temperature in the alps?
 

We will be in Switzerland for a 2 week bus tour starting early September. We will also be staying a few days on our own in Wengen.
Would a nylon jacket( with hood) & a fleece sweater be warm enough in the high altitudes?
Thanks for any advice.
Fleuve

I'm going to find this out in 2009, I hope... but I do already know that you can pack some light-weight thermal long underwear, which adds a thin layer and vastly reduces the chill factor. We have used such several times when traveling in colder months of the year.

thanks Travelnut. I do have thermal underwear--I live in Montreal ,Quebec. It is very cold here in the winter.

We were there last September and the weather was sunny and just cool-ish. Some folks were sunning in tank tops on the highest mountains. I think a lot depends on whether the sun is out or not and whether the wind is blowing. An additional layer of either underwear or a lightweight wool sweater might come in handy and you can always peel off the outer layers if you're lucky enough to get too warm.

Temp depends on weather AND altitude. We went up the Jungfrau in June and they have a ski school at the top. We were OK in pants, tee, shirt, sweater and light jacket - but we were only outside for about a half hour. If you want to be outside all day at higher altitudes you will need something warm.

we were there in mid june
it was cold
we are not used to the cold but it was cold by everyones ( who was there0 standards
everyone was rugged up with jumpers and big parkas
scarfs and hats

August and September are the warmest months in the Alps.

The weather in the Alps can change quickly. You start on a warm, sunshiny day, wearing just shorts and t-shirt. You march up the mountain, further warmed by your work-out. Then, all of a sudden, a cloud appears, strong wind and snowfall (I experienced snowfall in the Alps on 4 August).

A couple of weeks ago, two runners died from hypthermia when there was a mass running event up the Zugspitze and a snowstorm developed.

Conclusion:
Dress in layers and always pack a sweater and waterproof jacket in your backpack. And do not forget a sunblock!

great advice from everyone. Thanks.
Fleuve

Where are you staying in Wengen?? We stayed at the Hotel Baron for 6 nights in late June and LOVED it!!. It is only a 2 star but is soo nice. The rooms are small but CLean. If you do stay there, request a room with a balcony with views of the glacieral peaks.
If you already have solid accommodations, at least EAT dinner at the Hotel Baron. The food is WONDERFUL (we had 1/2 board - only 20 CHF PP for a 4 course dinner) .
People come from Interlaken to eat at the Baron.
Have fun!

Nannibray:
We are staying at the Hotel Caprice.We will have a view of the Jungfrau range.
We will look into having dinner at the Baron.
Can you suggest other highlights from your trip in June?
Thanks

nannibray:
I forgot to ask--what does "Half-board" mean & how much is 20 CHF in American dollars?

fleuve -- I'm not nannibray, but according to xe.com, 20 CHF is $18.9118.

B&B is bed and breakfast only;
Half-board is bed, breakfast and dinner;
Full board is bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

crckwc1:thanks for clearing that up.
Fleuve

Hi Fleuve,

Wengen! In my opinion theres no better place to be in Switzerland! Highlights for us were the Jungfraujoch trip and just walking the paved paths from Wengen along the valley at sunset. Simply spectacular! We went in mid Oct. and during the day we had very pleasant weather during the day but it did get cold at night.


Paul