My husband needs to decide when to take his two week leave. He is on active duty in Afganistan. We are planning on meeting in Europe and touring there. We were wondering if there is a huge differnece in the weather when comparing November December time frame and January February. If someone has recommendations we would appreciate the advice. Thanks (we are planning on spending time in Paris, Rome, Germany, and Switz
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Trela, due to the climate change weather is not predictable anymore. Last winter we didn't have any winter in Central Europe, not a single day of freezing. The year before half of Munich had to be closed down as it was drowning in masses of snow that it's hardly had before. This year there wasn't even enough snow to ski in many party of Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria. Generally speaking mid-January to mid-March are the coldest weeks in Germany, Switzerland, aka the Central European climate zone. Last year "Indian Summer" lasted until mid-November. The Western European (Atlantic climate) zone which includes London and Paris is different, it doesn't get as cold there usually. Rome in January is very nice, warm, sunny, not hot at all, not humid. Perfect month for Rome. Why don't you come here in December when everything is decorated for Xmas, when there are all those beautiful and charming Christmas markets everywhere in German speaking Europe?
Posted by
Indianapolis, Indiana, usa
360 posts
Regardless of when you decide to go, keep in mind that the cold in Europe is bone-chilling. I currently live in Indiana where winter hovers between 10 to 40 above. I've visited Paris Nov of last yr & in Feb a few yrs ago. Feb 'felt' extremely cold. A few things help. In Feb, I noticed most of the Parisians wearing a wool neckscarf. I bought one first day & that helped a lot. For my Nov trip, I layered - long sleeved tee with thin cashmere sweater & a wool blazer with a button up collar. I was very comfortable, but I did need lightweight gloves at nite. This was early Nov. During neither visit was the temp especially low, but it felt cold. Plus, as a tourist, you find yourself outside a lot. My son spent 2 yrs in Germany & said the same thing about the weather there. I'm sure you'll enjoy whenever you go. Paris is wonderful.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
In general, Nov-Dec are warmer then Jan-Feb.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
But again, this year we didn't have a single day below the 32°F mark. It's just not predictable. Roughly speaking the comment just above this one is correct from my p.o.v.
Posted by
OP
Lemars
3 posts
Thanks to you all. I am from Iowa by the way and our weather is below zero a lot of the time so I am aware of cold. I realize that it probally does vary from year to year and appreciate the comments. Thanks! It would be neat at Christmas time!