{2025} The 8+ Essentials You Need to Pack for Fall in Europe

Packing for a trip to Europe this Fall? Wondering what to wear in Europe in September and October? Look no further! Your favorite Europe packing expert has got you covered. I've rounded up the 8 essentials you need to add to your Europe packing list this Fall.

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Packing for a trip to Europe this Fall?

Fall in London (SPC)

Well, lucky you! In my not-so-humble opinion, Fall is the best time to visit Europe, hands down.

My first trip to Europe was, unsurprisingly in the height of tourist season, mid-to-late August. Yet, as my Europe travel experience has increased, I've actually pushed my trips later and later into Fall, and then even further into the month of October, with the latest so far beginning on October 10, with us returning in on October 20. In European Fall, you can happily expect far fewer crowds, friendlier staff, cooler weather (with warmer days, and really never "cold" weather), lower prices....did I mention smaller crowds!?!? 

Imagine being able to walk into Rome's Pantheon with no line, actually take pictures near the Eiffel Tower, or be alone in an abandoned Scottish castle. Without the chilly/windy/things are potentially closed downsides to traveling in the depths of winter, Fall in Europe really is the sweet spot.

If you're on the fence, let me convince you with my full rant on my love on Fall in Europe: Why You Should Visit Europe in the Fall. 

Ok, you've convinced me...but what do I wear in Europe in the Fall?

When you disembark from your plane at the airport in Europe, expect to walk into temperate weather, clear blue skies, falling leaves, and having the place to yourself. A slight chill in the air will keep your day of tourism from ever getting too toasty. You shouldn't expect too much rain, though you may have some, so be prepared.

Overall, you'll want enough clothes to avoid doing much, if any, real laundry (I tend to gear my articles toward a 10 day trip, as that's how long I find most Americans are staying, if not just a week), enough layers to be comfortable in fairly temperate weather (we'll discuss weather specifics below), and the 'right' pieces for any special events you're attending, if any. You'll want comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and a pickpocket-proof purse. But never fear: your trusty Europe travel guide will walk you through all of this! Let's dig in!

And while you're here, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many, many free resources I've created for Americans visiting Europe, including city-by-city guides, travel etiquette tips, long flight hacks, and even by subscribing to my newsletter.

Frequently Ask Questions about Packing for Fall in Europe

What's the weather like in Europe ​in the Fall?

Fall in Paris (SPC)

The average temperature in Paris (in no way 'average,' aside from perhaps barometrically), in October is:
high of 63 and a low of 50 (Fahrenheit). Obviously it'll be warmer toward the beginning of the month and colder later. But the sun is warm, even in October, so you won't be cold. Not to state the obvious, but you're not going to be wearing a bikini - wouldn't you rather be cold than hot when you're touring in Europe?

What do Europeans Wear in the Fall?

I hate to disappoint my fellow fairly basic Millennial twinzies, but you won't find Europeans decked out in orange and all things pumpkin. As with most other seasons, Europeans lean toward neutral colors and a fairly tame color palette, with Fall's unsurprisingly being more maroon, brown, and black. So leave the pumpkin spice joke t-shirt at home.

{2025} The 8+ Essentials You Need to Pack for Fall in Europe

A Fall stroll on the Thames (SPC)

Your Best, Most Comfortable Walking Shoes

No matter the season, take good care of those feet when you're spending the entire day tooling around Europe. One of the best ways to ruin your trip is getting an avoidable blister or wiping out on those cobblestone streets in beach flip flops. Comfortable shoes are an absolute must. If there's one new thing you buy for your trip to Europe, make it a new pair of shoes. Just promise me you'll break them in before your trip.

You don't necessarily have to sacrifice style for comfort. Thankfully Fall isn't a particularly rainy time, but be sure to include one pair of shoes that can handle walking in the rain. ​

What are the best shoes for a Fall trip to Europe?

For a trip to Europe in Fall, I'd generally bring 3 pairs of shoes:

• Pair of sneakers
• Booties/Boots
• Loafers

For dry days, I'd wear the sneakers. If there's a chance of rain or it's particularly chilly, I'd wear waterproof booties. And for evening or fancier events, I'd wear the loafers.
The perfect formula? Perhaps.

Can I wear sandals in Europe?

Yes. Europeans wear sandals, but NOT plastic beach flip flops. That said, in most destinations you'll be visiting in Europe in Fall, it's far too chilly to wear sandals and you would stand out like a sore thumb.

Which shoes should I wear on my flight to Europe?

Generally, I recommend wearing your heaviest shoes on your flight, so you can bring a heavy item at no extra cost without taking up room in your suitcase. So, I generally wear the boots or booties. That said, your sneakers are also fine. Just ensure it's a pair with which you wear socks for airport security.

Finding the right pants for exploring Europe in the Fall

Can you wear jeans in Europe?

Yes! While Europeans dress more formally than Americans, they do wear blue jeans. Just make sure your jeans are in good shape (aka not distressed or frayed, no holes in the knees) and without ornamentation (sparkles, sequins, designs). Europeans of the age of most people who read my blog tend to wear jeans of darker colors. And no skinny jeans, please. They're out of style everywhere.

