I have done a little research on weather averages in Germany during end of October-November 27, and it looks as if we can expect temperatures around the mid forties. We are starting in Berlin, traveling south, and ending up in Frankfurt basically following Rick's three week itinerary . Should we expect snow? Is there usually lots of rain? Is it terribly cold as a rule? We are from California, and really don't possess cold weather clothing for the most part.
Suggestions, please.
Thanks,
Barb
Snow in that part of the year is unusual but not unheard of (I remember one year we got snow in Munich in mid October), but definitely count on cold and wet. Most parts of the country averages 13-15 rain days in Oct or November so you plan on just under 50% of your days to be rain days. The only bright side is the rain is generally a light, steady, even rain and not likely to be the thunderstorms that can form in the summer.
Dress in layers.
DJ
It is a changeable time of year for the weather. Hard to predict. As DJ said take a few layers to wear with your normal clothes. I pack a couple light polar tech shirt-sweaters and a breathable rain coat. A pair of silk long johns are also light weight protection against cold. That is what I do for April or December trips. It is light packing and very versatile for different temperatures and types of precipitation.
The only snow you will likely see is on the peaks of the Alps.
You will probably see some rain, although it tends to fall lightly, but frequently. You likely will not need any special clothing, just an umbrella when you get caught in the open.
As the others mentioned, you're traveling in a transitional period (and covering a large geographic area), so there's a very large range of temperatures you can suspect. All that you can be sure of is that you won't encounter very hot or very cold weather.
Having lived in Germany for over 28 years, I have never worn long johns in Oct. nor in Nov. though I am a big fan of wearing them in Jan. and Feb. Normal jeans, sweatshirts or sweaters with a decent jacket. I like using an umbrella, husband likes a rain coat. Your choice on that one.
It may be rainy, but snow and freezing temperatures are not an expected weather occurrence in Nov. You may get a lot of fog in Nov. and at least for last 2 years the trees didn't even start changing colors until late Oct. It was quite mild during autumn and even winters have been very mild the last 2 years.
Unpleasant weather and short days.
If you need warm clothes you can buy them in Germany.
Bert got it right: unpleasant
November is the worst month in my books from a weather perspective. Wet, foggy, grey skies. Even if the thermometer does not dip down terribly low, I do feel quite cold. And I'm used to Canadian winters now!
You don't need a winter coat but a warm fleeze and a good rain jacket will go a long way to be able to enjoy your trip.
We lived in Germany once from June- December. Like other posters have said, it can be gray and damp during November. Dress in layers. Are you going to be there until November 17 OR 27? Your title says 17 and your post says 27? Just in case you are there until the 27th I'll include a good link for Christmas market opening dates by region. Gluhwein can be a nice deterrent to the cold temps in late November...
http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/christmasmarkets_germany.htm
