Weather/clothing for October trip

Scrap the shorts and the heavy jacket. The heavy jacket is too bulky and takes up too much room. As we always say, dress in removable layers.
Why not check out the localized forecasts on the net? That might give you a better idea of what to expect weather wise. You're leaving in a couple weeks, right? Or why not post specific weather questions here, under the section of the country you will be visiting?

They have had snow in Switzerland now already - it will be cool. Agree about Layers... take merino-wool or fleece layers - and a waterproof gortex shell (all lighter and easier to pack!). I like MountainHardwear brand - but there are very afforable LL-Bean water/wind proof shells. A pair of long-silk or merino underwear may be good for the hikes!

Hi,
We always check - http://weather.yahoo.com
before leaving.

We were in Munich, Austria and the Dolomites mid to late Oct. in '01, '03 and Oct. '06. We experienced pretty good, mild weather so far. Last Oct. (last 2 weeks) we had 2 days with the temps in the high 70's. Every year is different of course. I've never brought a "winter" jacket with me and we are again leaving in 2 weeks for Germany and Austria. Again, I'd check the local forecast before leaving.

Paul

Another helpful resource is Weather Underground's Trip Planner. You can search historical weather data over the past several years anywhere in the world that has weather data. I use this all the time before I go. I find this to be a better research tool than simply checking the average highs and lows for a place. Weather is changing so rapidly worldwide over the past 5-10 years that the "averages" aren't as telling as they used to be.

long johns made of silk, lightweight and warm and cozy as pj's

You will probably only need warm clothing on the mountain peaks... and even there, unless you plan to stay outside for hours, you won't need a heavy coat. There shouldn't be any snow on the lower slopes or in the valleys this time of year. Paris, London and Munich should all have relatively mild weather. A light jacket and maybe a sweater should be enough

Actually, staying dry will probably be more of an issue than staying warm.

I just heard from a friend who is hiking in Switzerland right now...it's raining. I hiked there last year, this same week, and it rained on us almost every single day. There was snow one day on the peaks above town.

Take a rain jacket and some light weight layering pieces. I like Merino Wool. Not itchy, very lightweight and great for layering.

I'm heading to Rome in a few weeks, and I'm packing compact umbrellas and a rain jacket with hood. The weather will not prevent me from walking around town!

As the other poster said...don't take a heavy jacket! Layer! If you need a lesson on how to do that...stop in at a mountaineering shop in Sacramento or SF. Try REI even! Let the sales people help you out.
Keep in mind that you do NOT have to buy expensive GORE branded raingear. Anything lightweight with taped seams and breathable (store branded) will work!

Good, I'm glad its raining :) This means that when I arrive next week the weather will of course be perfect! I'm planning on doing the 6 hour ridge hike in the Interlaken area Rick describes in his book. Has anyone else done this hike?

Layering is the way to go - and merino wool is great (Icebreakers)... but id have to say Gortex breathable is the best... a good jacket is not the place to be stingy IMO. Withs sales - a 250$ top brand jacket an be 150 or less - a great investment. Mounthardwear is my fav - but other brands make real quality stuff with good extras (hood, lite weight, breathable). You dont want to spend 4500$ on a trip and save $50 on the jacket! (just like rick says about guide books!) Its an investment that will last for many more trips - and end up being cheaper in the long run!