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/46C, 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.
