How to dress for southern france in early september

Wondering the very same thing. Going to Chamonix (cold), then Provence, then Paris. I feel like I need to bring a steamer trunk!

Although the odds of warm weather are good (except Chamonix, I suppose), just about anything is possible north of the Alps. I'm currently in Warsaw, it's almost July, and recent days have been very cloudy, off-and-on rainy, and no warmer than the very low 60sF. I used to encounter that sort of weather often in June, pre-climate change, when I traveled to places like London and Paris. Switzerland was worse, with days in the low 50s.

For a trip just to the Riviera I'd probably just take a rain jacket, which would serve as a windbreaker if needed. With Paris in the mix I'd thrown a light sweater or fleece jacket in the suitcase as well. Although low 60s is very pleasant if the sun is out, it's not a lot of fun if you are soaked to the skin, especially if it is also windy. In my experience, cities on rivers tend to be quite breezy, and it can cool down a lot when the sun goes down anywhere at that time of year.

Starting about 3 days before departure, check weather at your first destinations on a daily basis. The temperature predictions will probably be pretty decent extending out 5 days. Precipitation is harder to pin down. When I traveled through eastern France last year, i believe I used meteofrance.com to get weather forecasts. It seemed to be more accurate about rain than weather.com.

Summer clothes will likely be right, but you always need layers and rain gear in France. I'd have a warm sweater or polartek for cold evenings and always have a lightweight water resistant windbreaker or jacket and an umbrella.

You don't need a lot of clothes but you do need layers. We have spent a few weeks in the south this time of year and I wore skirts or linen slacks, a cotton fitted T and used a travel shirt as a jacket (they have handy hidden pockets for that one credit card and walking around money. Be sure to have a hat for sun as having the sun in your eyes for hours can be pretty unpleasant. Although it was quite warm most of the time, there were times when we needed a sweater early morning or late at night.

It's all about the layers.

I'd expect Avignon to Toulouse to be mostly quite nice but I always bring a rain shell and a warm layer. In this case a (not bulky) sweater layered over a shirt and under a rain shell should be the most you will need. Most days will be short sleeve weather, most nights (unless it's raining) will probably be fine with a sweater or light jacket.

My experience is September is a nice weather month but it can still rain. Provence is really dry compared to the Toulouse area (I just got back from a June trip and there was quite a bit of rain).

I've been to Paris several times in September. Rain isn't unheard of but it's usually pretty comfortable.

Thanks to all who respojded and I will use the weather link. Judy

We were in that area during similar dates in 2011. I brought 2 pairs pants and 2 pairs capris. I recall thinking that I would have been better off bringing 3 pairs capris and one pants. I wore short sleeves every day. I think I brought a white jean jacket, but I don't recall wearing it ; I must have in the evenings. Anyway, it was very warm and summer attire sufficed.

I generally take the same clothes I wear to work; casual, but a step up from t-shirts. I enjoy print blouses with ankle pants. These days I seldom wear capri length - more ankle or crop. Capri length I find to be a bit too casual for my liking.

We were in Toulouse, Avignon , Sarlat and Provence last September. I found the weather to be very nice. But needed a light jacket to sweater most days. I found fall clothing to be what Most people wore. Light weight long sleeve shirts that can be layered work well. Cool mornings and evenings with warmer during the day were what we experienced. Definitely have a light weight packable rain coat and umbrella with you. I have an llbean very thin waterproof raincoat that I always travel with. It is a bit expensive but folds very tiny and is 100% waterproof even in very heavy rain. I think it is about $90.

We were in Paris first week of September last year and it was rainy and cold. Was very surprised how chilled it was - as we have been in September many times before and always had beautiful days and sweater weather evenings. Last year we needed that jacket just about every day.

If you have a man traveling with you, I suggest a blazer, cashmere sweater, rain jacket with hood and lightweight wool pants. The past few years we have traveled in most parts of France in September and October, and I have felt comfortable and appropriately dressed in all areas.

We will be in Normandy and the Loire, then Paris - 7 nights, 8 days - in late September. Thinking lightweight layers as well as a packable hooded rain jacket. My strategy is to wear layers to the airport and once I'm in my seat, I can shed a few as needed. But it is at least a few less items to pack in my carry on (not planning on checking a bag). Also, wear my heaviest shoes to fly - a pair of Börn booties - and pack Off the Beaten Track sneakers/walking shoes, which are incredibly light and comfy and a little more stylish than straight up sneakers. Also bringing a pair of strappy heels for evening attire. The Peruvian Connection catalog has wonderful cotton dresses that pack well, the wrinkles just shake out. BTW, a couple we know traveled to France in the spring. They said the towns in the countryside were actually more formal in the evenings than Paris, which I did not know.

I always pack one warm item and a rain shell. In provence it will be hot. As you approach Toulouse it will likely be warm but there may be rain.