I am going to Europe for the first time this coming Oct. 15th. I'll be there for a month. like to walk a lot and I love just sightseeing on foot. Not so big on inside activities even museums and such. I just love walking, talking, and looking.
I absolutely don't like traveling in chilly weather(below 50F with wind or rain). I can do London for a week but am concerned about the weather this late in the season. What should I expect? Will the weather likely ruin my walking plans?
The weather is very unpredictable so I wouldn't worry about it too much until just before you leave. Layers are handy as is a hood and an umbrella.
It is hard to say what to expect. Come, you may be pleasantly surprised.
I was in London this past April (the 6th to be precise) and it snowed! Who would have thought!!! You are going to Northern Europe....it will rain. It might be hot it might be cold it might be somewhere inbetween. Dress in layers,carry an umbrela, pop into a pub if it gets to hot/cold. I too love to walk and walk and walk. When I lived in Bangkok I would walk for hours in the heat and humidity peering into old Chinese shops and so forth. Point here is the weather should not be your deciding factor.
We've been lucky enough to be in London during November for the last 3 years. It will be chilly, but not unbearably cold. Never encountered snow, but a few mornings were "frosty". The key is layers. My best investment so far is a set of women's silk long underwear. Light and WARM. You will get rain. Not a lot (probably) but you will get some rain. Just layer your clothing, have a good waterproof outer jacket (a hood really helps), light scarf and gloves (just in case).
Besides, if you get chilled, look around and there will be a pub nearby ....
London is one of our favorite cities. We NEVER travel in summer -- too hot for us. So, November is just about perfect, although we're thinking the next trip may be around the Christmas holidays.
Enjoy yourself -- your first trip will be an experience you will never forget.
In addition to your umbrella and rain shell with a hood be sure to take waterproof shoes and decent wool socks. When you look, you will be surprised at the number of regular walking shoes that are waterproof. In the fall in Northern Europe, you will be glad you have them, especially if you like walking outside.
A rain hood
Long woolen underwear
A bikini
That may not be helpful but that's the reality of British weather
That sounds like weather in Boulder. The saying here is "If you dont like the weather, just wait 15 minutes for it to refresh"
I was there last October (around the same time as you) and it was cool but not cold. It did rain, but I had a jacket with a hood.
My suggestion is to watch the weather and pack at the last minute.
Jacquie's ideas are right on. And, if you think below 50F is cold, you will be thankful for gloves! A turtleneck as one of your layers could come in handy, too. :-)
We have decided to skip London this time and do Italy (Milan, Venice, Cinque Terre). Any advice on what to expect there weatherwise? I love cool weather but have trouble tolerating anything in the 40's with wind.
