live here and dont own a rain coat. Everyone will be selling their 10€ souvenir umbrellas at the slightest hint of rain.
