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Packing for a chilly trip across the pond this winter? Let's walk through everything you need to know about packing for a trip to Europe in December through February, including outfit ideas and what NOT to wear in Europe during the holidays and while exploring those Christmas markets.
Paris, Winter (SPC)
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Packing for a trip to Europe this winter?
Christmas Market, Germany (SPC)
Strolling Christmas markets, sipping mulled wine, taking in the tasteful-yet-playful European Christmas decorations, and enjoying a lighter crowd load in Europe? A winter trip to Europe never disappoints, and the risk of "cold weather" really shouldn't deter you from taking the winter travel plunge. With the exception of the actual holidays themselves, when you will encounter more normal levels of tourist crowds, including a lot of other Europeans on vacation, and some closures of tourist attractions, as you would in the States during that time of year, you can expect to have the place largely to yourselves.
Packing for a winter adventure 'across the pond' can be a bit disorienting. As temperatures cool in The States, it can be tempting to load up on your heaviest coats, mittens, and scarves for your holiday trip. We'll talk more about this later, but it isn't as cold in much of Europe as it is here in the USA. That's a good thing for both your comfort during your trip and your ability to get everything into your suitcase. So, let's dive in. We'll start with some frequently asked questions about packing for Europe in general and in the winter, specifically. Then I'll move into some winter in Europe packing essentials, and wrap up with an easy, high-level packing list which is hopefully a great way to get you started. And while you're here, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many free resources I've created to help you plan your trip to Europe. Nothing is behind a paywall, nothing is written by computers. It's all written by me - just a middle-aged mom who wants you to enjoy Europe as much as I do, and look good and feel comfortable while doing it. There's nothing I love more than a "good ol'" Europe packing list of travel essentials and cute outfit ideas. And, of course, to share it with you and chat about the best places to visit on your trip. Thank you so much for being here!
Frequently Asked Questions about Packing for Europe in Winter
If this is your first time exploring Europe in the winter, I thought we could walk through a few FAQs about winter travel in Europe, just to kick things off:
Is it too cold to visit Europe in the winter?
No! Most Americans (hello Midwesterners!) will be pleasantly surprised by the average temperatures and general lack of snow in Europe in winter.
What's the weather like in Europe in winter?
European winters are warmer than you would probably anticipate, unfortunately with that trend only increasing lately. Temperatures in the winter months are generally above freezing. You can expect more chilly rain or drizzle than snow. During our winter trip to Spain, we had no precipitation at all, and certainly no snow. Obviously, if you're hitting the Alps, you can disregard these strictures and pack that ski gear.
Average temperature in December in several major European cities is listed below. Indianapolis 39/23 (far colder than any city below, aside from Munich) London 49/40 Munich 40/30 Amsterdam 44/36 Paris 47/39 Rome 56/40 Barcelona 60/49 Is everything closed in Europe over the holidays?
No! Everything you want to see in Europe is open over the holidays (with the exception of usual closure days and the actual holidays themselves, as in the States).
However, many attractions do have a winter closure in January. We visited Madrid and Barcelona in early January and after the holidays ended, a lot of things did close. This isn't to deter you from going (I think it's a fairly nice time to visit), just to check the websites of any absolute must-see attractions for you to ensure you'll visit when they're open. Should I use packing cubes for my trip to Europe?
I'm a big fan of packing cubes, especially for Europe. If you'll be changing hotels and moving around, they just keep you organized. You can also leave your clothes in the packing cubes and move them into the wardrobe, if you're worried about germs.
Especially in winter, when you may have dirtier shoes, I'd include shoe bags, at a minimum, to pack your shoes. European hotels have fewer "free random things" in hotel rooms, like laundry bags, and they obviously use fewer plastic bags in general, so you can't count on there being things in the hotel room that you can use to pack your dirty stuff. Should I bring a reusable water bottle to Europe?
A few things to consider on this question: how much water do you drink? Are you comfortable carrying it around all day? How environmentally conscious are you? Though I bring my own bags to the grocery, etc., I do not bring a reusable water bottle to Europe.
You can get water in restaurants, and if you pop into a cafe to use the restroom, a water bottle is an easy, inexpensive, occasional purchase to make. Yes, it is wasteful. Yes, it costs money, but it is a vacation sacrifice I tend to make. That said, as in the United States, you are more than welcome to carry a reusable water bottle in Europe and you will find plenty of places to fill it up. How do I build a versatile wardrobe for my trip to Europe this winter?
One of the most common "mistakes" I see people making is asking how many "outfits" they should pack for their trip. Build a wardrobe based on a neutral palette of basic colors that can mix and match.
Your agenda will change, you'll decide to wear something other than what you had planned, you'll buy new stuff, you'll spill, you'll want to adjust to fit in with the locals - and all of this is so much easier if you have interchangeable clothing items. Not to mention, Europeans wear far fewer bright colors than Americans. No neon, please. {2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Europe this Winter
An Easy Winter Coat
The most important thing you'll bring with you to Europe in any season, but obviously especially in winter, is your outer layer. Your coat is what people will see the vast majority of time you're on your trip, so make sure you like it and that it matches with your purse and shoes. (I recognize that this sounds pedantic, but you'd honestly be amazed how many people just throw on whatever and run to the airport, and then realize the outfit doesn't coordinate).
As we've discussed, in the vast majority of Europe, it isn't as cold, even in the depths of winter, as it is in most parts of the United States (Hello, Midwest!). Check with the weather forecast and almost certainly resist the urge to bring a massive down coat that looks like a comforter. You don't need it, and you'll almost certainly be hot, burdened, and excessively bulky.
