We are traveling from central Texas to Scotland the first two weeks of October. I've read through the forums and see the temperatures will likely in in the 50s (high) and definitely humid and very rainy. My question is, how cold will this really feel to someone from Texas who never experiences anything below 35-40 degrees? Is it a tri-climate waterproof jacket with insulation and long underwear situation or more of a layered sweater with a windproof jacket type of feel?
Thanks!
Never? Did somebody fill in the barbed wire fence with holes in it in your part of the country? No northers where you are? I remember them even in Austin.
Humid in October – I doubt it. Very rainy – it might rain, then again it might not..
“Below 35-40 degrees” – I assume you mean Fahrenheit which is 1 to 4⁰C – Daytime temps won’t be that cold.
Long underwear isn’t needed- the weather won't be extreme. It will be changeable so take layers. You could well get warm sunny days.
I was in Scotland the first week of May and experienced sunny weather, snow and sleet. October may be more mild, but I hate the cold. Heck, I pack a wool sweater and jacket to go to Ireland in August. If it were me, I would have good layers - a sweater, fleece and rain jacket - as well as hat, scarf and gloves. And yes, this all does fit in a carry-on.
We were in Scotland and England in October and it was rainy on the West Coast but not so bad inland. I just wore a water resistant treated coat like London Fog over a wool sweater and a cotton polyester turtleneck. You can go "technical" if you are a "sporty" type. Fleece or "puffy" vests are always good because they have zipper pockets to keep stuff. Wear a knit pull on cap because it can be windy. I found a wool or silk neck scarf to be handy to keep the draft off. Footwear is probably the most important item. If you are really going to hike; you need comfortable lightweight water resistant boots.
If you are touring the Castles and Cities; water resistant leather oxford with rubber souls style shoes are best for men and ladies. Ladies can take a pair of slip-on shoes for going to dinner or theatre. I wore wool plaid skirts with tights when I wanted a dressy look. Take clothing you can roll up that won't wrinkle in packing. On tour I wore knit slacks for comfort. Bon Voyage!
that is still summer for us in Scotland and many folk will still have their shorts on, just bring a couple of layers that you can put on or take off when required , early mornings and late evenings will be a lot cooler but certainly no so cold that you need long underwear or heavy duty coats.your layered sweater with windproof jacket should be fine.
+1 for unclegus's approach! Long underwear - definitely not. Layers is the way to go. My year round look is a lightweight fleece and a puffer jacket. Forget the umbrella (it's too windy here) and bring a quick drying hat!
I was in Scotland a couple of years ago in June and a local said the temperature that day (21 June) was the same temperature as 21 December - 12 degrees. These days, average weather forecasts as about as useful as a chocolate teapot, as there are more extremes and less average days.
October can have lovely weather or it can rain every day. Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes. Check just before you come as you may need thermal layers if you are walking in the countryside. You won’t need them for Edinburgh.
We were there the first week of October in 2017, and my best suggestion is to layer and err on the side of being warm than risk being too cold. I had a 3-in-1 and wound up breaking it apart (more than using them together) to use the jacket or the rain coat as needed -- as it wasn't cold enough for me to need them together. I think it was in the 60s as the high most of the time we were there, so you just never know. With a sweater or two, you'll be fine -- I'm from Seattle (and have lived in Texas) and we have fairly mild winters here, too.
