JimF

We will be in Lucerne in mid-September as part of a trip that also includes Germany, France and the U.K. Reasonably confident we are packing enough layers to accommodate ground level temps but wondering about our day trip to Mount Rigi. How cold should it be during that part of the season? Would a light jacket be sufficient, or should we expect colder air?

mokka4

Took the trip up Mt. Rigi September 2012. Sunny, bright, COLD wind at the top, but no snow yet (last week Sept). We actually hiked partway up (see my TR if interested). Think layers. A thin, fleece-lined jacket over long sleeves was enough for most. Gloves if you tend to cold hands. Happy travels!

PalenQ

was there same time - month as mokka4 - and when I was there is was warm even at the summit - the summit is only about 6,000 feet or so so not the high Alps but be prepared for anything.

Mark Twain famously described his hike to the summit where he found that xxxxxx alp horns being incessantly blown, driving him nuts - they were still there being blown when I was there several years ago. Had a great walk down to Arth-Goldau thru cow pastures!

mokka4

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...unnen-trip.cfm

https://brunnen13.shutterfly.com/

aliced

We were in Lucerne early last September; we did not ascend Mt. Rigi but when we moved on to Interlaken (9/4-9/8)spent three warm clear sunny days up on the Schilthorn, Mannlichen, Schynige Platte (high in Berne Oberland) in shirtsleeves & walking sandals (we typically wear shirts from REI, Columbia, Mountain HardWare pants and the like w/ zip off legs); yes underlayers (silks) went into our backpacks at first mid-mtn restroom, but do use the webcams in hotels for at mountaintop vista & temperature which made us decide to leave our lightwt packable down jackets in our rooms along w/ our merino wool baselayers. Bring them and hope not to use. We did use our waterproof shells on Lake Geneva two weeks later, two days were wet but warm. You will not wish to purchase necessities in Switzerland, that's for sure. Our pack-in-pocket down jackets made excellent plane pillows and we travel w/ them everywhere along w/ merino & silks. We prepared for 4 layers and used 1-2, always a great surprise. It was awesome and we hope to return soon.

aliced

Husband just reminded me that he did take our packable downs in his backpack... clouds might roll in during the course of the day and temperatures quickly change. Once you're out for the day, there is little recourse. Hope you are as fortunate as we were.

nytraveler

To go to a mountaintop - even in midsummer - you need layers. When we went up the Jungfrau and I was fine - tee shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweater and jean jacket. With less I would have been freezing.

PalenQ

Rigi is not a mountain top in any way like the Jungfrau - about half as high - a big hill IME.

PalenQ

http://www.bergfex.com/rigi/wetter/

check the weather before you go and dress appropriately.

quokka

A thin rainproof jacket with hood and a fleece sweater are must-haves for any trip in these parts of the world anyway, even in highest summer. Both together will cover you on Rigi, too.

WeisserTee

hard to say as so far 2014 has been a mild year. if we have a hot summer that lingers through September, it could be very comfortable at the top.

always remember: layers are your friend

quokka

Nobody, not even WeisserTee, can predict the weather half a year in advance. We are having an early warm spring this year but it is not likely to stay warm all year. Impossible to predict how the summer will be.
You need to take a weatherproof jacket and a warm sweater anyway - there may be chilly rainy days, the evenings can be cold, you never know and these items are must-pack's. Bring clothes that can be combined in layers. If you follow this advice you'll have enough to cope with Alpine conditions in late summer/early fall.

WeisserTee

for crying out loud, I did NOT make a prediction six months in advance. Did you not see the word IF in my post?? Do you know what that word means??