Weather/packing for Switzerland, September-October
A traveler named Jrzgrl is heading to Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt at the end of September for mountain visits, including Jungfrau and Matterhorn. They’re unsure about what to pack due to limited space in carry-on luggage and ask for advice on layering versus heavy winter clothing for their non-adventurous six-week trip, which continues in Austria, Germany, and Italy.
Layering is key for mountain excursions in September and October; pack a light waterproof jacket and a warm headband with gloves for added warmth. Consider wearing a compact windproof jacket like the Patagonia Nano Puff, and check if airlines allow you to carry a coat onboard to save luggage space. For footwear, opt for versatile shoes like Merrell Moabs instead of ventilated running shoes for comfort during valley walks.
AI-generated summary-
We will be traveling at the end of September to Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt. We are planning to visit a few of the mountains (Jungfrau, Shillthorn, Matterhorn as a start). I’m struggling with what I should pack. The remainder of our trip will be in Austria, Germany and Italy which will be mild. Do I need a winter coat, hat, gloves or can I layer for the trips up and back? We are not adventurous hikers so we would probably limit our walks to between the villages. We are staying a total of six weeks and only using carry-on, so space is limited. Thank you!
-
HI Jrzgrl,
Weather on the mountains can change in a minute so it’s important to come prepared. For mountain excursions in September/October, wearing a sweater or a waterproof light jacket should be sufficient. As much as possible stick to layering, which will make it easier for you to adapt to changing weather/temperatures. More useful tips here: http://www.myswissalps.com/weather
Regards,
Anna
Hi Jrzgrl,
The weather in autumn can be quite cold in the mountains, especially in places like the Klein Matterhorn where the temp hovers around freezing all year round and you will be outside most of your visit there and if the wind is blowing the wind chill can really bite. That said, you don’t have to pack bulky stuff, just enough to keep your ears and fingers warm and keep the wind out, so take a head band, a jacket with a hood and maybe some gloves (not ski gloves) if you don’t have warm pockets. Instead of a sweater I pack a Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket that is windproof and packs up very, very small, but you still need a waterproof layer on top. There is also a version with a hood, so that would keep your head warm. Most airlines allow you to carry a coat onboard instead of packing it, so you can stuff a hat and gloves in the pockets and not worry about using limited bag space.
Something you might want to think about is what shoes to wear. Ventilated Running/Sports shoes aren’t designed to keep your feet warm so you might want to have a look at something like Merrell Moabs that are versatile enough for valley walking as well as the occasional excursion above the snowline.
Have Fun!
Alan
I’m struggling with same. We’ll be in Switzerland Sept 22 thru Oct 10 with a few days in Munich & Prague. Most of time in Lauterbrunnen 8 nights and 3 nights in Brienz. Hitting our Nashville Predators hockey games in Bern & Prague, 3 games, while there.
I’m thinking either my North Face 3-1 jacket where I can wear the warm inner fleece jacket or zip it out and wear just the outer jacket more as rain/wind jacket with hood OR IF needed both for the 3-1 deal and carry as my lap blanket on the plane. Then gloves and maybe my ear muffs, can’t stand when my ears are cold on windy day.
Rest of clothes, pants and long sleeve tops with some silk base layers to mix and match although I think husband & son are planning shorts most days except higher elevation days. Brrr no shorts for me this time of year. Our previous 2 trips to Switzerland were in late June to early July.
IF I get it wrong, I can always buy something there.
Deana
Hi Deana,
Welcome to MySwissAlps. In my opinion, a 3-in-1 jacket would be useful for a trip in Sept/Oct. A jacket will keep you warm in the mountains. Pack light clothing which you can layer up. That will be useful too.
Regards,
Anna
Thank you Anna. We are so excited to be visiting Switzerland again. It is so beautiful, my favorite vacation destination~!
Deana
- The thread ‘Weather/packing for Switzerland, September-October’ is closed to new replies.
