Temperature ratings on jackets can look reassuring, but they deserve a careful read. There is no single universal standard for jackets, so one brand's rating may not mean the same as another's.
Several things change how warm a given jacket feels: how active you are, your clothing underneath, wind, humidity and how your body handles cold. Someone walking briskly will be comfortable in conditions that leave a person standing at a bus stop shivering.
Use ratings as a rough starting point, not a promise. Compare the insulation type, the amount of fill and the construction, and read honest reviews from people who use their jackets in conditions like yours.
When in doubt, choose a jacket that is slightly warmer than you think you need and rely on layers underneath to fine-tune. It is easier to vent heat than to find more of it.
