Best Packing for Winter in Europe Guide: Hand Luggage Only Packing List for Winter in Europe
Planning a trip to Europe in the winter, and looking for a comprehensive guide to packing for winter in Europe? Great! You’re in the right place.
Being a born and bred Brit, I’ve certainly had my fair share of chilly (often grey and wet) European winters. Every year I dread this season – the days are short, often the air is damp and I have a constant longing for my flip-flops and strappy summer dresses.
In this article, I tell you everything that needs to be on your packing list for winter in Europe.
Despite the weather being a bit on the chilly side, winter in Europe can be stunning. There’s nothing quite like a crisp clear blue sky, with the sunshine glistening on the frost.
As a European, who hates the cold, I tell you exactly how to pack for winter in Europe to keep you snuggly and warm this season. Let’s go!
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Packing List for Europe Winter Season
Despite having grown up and lived in Europe all my life, the winter season and cold are something I can never just ‘get used to’. This is why I’m the perfect person to talk to about your packing list for Europe winter.
As much as I hate the cold, visiting Europe in winter during the off-peak season can save a fortune. You can bag some absolute bargains for flight and accommodation as well as enjoy European cities in winter without the crowds you see in summer.
Packing for Winter in Europe – Know Before You Go
Before we delve fully into how to pack for a winter trip, read this section so you know what to expect.
Is It Worth Visiting Europe in Winter?
Yes, visiting Europe in winter can be totally worth it! As long as you avoid the festive season and New Year’s, you’ll find cheaper flights and accommodation, meaning you can save your cash for other fun stuff. Plus, you won’t have to deal with huge crowds, making sightseeing much more enjoyable.
Of course, a big part of the attraction of visiting Europe in winter is the traditional Christmas markets. Depending on where you’re visiting, these generally start from around mid-November and go on until early January.
What’s the Temperature in Europe in Winter?
This depends on what part of Europe you visit in winter. Naturally, the further north into Europe you go, the colder it is. For example, if you are visiting places like the Baltics, north Germany and Scandinavia in winter you can typically expect temperatures between 4⸰C (39 F) to -15⸰C (5 F).
However, if you visit somewhere in Central Europe, for example, Madrid in winter, then temperatures can fall anywhere between 10⸰C (50F) to 3⸰C (37 F).
When you’re planning your winter packing list for Europe, it’s useful to know that wherever you go, the coldest month is usually January.
The further into southern Europe, you get the less likely you will find freezing temperatures, whereas the further north you go into Europe, you most likely will encounter frost and snow.
These are all generalisations, so be sure to check out the forecast for where you plan to visit and tweak your Europe winter packing list accordingly.
Europe Winter Packing List Tips
Europe is very well connected, compared with other places in the world (hello Australia, I’m talking to you), you can easily be in a different country within a couple of hours.
On the whole, flight prices are the cheapest during the winter months in Europe – except for the holiday season. The cheapest airfare comes from hand baggage only. So I’ve based this packing list for Europe in winter for carry-on luggage.
Hand luggage is the best way to travel throughout Europe, especially if you are planning on using planes and trains.
This article was written as a packing list for Europe in the winter with hand luggage only. This is ideal for a short trip.
If you are planning an extended trip to Europe in winter or across multiple seasons using hand luggage only, this list will still work for you by sticking to the ‘layers’ rule I talk about later on. Also, laundrettes and washing services are available everywhere.
Read Next: What to Do in Prague at Christmas
Tips for Packing Light for Europe in Winter
- Think like an onion – we’re talking layers! – Wandering in and out of cafes, museums, galleries, shopping malls and so on you’ll be constantly going from hot to cold. Nothing feels worse than being a total sweat bucket after stepping foot inside a toasty warm museum in your thickest jumper and then not being able to shed a layer. It’s much easier to adjust to the temperature difference of going from hot to cold by wearing layers of clothing.
- Pack clothes that complement each other – When you’re making your mind up on what to pack, here’s a top tip: go for colours that will complement each other – I love twinning burgundy reds, mustard or teal colours, with each other. They all go really well with denim and greys too!
- Accessorise to the max – an easy way to dress up a limited wardrobe is to accessorise it. Try adding a blast of colour or pattern with the use of a vibrant scarf or a pretty shoal. Alternatively, a simple day outfit can be dressed up evenings out with the addition of some statement earrings or a necklace. Accessorising helps to keep your European winter packing list to a minimum.
