To those of you out there who have visited Switzerland & Austria the last 2 weeks of any October, I'd be interested in hearing your comments. I know that weather can be "iffy" at that time, and I'm afraid that the weather might deter me from doing as much walking and sightseeing as I would like. What sort of clothing should I make sure to take? I just don't know if going at that time of the year would do the trip justice in comparison to going, say, in early September.
Any opinions or insights? Thanks.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I've visited during both times of the year.
Early September is a really nice time of the year. Harvest related festivals are common. Days are nice, often sunny and warm. Evenings are cool. The prices and crowds are down from the summer tourist rush. This would always be my first choice for traveling North of the Alps; late May would be my second choice.
I've also been in late October. Expect cool to cold days and cold nights. Our October trip was unusually cold. We had foggy mornings and clear blue skies but always wore sweaters and light coats and picked up knit caps, scarves and gloves at a store for added warmth. Prices are down still further and their are relatively few tourists. This is the best time of year for South of the Alps where it's warmer.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Id highly recommend September as well - or very early Oct if you cant go early or mid sept. The weather is always changing - could be no snow until JAN or it could have some in Oct! you never know. The climate warming makes it a bit warmer longer maybe... but if you must go - just bring plenty of layers like merino wool - that are light, low-bulk and layer well together. Also take a rain proof jacket just in case (wind/rain gortex etc is great and lite).
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
We went to Austria (Vienna and Salzburg with a day trip to Budapest) in late Nov. last year. WE LOVED IT! We had light snow on two days- just enough to be pretty but not much accumulation (less than 1/4 inch). The days were very cool to cold but layers (and an occassional stop for hot chocolate or tea) made us comfortable. Nights were cold but not uncomfotably so. We love the Christmas markets and did LOTS of walking and sightseeing. We like the smaller crowds and the great food!
Posted by
NYC area
3001 posts
Hi Ruth,
We've been to the Swiss, Austrian and Bavarian Alps and Italy's Dolomites 5 times the last 7 years. All in mid to late Oct. (except for 1 year in Apr/May). Last year we went the last week of Oct. and the first week of Nov. In general, the mornings and nights were chilly, but the days were quite pleasant. We always wear our heavier jacket on the plane and pack a lighter one in our bag. We've experienced, in general, days in the upper 50's to 70's and a couple of days in the upper 70's low 80's. I will say that we've had only about 4 or 5 days which it rained on all our Oct. trips combined.
For us, we wouldn't go any other time of the year. Less crowds, less expensive rates and generally good weather.
Paul