Intex

I would take something very warm as a backup. Just got back from Paris, one day last week it was down to 8 degrees C using a cashmere scarf and heavy jacket and after 4-5 days I was again in shirtsleeve weather. Weather forecasts are of LITTLE use in Paris, as you can almost have the 4 seasons in one day, let alone a week.

kswl

Jeanne---I was going to ask you what brand of coat! Thanks for the reply--

wtggirl

Yes, I have been following the weather as I will be there in less than three weeks. I am keeping my fingers crossed the good weather will be a lasting trend. But, I know to be prepared for anything as the weather in Paris can turn on a dime even in the same day. Best thing to do is look at averages on weather.com or similar and give a 20 degree range day or night, 10 degrees above/below average. In Paris it may be a larger range than that though!

JeanneB

Kswl:

I really hadn't thought much about what kind of coat to take in late January. Obviously, it will be cold. But do I have to lug a big heavy coat?

I'd like to think I can get away with a trench coat with zip out liner if I plan my layers well. Silk thermals, wool scarves are easy to pack. I don't have such a coat, but I think I'll start looking for a black one I can wear day or night.

Any opinions? Will that be warm enough?

TerriGoLightly

KLT: I just got back from Paris last night. I think you will be fine in a trench with lining..don't forget the lining.

The weather for us last week? It was perfect. Temp range in low 60's to high 60's, maybe reached low 70's in the afternoon. We needed a lightweight/midweight coat in the mornings and in the late afternoon thru evening. I was fine in a long-sleeved blouse or tee from about 1pm-3pm.

On the morning we left (18 October), though, it was cloudy, rain was expected, and it was definitely cooler than the other days.

JeanneB

Oh, Terri, you were there the same time we were a couple of years ago. It was much as you describe. We had rain showers on many days but they didn't last. We did get sleet one afternoon...that surprised even the Parisians. We came back through in early November and it was considerably colder, but drier.

When we were there the plane trees had just turned golden, their yellow leaves falling on cobbled streets. At night they glowed in the soft light from the street lamps...it looked like the streets were paved with gold. I hope you saw it, too!
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As for the coat, my only hesitation is that I hate wearing long coats---prefer mid-thigh length or a jacket. But, for evening, a long coat is better. So I guess I'll look for a below-knee-length trench since I'll certainly need it at night.

LunaBella

cigalechanta: I was in Paris last February for a week (2/20-27) and it snowed a little bit almost every day! Although I understand this is not the norm, my memory of February in Paris is that it's freezing cold. Beautiful, surely, but freezing cold! (After all, who doesn't want to see the Palais Royale or the Jardin du Luxembourg in the snow!?!) Anyway I wore a big wool winter coat, gloves, two sweaters and a scarf and was still felt like frost bite was not far off at times. (The French Revolution walking tour day comes immediately to mind, although I loved that day nonetheless.)

And then I went east to Strasbourg, where cold took on a whole new meaning...

TerriGoLightly

JeanneB: Your description of the trees in Paris is so beautiful...maybe because it's been a little warmer than usual, but the trees were only just tinged with a few yellow leaves...they were mostly green still. We were surprised.

Wish I could help you out with the coat question, but I have only been in summer and fall....I'm with you though, I like shorter coats. Last week I took 2 -- both my short raincoat (falls about mid-thigh) and a lightweight coat that falls just above the knee. I wore the knee-length the most.

Have a great time in January.