- Invest in a decent luggage set – opt for something that’s lightweight and durable. Check with your airline the dimensions and weight allowances of hand luggage. Over the years, airlines have been getting increasingly stingy with their cabin baggage-only flights throughout Europe. If your hand baggage is too big or overweight, you’ll risk paying for it to be checked in at a premium price at the airport.
Hand-Luggage Only Packing List for Winter in Europe
Wondering what to pack for Europe in winter? Granted – you’re going to need to pack your regular stuff (underwear and toiletries) but here’s a run-down of the other essential extra things you’ll need for your chilly European adventure.
All these items, as well as all your regular packing essentials, are in included the FREE downloadable checklist for you to print out and use.
1. Good Quality Wind and Weatherproof Coat or Jacket
This is a no-brainer investment and probably one of the most important things on the list is a good quality winter coat. There are loads on the market, but I absolutely LOVE my Peter Storm winter coat (shown below).
It looks smart, is fully waterproof and windproof and is super warm too. Make sure you LOVE your coat too– because it’s probably going to appear in the majority of your photos!
2. Two Pairs of Shoes
A pair of warm & comfortable shoes are a must for all the walking you’re likely to be doing during the day time. Make sure they are suitable for the icy, wet, muddy and snowy ground.
Opt for a pair of winter boots for daytime wear. Go for super snuggly ones with a faux-fur lining to stay warm all day. Also, make sure they are fully waterproof and have a super grippy sole.
Your second pair of shoes should be suitable for nights out and can be dressed up easily. My go-to is always shoe boots, they work well with dresses, skirts and trousers, and are super comfortable and warmer than strappy heels.
Packing Hack – Packing Light for Winter in Europe
Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane to save valuable space in your carry-on luggage then fill your other pair of shoes with socks or other small items of clothing to save even more space.
3. Touch-Screen Compatible Gloves
When I was visiting the Christmas markets in Germany I wanted to take so many photos. The problem was it was freezing cold and my gloves stopped me from using my touchscreen. I wasn’t missing out on taking pics so I opted for cold hands – and jeez, it was cold!
If you’re anything like me and use your phone for navigating, taking photos, checking out local info, calling an Uber – everything actually?! Then you’ll know just how much of a faff it is to keep removing your gloves just so you can use your phone.
Touch-screen compatible gloves allow you to use your phone because of a little conductive piece of wire in the fingers of the gloves. This means you can have toasty warm hands and full use of your phone.
4. Insulated Water Bottle
These cute flask-style bottles have revolutionised how I carry my water. I used to use a plastic sports bottle, however, this insulated bottle is a game-changer.
Usually, I’m happy to drink my water at cool to room temperature, however, after being outside in the cold for a long time, the thought of drinking ice-cold water just makes me shudder.
I love these flask water bottles because they are double-layered, so are great for keeping hot water, hot! What’s more, they are perfect for summer use too, as they keep cold drinks ice cold. Which makes them a year-round solution for the perfect temperature drink.
5. Thermal Base Layers
Whether it’s socks, tights, t-shirts, or leggings, a good quality base layer is essential for the chilly winter days, especially if it’s icy or snowy and you’re planning on being outside for prolonged periods.
If you’ve never tried a thermal base layer before, you’ll be surprised by what a massive difference it makes. These have been a lifesaver to get me through the European winter months.
6. Sunglasses
So the sun doesn’t have much heat in it at this time of year however, plenty of places in Europe – especially in the south, are great places to head to catch some winter sun a beat the seasonal blues. Even though it won’t have the heat of the summer months, the sun can be blinding, especially on clear frosty mornings if there is ice or snow. The glare from the sun can be really bright reflecting off icy surfaces.
Invest in a good quality pair of anti-glare, polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. You’ll be thankful for a pair of sunnies on super bright frosty days.
7. A Multipurpose Snuggly Scarf
I LOVE scarfs, so much, that I actually wear a lightweight one most of the year. In the winter months, I upgrade my scarf to something super snuggly and chunky like this.
If you are particularly savvy about wanting to double up a scarf to use as a shoal to put over the top of your jacket on a night out, think about investing in a pashmina.
Try and go for something with a shot of colour or pattern to brighten up your outfit – something bright and colourful also looks great in photos against the grey skies and snow.
8. A Non-Crease Shirt
Go for the brushed or flannel cloth style shirt, they are thicker and warmer than regular cotton shirts. This type of shirt never really goes out of style and can easily be worn with a cute skirt, leggings, trousers, tucked-in or hanging out. It’s so versatile.
Remember in the previous section I talked about accessorising to get the most out of a limited wardrobe you’ll be able to fit inside carry-on only, well, shirts can be easily smartened up with a statement necklace, A-line skirt and shoe-boots for an evening look.
