Oh, and what kind of footwear would be good to take with me?
Hi everyone, I need to know how cold it can get during winter in Geneva?? I will be moving there soon and I'm wondering what kind of coats to buy... I've heard it's super cold plus I'm used to very hot weather, so probably as thick and warm as I can find???
Geneva on average is not so cold except for 2 weeks where everything is covered with snow, and is really really cold. That is usually the time when I take my holidays and go south
but the temperatures do get below zero quite often, so better be prepared for it. I am also not used to of cold weather, but living in Geneva has been fine no real issues with cold (except for those super cold 2-3 weeks)
It went down to -10 - -15°C this February for a fortnight so you do need some extra stuff but otherwise the usual winter coat is enough. It's not Montreal.
Some Geneva winter pictures....
If you arriving before October, don't worry too much, even with a tight budget, you can get what you need here - better quality, and there are a million coats in the second-hand shops to choose from...
Also, the trams, trains, buses, shopping centres, houses, offices are all central heated, so you actually don't use your winter stuff so much - layers work much better - in the winter time I wear short sleeves indoors and throw my heavy coat over the top when I head outdoors... a pair of stockings under your jeans if you really feel the cold, and a decent waterproof boot (again, better to buy in Europe) according to your 'fashion' and off you go.
I have a pair of padded rubber boots for really snowy/slushy days, and they don't get worn often! 12chf at a second-hand shop...
One of the things you'll really need to watch out for is the north/north-eastern wind called the Bise, it can lower the temperature considerably and will bite through any layers you're wearing. It can blow at any time during the autumn or winter months and lasts for days.
The trick is to wear layers. Lots of them!
poorly insulated flats can be a problem
Thanks newbee, very helpful! When do those 2-3 very cold weeks usually happen?
Anytime between November and March. Of course Geneva is right on the French border, and things are cheaper on the other side generally. Unless your business is paying for you re-location, it will be much cheaper to buy when you are here.
Funny, that ́s the opposite of what everyone else has told me... They ́ve told me it ́s super expensive, and I should buy as much as I can before getting there, I ́m confused :S
I don't get it. If you typed half of the words you did in the OP into Google, you'd find your answer.
Well read the full quote they told you if you go to France its much cheaper then Switzerland and yes it will be as cheap as most developed countries at least Germany is but then I think it is as cheap as UK or US for most winter clothing so France should also be
Ok I see, so the best option is to cross the border and buy them in France. And that would actually save me the pain of carrying winter clothes in my luggage as well. Makes sense, thanks everyone!