We're leaving in 21 hours (April 28) for a trip to central Germany, and then also to France: Paris, Normandy, and the Loire Valley. DH wants to take our Gortex shells against wind & rain. I think that's overkill. We'll be in France from 11 May. Do we REALLY need that much protection? I'm bringing a light raincoat. After France, we go to Italy, where I expect it to be much warmer.

There is absolutely no way of knowing what the weather will be that far ahead. You may even need rainwear in central Germany before you get to France.
If they don't take up much space I'd take them. Better safe than sorry.

Rain is predicted in France for at least the next 10 days - and possibly more, but the predictions only go that far ahead. It's been the coolest, rainiest April in a long time, after the warmest, driest March. So I would take what you need to be comfortable in the event of rainy weather.

I dont know (No one does) if it will be that much warmer in Italy. I took a quick look at a 14 day forecast, and it goes up and down. So be prepared.

At this time of year you should assume you will see rain if you spend any amount of time north of the Alps. As long as you have a raincoat or jacket - with layers underneath ( long sleeve shirts and leiht weight sweaters - as well as a sturdy umbrella and waterproofed walking shoes - you shuold be fine. (Unless you come from a very warm climate and freee whenever it foes below 60 degrees).

But, once again - this is an exceptionally rainy period. Days of rain predicted, interspersed with showers.

Thanks! I'll be ready.

Remember, northern France is the same as southern England. Would you take weatherproof clothing there in May? I would!

May 1st was beautiful and warm. May 2nd was cold and rainy.

Here in central Germany, since we arrived, it's been very mild and comfortable. I have a light raincoat & layers to put underneath. Should be alright as long as it doesn't get much colder than 10C. We'll be in a car, so can store warmer clothing if needed.

We are leaving Paris in a couple of hours for the coast of Normandy and it is wet and cold for the next several days. Might get a little sun one day but still around 50 degrees.

It's been very cold & wet here in central Germany also for the past 3 days.

The 10 day forecast for Paris seems nearly the same as for here. A bit warmer on some days, but also a bit cooler on others.

Not a very warm Spring I'm afraid.

We've been in Paris nearly one week, and it's been consistently very cold and wet and windy. It's the worst Spring on record. So if you are coming here in the next couple of weeks, check the weather before you pack.

One year it rained the whole time we were there but another year it was perfect weather.

Of course! But I saw many people who were seriously under-dressed for the weather and freezing. And wet.

I was cold and wet on one of my visits to Paris. I brought a friend who had never been to Europe at all.. I told her to pack sundresses, capris, light clothes,, but it was cold and wet almost every one of our 9 day visit, very unusual,, I had been at exact same time of year at least 5-6 times and had always been too hot. We actually had to go shopping for extra long sleeved shirts and sweaters, we had brought just one each that we had worn over on plane.

My cold wet 9 days was in AUGUST!

Now, I never ever assume anything!