{2025} Packing for Europe in July? Here’s Exactly What You'll Need

​Off to Europe this summer? Let's walk you through everything you'll want to include in your suitcase for the height of tourist season in Europe: July.

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Planning a height-of-summer trip to Europe this July?

July is the most popular time for both Europeans tourists from around the world to visit many European countries, especially for a European summer vacation full of outdoor activities, long café lunches, and beautiful European beaches.​

The summer months bring hot days, crowded historic cities, and long days of sightseeing, so your travel wardrobe needs to do double duty — think lightweight fabrics, a mix of outfits, and practical accessories. My first trip "across the pond" was actually in the height of summer tourist season. While there are undoubtedly crowds, it's an exciting time to be abroad. And you are unlikely to have to deal with much rain.

I hope this post can serve as your ultimate guide July in Europe — a realistic packing list based on what actually works (and what just makes you look like an American tourist).

FAQ: What's the weather like in Europe in July?

Unsurprisingly, the weather will vary significantly, depending on which countries you'll be visiting. I think you might be pleasantly surprised to find it's significantly cooler in Europe in July than in much of the United States.

​Expect hot weather in southern Europe, especially Italy, Spain, and Greece — but don’t be surprised by cooler temperatures in northern Europe like the UK or Scandinavia. On our first summer trip to the UK, I consistently wore long pants and was perfectly comfortable. 

That said, because it isn't as hot, and the buildings are older, European buildings are less likely to have air conditioning than Americans. So if there is a strong heat wave, things can get uncomfortable. If you're worried, call your hotel and confirm they have AC. Most that cater to tourists do.

With so much sun, a straw hat or wide-brimmed hat is a good idea. I'm not going to let a sunburn ruin your trip!

Long days can mean big temperature shifts for you, so pack light jackets like a denim jacket or leather jacket for evenings.

{2025} Clothing Must-Haves for July in Europe

Tops for Summer Heat: 
Tank tops (offering coverage - no spaghetti straps please), basic tees (no logos!!), and polo shirts in neutral colors are easy to rewear and pair with anything

Pants, Shorts, & Skirts for July in Europe:
Travel pants, flowy pants, ankle-length, and wide leg pants are my go-to for day-to-day tourism. For evenings, I tend to opt for linen pants or dresses. Love linen for summer events, but boy does it wrinkle.

FAQ: Can I wear shorts in Europe?
Yes! Europeans do wear shorts. I would keep your shorts longer, not distressed, and non-denim. Avoid athletic or workout shorts unless you are actually working out.

FAQ: Can I wear jeans in Europe in July?
You might be hot wearing jeans in summer, especially in Southern Europe. But if you want to wear jeans, I'd select ankle-length jeans in a lighter weight fabric.

Dresses
Classic summer dresses for tourism or evenings are another go-to. I really do try to avoid shorts and jeans in summer, so dresses work perfectly for me.

Outerwear
For rain and evenings, I'd include a light jacket, like a denim jacket or short trench coat. Europeans tend to wear more layers of clothing than Americans, so you may find that a 'topper' of some sort helps you feel like you fit in better.

A note on dress codes in Europe
​You're more likely to encounter a dress code in Europe than you are in the United States. Religious sites and religious institutions (like the Vatican Museum) may have dress codes, usually a request to cover shoulders or not to wear short shorts.

Shoes You’ll Actually Wear for July in Europe

Shoes just deserve their own section. Comfortable walking shoes or comfortable walking sneakers are essential for all the cobblestone streets and uneven cobblestones you’ll hit.
Thankfully for those of us with difficult feet, times have changed! White sneakers are a chic, comfortable option for summer walking that many European women also wear.
In addition to your everyday walking shoes, I'd also include a pair of shoes that’s dressier (like comfy sandals- NOT FLIP FLOPS) works for evenings or dinners out. Skip the flip flops unless you're headed to the beach — they’re not ideal for public transportation or long travel days spent on your feet in crowded cities.

And as with all packing categories, bring items only if you KNOW you will wear them. Shoes are heavy and take up a lot of space. If you're not confident you're going to wear a pair, leave it at home.

July in Europe Accessories — The Literal Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference

Every day tourism bag
A small backpack or crossbody is best for busy sightseeing days — especially on public transportation. Bring only the essentials, ESPECIALLY in summer, when pickpocketing is at its peak and the heat makes carrying a big backpack really unappealing.
Sun protection 
I'd recommend bringing a straw hat (preferable not a baseball cap, as European women don't wear them to the same extent that we do), sunglasses
Swim essentials
Add a bathing suit for the coast, if you're visiting. Only include swim attire if you KNOW you'll be hitting the pool. Do not assume your hotel has a pool, especially in larger cities.

Lightweight scarf
I always bring a lightweight scarf or travel wrap with me to Europe, even in summer. This way I can to adhere to modesty restrictions at religious institutions (though I'm usually already fine), and use it on chilly nights or on the plane.​

Don't forget
Your portable charger, reusable water bottle, and European outlets adapter and battery power pack — especially for long days spent exploring.

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope I've given you some food for thought as you plan your July trip to Europe! I recognize that your favorite things may differ from mine — every European trip is a little different depending on destination, time of year, and, obviously, your personal style. Think through your proposed packing list, and mentally compare it with the activities you know you will actually do.

Do you have everything? Almost certainly. Do you have too much? Almost certainly. Trim, trim, trim.

I love hearing how you all pack items/prep for European travels. Let me know your July in Europe travel essential in the comment section below.

And while you're here, I hope you'll take a minute to peruse the many other free Europe travel resources I've created over my many years of visiting Europe and travel blogging. And don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter! 

​Bon voyage!

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