Lazy-Girl hack
I never want to spend my precious travel time ironing, so choose a shirt that doesn’t crease so you don’t have to worry about getting the wrinkles out.
9. A Cute & Warm Skirt
I prefer an A-line corduroy skirt, like this – super comfy, flattering and snuggly warm. In the winter, I always vouch for corduroy over denim. Denim isn’t actually very warm to wear and even worse if it gets wet.
A corduroy skirt can be twinned with either tights or a pair of leggings underneath, dressed down in the daytime with a hoodie or a snuggly knitted jumper or dressed up in the evenings with a pretty shirt and shoe boots.
10. A Snuggly Sweater-Dress
Not only super cute and super snuggly warm, sweater dresses are a really easy option to look both stylish and keep the cold at bay. Sweater dresses are also versatile, you can twin a sweater dress with leggings or tights.
They look great as a casual day item or accessorised with some statement earrings for nights out.
11. A Hoodie or Chunky Sweater
I don’t know how many I own, but I have a bit of a love affair with hoodies. They are one of my favourite items of clothing and as much as I love getting glammed up, I’m equally partial to slumming it out in leisurewear.
I’m equally partial to a chunky-knit winter jumper and then layer it up with a long-sleeved t-shirt or base layer underneath.
12. A Pair of Fleece-Lined Leggings
In winter, I favour fleece-lined leggings and trousers – particularly corduroy trousers- over denim jeans any day. If jeans get wet, they are just grim, even when they are dry, they aren’t exactly warm to wear and they can be bulky to pack on a hand-luggage-only vacation.
13. A Bathing Suit or Bikini
YES! I’m serious. There are tons of countries in Europe where they have spas, saunas and hot springs, especially in places like Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and the Baltic States.
There’s nothing quite like sitting out in the chilly air with the beautiful frosty surroundings but being submerged in toasty warm water. You’d kick yourself if you missed out on this amazing winter activity.
14. Chapstick
With the chilly winter air in particular if the air is dry it can lead to sore chapped lips. Choose a good quality chapstick or lip balm to help alleviate this problem.
15. Moisturising Cream With SPF
Even though it’s winter, the sun’s rays can be particularly strong, especially if they are being bounced off the snow and ice. Be sure to pack a lotion with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to protect your skin from this.
I love Body Shop products, not only are they ethical and smell amazing, but also work wonders at keeping my skin moisturised.
I highly recommend The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection SPF 50 Lotion. I use this every day throughout the year – it’s lightweight, soaks in well and stops my skin from drying out caused by going from hot-cold-hot-cold air.
FREE Downloadable Packing List For Europe In Winter
Winter Packing List Europe Guide – FAQs
As you’ve just read, preparing your winter city break packing list doesn’t have to be tricky. This section delves into some of the most frequently asked questions people ask about planning their Europe packing list in winter.
What’s the Temperature in Winter in Europe?
In winter, temperatures in Europe vary greatly depending on the region. The UK and Northern Europe experience wet and chilly conditions. The Baltic states and Central Europe can have snowy winters. Meanwhile, Southern Europe tends to have clearer skies, and sunny days with crisp cool air during the winter months.
Where Can I Find Winter Sun in Europe?
You can find winter sun in Southern Europe, specifically in destinations like the Canary Islands, Southern Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. These regions offer milder winters with plenty of sunny days, so make your packing list for the Europe winter accordingly!
What to Pack for Europe Winter?
When planning what to pack for winter in Europe, check out the typical weather in the destination first. Bring layers of clothing, including sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and thermal wear – even in sunny winter destinations it can get deceptively cold. Remember a thick coat, gloves, scarves, and a hat to stay warm. Waterproof boots are essential for rainy and snowy conditions.
What to Wear in Europe in December?
Packing for winter travel in Europe during December will mostly mean taking plenty of layers like sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and thermal wear. Add a thick coat, scarves, gloves, and a hat as well as waterproof shoes. Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched for versatile winter travel outfits.
Ready to Get Packing for Europe in Winter?
Now that you know what to bring to Europe in winter, you’re all set for an incredible winter adventure!
The most important thing put on your packing list for Europe winter includes warm layers, a cosy coat, and waterproof shoes. Pack those, and you’ll be well set for whatever weather nature throws at you.
So, get packing and enjoy your trip!
Visiting Europe in winter? Then check out these other useful guides…
- A Complete Guide to Christmas in Prague
- Visiting Germany’s Christmas Markets
- What To Do In Madrid In Winter
- 9 Winter Getaways To Cure Your Seasonal Blues
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