e17345

I am going to Europe March 5-20 (Belgium, Switzerland, France). For those who are going to Europe this time of the year, what type of coat are you taking: rain coat or a warm winter coat.

It may be a silly question, but I am not sure what to take. It looks like it rains a lot this time of the year but it can also be freezing cold. After checking the weather, it is averaging 35-40 F and rain...

Please share...

nona1

Try for something both warm AND dry? OR go for warm and take a brollie. Or go for a raincoat but wear warm layers under it...

grsing

Layer, layer, layer. It could be gorgeous and in the 60s, or snowing/raining and below freezing. Be prepared for all of it, and be prepared for it to change rapidly.

MFNYC

March is an unpredictable month. Definitely layers, umbrella, hat, scarf and gloves. It could be spring-like, or it could be cold and damp.

Intrepid1

How much time are you actually planning to spend OUTdoors on this trip?

e17345

Thank you for the follow-up.
I dont quite know how much time I will end up spending outsie. This is my first trip, and I would like to see as much as possible. Since Europe is less easily traveled by car, I would think I would have to do a lot of walking and taking trains...

So layers it is

nytraveler

I don;t know why you think europe is les easily traveled by car - doing it by car is perfectly simple - there are good roads everywhere. You may prefer another option - but they do have a complete road system and dozens of companies renting cars.

Also - you don;t mention why you're going to Switzerland - since March is still skiing season - obviously if you're going into the mountains you'll need winter clothing. If you're sticking to the lowlands and the cities - layering may be enough.

Delirious

I was in Paris and Rome about mid to late March last year. The first day it rained and was cold and the rest of the trip was sunny warm and I never wore my raincoat again. Layers is the way to go for sure.