Jackets in Europe

From a Yankee like me, I would say far too warm.

Yes, a leather jacket is appropriate to wear in European cities, but check the weather forecast for all of the areas before bringing it.

Didn't indicate if jacket is lined or unlined. I have a leather jacket with a light weight lining that can be zipped in or out. Combine that with a light sweater, and I go almost anywhere, anytime. I find a hat also very useful. At 67, the hair is thin.

Expect rain at any or all of those locations. I would take something that you don't mind getting wet.

Although a number of people (like Rick Steves) enjoy traveling with leather jackets, I personally don't like it. Leather is much heavier then synthetic materials and isn't great in the rain.

Consider taking a wind/waterproof outer jacket plus a sweater or fleece under layer. It's more versatile to adapt to the weather and will probably save you some weight.

Pete

Hi Elaine,
Weather is so difficult to predict. In 2005 we arrived in Rome the 6 June then Monterosso, Florence Venice through the 15 June; then Paris, Aix and Amsterdam till the 30 June. We saw some cloudy skies but mostly clear and extremely hot, as in a heat wave. We all had light cloth raincoats which we carried in our day packs because it was so hot. Even without a heat wave, I suspect you'd regret taking the weight of a leather jacket.
I'll be taking a similar rain coat this year with a cardigan to layer if necessary.

Elaine,

I would never take leather because it can be heavy and I wouldn't want my good leather to get wet - we have always rain at least part of the trip. I would recommend layers and if you want something a little dressy then a short (car length) casual trench.

Have fun!

In London, they mostly wear long semi-thick coats. I didnt see an american style leather coat. Plus the ones they wore were usually black. And made a bit dressier with a scarf, usually plaid, even men worse scarves.......

Thank you all for your suggestions. Elaine

I would not wear leather in June anywhere in Europe. I think you would look out of place. Light jacket of a sweater would be much more appropriate.

I think a leather jacket would be too warm and I wouldn't want to be lugging one of those around on my travels. My other concern with leather is it can look too casual. I mean a black slim-fitted leather coat can look smart and can be dressed up with a silk scarf, but I think a leather jacket can look too casual for a posh restaurant or event. You never know where you might be invited after all!

Not sure how far south Mission Vejo is in California, but I suspect you will find the cities you mention cool by comparison, nevertheless, I would think a leather jacket is too heavy for late spring. We usually travel in the fall - Sep - Oct and I take a rainproof jacket and a warm sweater and find that adequate.