for Zurich late October?

My car prefers a leather jacket when it is cold outside.

Hi jy

I don't think that the car will get so cold that you have to put a coat on it.

Highs will be about 50F, lows about 40F.

Instead of what??

A lot depends on you. On a 40 degree day I'm outside in just a long sleeved shirt, while LW will be in full length wool trench coat once the mercury drops below 50. Parents - they won't venture outside once it's below 60.

Many people who live in colder climes are only outside to and from the car, work, home, store etc, or on the weekend skiing during the winter. Spending an entire day outside sightseeing can get downright chilly - not just on the torso but butt and legs as well, especially if there is no sun and there is a wind.

If you are the type that gets cold, then by all means bring a warm coat. Late October, I'd bring a fleece jacket myself (in case it dips into the 20s )

I remember one trip to Rome in early March where I froze - mostly because I was out and about early in the day and into the evening. Daytime high temps means nothing when you're sitting on a cold, stone bench in the shade at 10am.

I think that J62 is 100% right. The only way to get an answer for _you_ is to tell us where you live - - and what months are "wool car coat" weather in your own home.

For objective weather statistics, see worlclimate.com or weatherbase.com

Best wishes,

Rex

Living in N CA I get chilly when the temp is around 50F. As in real chilly. So I always take a warm coat when there is the possibility of that type of weather jyabroad..but as others have said we are all so different.

I'd bring something waterproof w/a zip out insert if you're concerned about the cold temps. We were in Switzerland for two weeks in September (9-25) and we had weather in the low 50s (at night in Grindelwald) to the mid to high 80s (Lac Leman). We also had rain in Locarno (Switzerland's sunny spot) so don't only rely on the yearly averages--check the forecast right before you leave too. Enjoy!

If you have found a great buy on a really attractive car coat then I think the answer is yes.

I used to live in Zurich and my rule of thumb was that it was about a month ahead of the east coast of the US in terms of change of weather and temps, so yes, by late October temps were quite cool to actually quite cold. I would bring the coat. Take it on the plane, it would take up any room in the suitcase and it will keep you warm on the plane. I like the leather coat idea too, if you do that, bring a sweater to layer under.