What pants should I wear in Europe in the Fall?

Too late in the year for shorts, you're definitely going to want long pants for Fall in Europe. I try to pack a couple pairs of non-jeans (such as Eileen Fisher crepe pants), and just one pair of comfortable jeans that I can rewear without needing the often non-existent hotel washing machine.


Just one comment, which particularly applies to the pairs of pants you bring, but potentially also to other times: I wouldn't wear an item on the plane that you plan to wear a lot on your trip, such as jeans. After you disembark, you will feel (and, frankly, be) airplane filthy. There's obviously also an increased chance of spills, etc. during your travel. I generally wear joggers that I just set aside to wear on the trip home.

Wondering what to wear on that long flight to Europe? Check out 9+ Surprising Things You Should NEVER Wear on a Flight to Europe

A Jacket for Fall in Europe

No matter where you'll be traveling in Europe this Fall, I generally build my Fall Europe wardrobe around the one jacket I'm bringing. You'll be carrying it with you nearly everyday, and though probably taking it off midday, putting it right back on as evening comes around. Tops underneath come and go, but what most people will see is your jacket - make it count. Make sure all the clothes, especially shoes/boots and pants/jeans you're bringing can, within reason, match the jacket.

Will I need my winter coat for Fall in Europe?

Almost certainly no. A light jacket should be sufficient for almost every European city in the autumn months before you get to winter. I have taken my winter coat to both London and Paris in October and never worn it once.

What's the right jacket for Europe in Fall?

Generally I'd suggest a light jacket, and preferably one that's waterproof. I usually do a trench coat or a Barbour jacket for outer layers. It'll keep you warm enough in the morning and on chilly days, and dry in the thankfully not terribly likely event of lots of rain.

Tops for Europe in Fall:
​What should I wear under that jacket?

With mild temperatures and little rain, there will be plenty of days where you won't need a jacket, or, more likely, will be taking it on and off. A number of tops or sweaters that fits under your under your jacket comfortably, but can also be worn solo are a must.


Base layers, like a long sleeve t-shirt or light sweaters in lightweight merino wool are the name of the game. If you'll be spending more time in southern Europe, you might want to skip the sweaters. Heading to Scotland? You'll want some.

The Ideal Purse for Europe this Fall

Alright. Let's talk about purses. The season won't really have a big impact on the purse you bring to Europe, aside from color, perhaps. But there are two, main attributes you need to look for in the purse you bring with you for European travel.


First, the purse should close completely to provide some protection against pickpockets. Personally, I just carry a purse that zips. I don't have any special, anti-pickpocket purses, though they do exist, if you're interested. Particularly in Fall, which is not the 'height' of tourist season, places aren't as crowded and there aren't as many pickpockets. Just be smart, keep your purse closed, walk away from weird people who approach you (no matter what they say, just keep walking), and you should be fine. You wouldn't run around with your purse open in Times Square either.


Second, your purse should be small and unobtrusive. It should leave your hands free to go about your day. The size requirement is both for your comfort and because, as you'll be popping in and out of museums, etc., you don't want to have to check a large tote or backpack in the cloak room. Consider how many items you ACTUALLY need with you all day. It's likely just your phone, credit cards, your ID, hotel keys, a small amount of cash, hand sanitizer, medications, and maybe a paper map or physical tickets to things you'll be attending. Pick your purse accordingly.

I generally opt for a small, cross body bag in a neutral leather for European travel, regardless of the season.

Accessories for Fall in Europe

Beyond the much-discussed purse, you'll also want a few other accessories for Europe in the Fall:

• Sunglasses. Thankfully you can expect some beautiful, sunny days! Bring a pair of sunglasses that you aren't worried about, in case you accidentally leave them at a cafe.
• Umbrella. Though the weather should be decent for you, rain is always possible. Bring a very small, cheap umbrella in your checked bag. It's far cheaper than buying one at a tourist store once a downpour begins.
• A scarf. To spice up your light jacket, or your evening wear, with a pop of color bring a nice scarf, if you have one.
• More pairs of socks than you think you need.

Packing List for Europe in Fall

• Outer layer: Waterproof Light jacket/ Trench coat
• Very small travel umbrella
• 1 scarf
  
• 3 pairs of shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers/knee-high boots)
• Leather, crossbody bag
• 1 neutral belt
• 3 long-sleeved shirts/nice blouses
• 3 light sweaters
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2 pairs of black ankle pants/joggers
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs
• Reusable water bottle

Thanks for stopping by!

Madrid in Fall (SPC)

I am so grateful that you allowed me into your Europe trip planning process. I know you'll have a great time 'across the pond,' as I always do.

​And while you're here, I hope you'll check out the many, many free Europe travel resources I've created over the years, and sign-up for my newsletter for even more tips. I cover many European destinations, and of course, at various times of year (though, Fall is best).

{2025}
Fall in Europe Essentials