I'm planning to stay in Luzerne, then Lauterbrunnen mid September with plans to go up the mountains (not a hiker, but a walker). Can anyone tell me what type of warm clothing I am likely to need at high lookouts (Jung Frau etc.)? Also, is the temp up high greatly different from that in the valley this time of year?
Thanks
Expect that temperature decreases by 3F to 5F for every 1000 feet of elevation gain all other things being equal or the same. Mountain weather can be more extreme (e.g. wind) that will affect apparent temperature. A wind shell is as important as thermal insulation and of course staying dry is a good idea.
Luzern Weather Statistics (Means/Average)
http://www.onthesnow.com/news/a/15157/does-elevation-affect-temperature-
How does elevation affect temperature? Is there a simple way to
estimate the summit temperature if I know the temperature at the base?
Like a lot of things in meteorology, it’s fair to say you can “kind
of” estimate the summit temperature by recording the temperature at
the mountain’s base. But before we get into numbers, it’s important to
remember that temperature can vary for a number of different reasons:
shade, sun, nearby buildings (or lack of them) and inversions (colder
air sinking into valleys because it’s heaver than warm air) can all
influence the temperature.These caveats aside, here’s the scoop on temperature and elevation. If
there's no snow (or rain) falling from the sky and you’re not in a
cloud, then the temperature decreases by about 5.4°F for every 1,000
feet up you go in elevation. In mathematical speak that is 9.8°C per
1,000 meters. However, if you’re in a cloud, or it is snowing/raining,
the temperature decreases by about 3.3°F for every 1,000 feet up you
go in elevation. Thus meaning it’s a change of 6°C per 1,0000 meters.)
Great - thanks!
Temps will be mid 40's to lower 50's in the higher areas. Keep wind in mind for the higher altitudes. I have had crows/birds seem to fly, motionless, next to me the wind was so fierce.
Needed?
A daypack, decent pair of hiking/cross train shoes (merrel, scarpa, asolo, etc.).
Suggested?...
A pair of Scarpa hiking boots--decent, about $65-80 at Sierra trading post. Scarpa have worked for me for years. Hiking poles are handy but not necessary. We have 3 pair for us and our little person.
A daypack--seriously. Besides my fanny pack--seriously--it is my most used piece of luggage. It is always a carryon item for me and it's contents change as we travel from airport mode to hiking mode to museum mode, etc. Make sure it can fit your stuff, and a liter bottle of water, comfortably. A litre bottle.
Other pair of shoes are Chaco-like Tevas.
Decent socks. A pair of smart wool hiking socks and a pair or two of thinner sw socks. Gives you some cushioning.
Decent undies. Come on. Go Patagonia. Buy two or so pair, love them, get on with your life.
Hiking pants, I like mtn hardware. 3/4 length if you can get them, full length or short otherwise. Water resistant zip pockets and durable but pretty breathable material. I have worn mine for more than a month straight with no washing and there were no stains, marks, smell, nothing! I choose black, because, well, you know, anything goes with it and, at night, with it's no wrinkles, it can pass for dressy. About $75, again at stp or by searching google.
Shirts take a couple, buy more on the road. Everything goes with your black pants/skirt, right? Oh, and don't forget an ex oficio travel skirt. My wife loves them. Buy scarves too keep the chill off that match your shirts and take home to give to friends. Like those that watch your pets ;)
Bin voyage!
AVERAGES FOR JUNGFRAU IN SEPTEMBER
Temperature
-2°C 29°F
Low Temperature
-3°C 27°F
High Temperature
0°C 32°F
Thanks for the input.
