Packing for the weather

[willow]

I know..I know, I seem to come up with the most newbie questions, but I can't seem to help it!

I've been preparing my suitcase for departure in 6 days (!) and am trying to gage the weather. From past research, I heard August is hot, but I've looked at forecasts and it looks cooler, in the mid 70s. I also read a trip report from last August and they mentioned the weather being cooler than anticipated.

I will be in Paris from Aug 21-Sept 5, so based on most recent information, I am planning on bringing some warmer layers and not as many summer clothes. Am I right, or am I over-analyzing (again)?

[geordy]

Willow my dear...we need, and want those questions!!

Having been there early to mid Sept. every year since 1993...and going again after 24 nites! I'm bringing yes layers..but not too warm!
I bring a couple of silk jackets(like blazers but any light jacket would do), and some sort of rain slicker/jacket/coat. A light sweater.

A typical day you can layer and unlayer several times! ;D

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

Layers would be the way to go! My suggestion - some of each (e.g., a couple of tank tops, a couple of t-shirts, a couple of long sleeved overshirts, and a couple of sweaters).

And, be sure you have shoes suitable for both types of weather. I once was in Paris in June for about 10 days, it rained every day, and I had only sandals - I didn't stay indoors, but it was not very comfortable and also was hard on the sandals! Why I didn't think of going out and buying some closed shoes, I don't know.

And that brings me to the last point - if what you take does not really fill your needs, go shopping! ;D

[Shoesy]

Has Paris always had such unpredictable weather or is it something that has been occurring just over the past couple of years?

[Happygoin]

And how lucky you'll be if it's in the 70's rather than the hot, humid weather usual for Paris in August! Layers are always the best option. That way, you're prepared for anything. And certainly, a girl can never have enough _____. Go shopping!

[sistereurope]

We all can learn from your "newbie" questions willow!!
I agree with everyone else - layers, and of course an umbrella (A light rain jacket might be nice too).

Yes, Shoesy, I do think that the weather has gotten more unpredictable the past few years...global warming in action??!

[willow]

Thanks everyone for the input and thanks for not getting irritated with my newbie questions!

GitteK, 23-25*C translates to 73-77 F degrees and here in Chicago that is on the chilly side for summer, and too chilly for shorts and tank tops! I get cold pretty easily, so I will be bringing a few cardigans to layer with. I won't be packing a winter coat or anything like that but I will try to be somewhat prepared!

Even though I do like the idea of buying what I need...I mean
just to be able to say I got in Paris!
Unfortunately my budget does not have room for much shopping.
I have yet to start my new job, so things are still to unsettled for much splurging!

[willow]

Never in my life have a been called a "freezy chicken".
I started laughing so hard that my manager came to see what was the matter and I had to resume being productive!
I am more fond of upper 80s, low 90s for shorts and tank tops. It's probably bad to say, but I sleep under a down comforter year round. My room is in the basement were winters are cold and in the summer the AC is too cold. I don't know how I survive the Chicago winter which is the opposite extreme from a Chicago summer.

[mez]

Willow, how exciting that your trip is coming up so soon.

In terms of packing, I've always been a layers persons. When i travel I typically go hiking so I have loads of polar fleece and other tops you buy from outdoor adventure stores. They are really light and you can pack loads of them if needed. You really can't go wrong with layers.

Mez.

[holger]

Willow,

Packing in layers is a good idea. I also like a shawl that can go over a jacket or rain coat. We will be in Paris a bit after you and even if the days are mild in the 70s, the evenings will be cooler.

Since we will also be in the south of France, layers are the only way to go.
I am planning on rolling stuff so I can pack more and generally like knits and dark colors. The shawl can brighten things up.

[Shoesy]

Willow - I know what you mean when you said that you'd like the idea of being able to say you bought such-and-such in Paris. That reminds me of a trip we took to California years ago. When we got to Rodeo Drive, all I could think of was "I wish I could buy something here". Well, in the end, I actually DID buy something there..........only a drink, but I bought it on Rodeo Drive! ;D

[geordy]

Willow,

Few of us have been called the things we've been called since we" met" GitteK..think of it as an honor!

But seriously, do you not get humidity in Chicago? 70's are fine for skimpy here with humidity..provided one had the bod!

If you have a rain coat of some kind and the ever popular layers you will be fine.

[Darcy]

And then there was last year's heat wave in Sept. I was there from Aug 31 to Sept 13 and it was 90 +/- everyday!

Paris is probably the only place I've been where it's never too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry, because after all, I'm in Paris and I'm happy!! ;D

[Shoesy]

When I need to wear a light layer when it's chilly (not "cold")(23-25 C), I don't mind carrying it around in a tote bag or even tying it around my waist and wearing it that way for the remainder of the day.

[Happygoin]

I do the same thing, Shoesy. Or even tie the sweater around my shoulders to prevent sunburn.

[Shoesy]

In reply to Gitte's question, I've never used the word "mummy" to mean "mom". I've only said "mommy". I'm not sure which countries/states use which word. Can someone help me here?

[willow]

I don't use the term mummy either.
When speaking Polish it's mama, and in English it's just mom.
We never did the mommy thing.


And Shoesy we do have humidity in Chicago, just ask anyone who has been here the last 2-3 weeks. We've had 85-95*F with crazy humidity! The temperature itself would have been fine, but the humidity gets us. In the lower temperature range the humidity rarily get bad.

Rain or shine, Paris will be mine! (For at least 2 weeks that is..)

[Happygoin]

Willow, are you in the final stages of panicked excitement yet? That's the one where you throw everything you own into the suitcase, only to realize that you forgot to pack ANY undergarments at all?

[willow]

No not yet..my manager has been very helpful in keeping me from panic by presenting 2 possible jobs at the bank, even though I have already found one elsewhere. So I've been contemplating that all week. Not to mention there is a family wedding Saturday, and I am having some friends over Sunday for my birthday.

I think the panic will set in on Monday when I realize I have piles of things to pack but very little time to do it in! Only 5 very short and busy days!!

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

Willow - the solution is lists! Lots of lists!! (Do this when you are in a holding pattern - e.g., boring meeting - and the actual packing will go very quickly as long as you don't allow yourself to deviate from the list, adding new things, etc.)