Pav Explains... European Weather

Before I had ever come to Europe, I had picked up a few travel books about visiting the old continent. One thing that stands out in my mind is what they all said about European winters... they're terrible. Most of Europe, except for the extreme southern countries, have miserable weather from September to May. Being from Oklahoma, I actually enjoy huge, exciting, terrifying thunderstorms, at least it's entertaining to watch your neighbor's car end up in his tree. But over here, forget it. Gray skies, not a little bit light and some different contrasts of gray - just gray. And the rain... just a light drizzle. No thunder, no lightning, no downpours, just a torturous constant drizzle that lasts months on end. Even here in Germany, only the southern part of the country (near the Alps) gets snow. The rest of Germany, like a lot of Europe, gets this stupid rain all winter long. If ample skiing and other winter sports weren't readily avaible across Europe, one would go insane. If you're headed to Europe any winter, I'll go ahead and give you the forecast: 35° F, cloudy, light rain - should clear up mid May.

And then, there's the summer. Summers in Europe are the best I've ever experienced. The whole place just comes alive. It seems almost every business sets up tables outside of their shop and boom - a summer café is born. There's even a flower shop near my apartment that does this in the summer, it's great. Everyone is always outside all summer long. People tend to gather around famous landmarks such as fountains, courtyards, old town centres, and just sit around and hang out. No matter where you go, the cafés are for people watching, dress nice and bring your shades or you'll stick out like the filthy backpacker that you are. Italy is an extreme example of this: the people are dressed nicer for hanging out at a café, than most Americans dress for their wedding.