After asking my question about the weather for 3rd week in Nov, I'm on the leery side of it now.... This will be our 1st trip to Europe as a couple ( I lived in Germany 1 yr) He has never been..... maybe something a little more south, like Switzerland or so? What would be a town big enough to explore ifor several days and the take a day trip for 2 days. Assuming we would fly into Zurich? All ideas appreciated.... This is the 1st time he has said' lets go, START PLANNING. i am looking for medium sized cities and some smaller... not into the traditional touristy things... I almost just want to get ona train without plans and see what happens,,, That probably is not smart, though
Posted by
Minneapolis
1261 posts
Hi Christy. On my Europe trips, we do a lot of walking / outdoors, and the weather is very important. If you are mostly planning to do museums / indoor activites, then of course it isn't as important. One thing I suggest is to go to weatherbase.com and get likley weather for various spots. For instance, the average daytime temps in places like Brussels, Paris, and Zurich will likely be 40 - 45 degrees in Nov; places like Rome will be warmer but still may only be 55 - 60. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Obviously moving a further south increases the opportunity for warmer weather but most of Europe is further north the most of the US - just look at a world globe. The south of France -Nice, or southern Spain would be nice because of the moderating effect of the Med on the coastal areas. Rome or Florence it you want a small city would nice and the surrounding area can easily be explored via train or bus. How about Lisbon and the Algarve (southern tip of Portgual)? Algarve is closer to North Carolina. That is where we are headed the week of Thanksgiving.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Because of the higher elevation, most of Switzerland will likely be significantly cooler than Belgium. The Gulf Stream keeps most of NW Europe not nearly as cold as you would think by just comparing the latitudes to Canada. Not warm, mind you, but not Arctic either. Rather than being prohibitively cold, the weather will more likely be gray and wet. I would suggest sticking to cities at that time of year.
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
Last November, in general, it started snowing off and on from about the second week here in Germany. You could get some snow, you could get 50F for a week. There's just no telling. Belgium is a great place to go, people still live and function there in the winter time, don't let concerns for weather deter you. My suggestion for Switzerland is Zurich or Luzern for a home base if you choose to go there instead.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I would also point out that if you want to see the Alps, November is the worst time of the year to go. It´s too cold and wet for hiking, but not enough snow yet for skiing. Much of the hospitality infrastructure in the mountains temporarily closes in November.
Posted by
OP
Georgia, Now Florida
269 posts
Thanks to you all for your experience and am very appreciative of your wise advice... Really had my heart set on Belgium.. and may still do that... Airline ticket prices are looking pretty good this week... Definitely going somewhere! Don't think I will go for the Switzerland option at this point.. I just love this forum and the passion you all have for traveling!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Hi Christy, thanks for letting us know the weather advice you got was helpful! Have a great trip, whatever you decide to do.