That said, Europeans do wear the lighter weight down coats (short and not down to your knees like you're going on an Arctic expedition). They're easily packable and make a great option for a Europe trip, especially for the warmer climates. Stick to darker colors. Personally, I'd go for a dressier coat, more like a wool blend coat or lined trench. I prefer a long coat for a slightly dressier look, and obviously it provides a bit more coverage and warmth. In southern Europe, I'd really just opt for a jacket. I wore an open, unlined coat for our entire January trip to Spain a few years back. It just simply isn't that cold. The Right Footwear for Winter in Europe
Alright. We've gotten through the most important "winter" item, the coat, and now we move onto the most important "Europe travel item," regardless of the season: your shoes.
No trip to Europe should be ruined by blisters, sodden feet, or tired arches. The best way to rain on your own Europe travel parade is to take yourself out of walking contention with the wrong shoes. Think carefully about the shoes you want to bring to Europe. And be SURE to break them in well beforehand. I mean it. Not a walk around the block, but weeks of wearing in advance of the trip. For 10 days or a week in Europe, I'd bring ankle boots and/or knee-high boots, and a pair of sneakers. Be sure that one pair of shoes is water resistant (they don't have to be "waterproof," but water resistant enough that you can continue your day if it rains/drizzles/snows). I generally buy waterproof boots/booties from Blondo (leather or faux leather boots). Blondo also carries water resistant tennis shoes, if you want the waterproof nature of your footwear to be a little more under-the-radar. Again, it's unlikely that you'll be trudging through tons of snow, or even dealing with huge amount of rain, but it's always a good idea to prepared for at least a day or two of wet weather. As we've discussed, it's not as cold in Europe as you might expect, and the actual snow chances really aren't that high. Therefore, I wouldn't bring actual "snow boots" unless you're going skiing. And don't forget a sufficient number of pairs of warm, thick socks (make sure they fit in your shoes!). No one likes cold feet! Jeans for Winter in Europe
In general, the right pants for your time in Europe during the winter will be a couple pairs of jeans. A pair of jeans will keep you warm, you can wear them several times without washing them, and you'll fit right in. A few things to keep in mind when selecting your pairs of jeans for Europe:
FAQ: Can I wear leggings in Europe?
Europeans are less likely to wear "leggings as pants," than Americans. Additionally, leggings alone probably aren't thick enough to keep you comfortable walking around on a long tourism day. If you really want comfort, you could get away with leggings if your sweater covers your booty, or, better yet, opt for some joggers or "travel pants," which are comfortable yet "allowed."
A note on athleisure
Though it's less of an issue in winter than in other months, it's worth reminding everyone that Europeans wear gym clothes only to the gym. While you "can" wear your athleisure in Europe, you will not look like a local. Stay away from stretchy, tight materials, and opt for more natural materials: cotton, merino wool. One exception: You can rock the leggings/puffer coat look at ski resorts, a la the British Royal Family.
The Perfect Purse for Europe in Winter
While your purse might not be your top priority when you're thinking through what you'll bring with you to Europe this winter, I'd encourage you to put some thought into your purse selection. Ideally your purse for Europe in winter should have 3 essential qualities:
Remember: on a daily basis, you'll want to carry as few items as possible. When you really think about it, there aren't that many must-have' items. For me, it's hotel keys (leave my car and house keys in the hotel safe), a few credit cards, a small amount of cash, my driver's license (passport in the hotel safe), phone, and hand sanitizer. Particularly if you'll be visiting Christmas markets, the last element (fully closable) is especially important. I don't want to make you paranoid, but pickpockets do tend to congregate where they can find the greatest number of tourists to take advantage of. There's no need to worry. Just make sure your purse zips fully, keep it closed, and don't talk to strangers, no matter how pushy they are. Just smile, keep walking, and pretend you don't understand them. FAQ: Can I wear a Lululemon belt bag/ "fanny pack" in Europe in winter?
Yes, you can. Europeans wear crossbody bags like us. Personally, I'd opt for a less "athletic" material and a more structured bag - maybe leather. Also keep in mind that you'll probably have to wear the bag under your coat, which is actually ideal for anti-pickpocket protection.
Base Layers: Sweaters & Shirts
While obviously extra layers are key to keeping yourself warm during your time in Europe, I'd resist the urge to go too bulky and too wool with your sweaters. Given the amount of walking you'll be doing on a typical day, the sweater sweat risk is real. I have a deep hatred for getting hot and having to carry my coat.
So I opt for thinner sweaters/long sleeve shirts under my coat for outdoor activities. And, as I keep saying, be sure to try your sweater on with your coat to make sure you aren't too cramped. The Essential Scarf
No European outfit is complete without a scarf, and that's especially true in winter. I never cease to be amazed at how impressively French women can tie a scarf. In winter, or really any season, don't forget to include at least one scarf in your bag, or buy one when you get there. It's a nice way to add style, and a bit of warmth, without too much bulk.
Gloves
I would include some lightweight gloves, just in case, if you'll be in northern Europe. Skips the gloves for Spain, Italy, Portugal. You really won't need them. I'd opt for black knit or leather/faux leather.
A Hat
I'm not a huge hat wearer myself (I have a huge head and they mess up my hair), but if you are, you won't go amiss packing a winter hat. Remember: no baseball caps for women. Opt for a knit hat or a more structured had. I repeat: European women do not wear baseball caps.
{2025} The Ultimate Europe Winter Packing List
Thanks for Stopping By!
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy (SPC)
I hope I've given you some good food for thought as you pack your winter clothes for your trip to Europe this winter. There's nothing I love more than helping Americans prepare, and pack for, a trip to Europe! While you're here - I hope you'll check out the many other free resources I've created to help you research your trip. No pay walls, no gimmicks, just advice. I hope you'll connect with me on social media and subscribe to the newsletter, for tons of packing tips and travel hacks!
Bon voyage! 
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