Ultimate Europe winter packing list

Everyone loves to flock to Europe for the summer – totally understandable – but it’s just as fantastic in the winter! Snowy wonderlands, Christmas markets with adorable trinkets on offer, and just a magical vibe that you really can’t find anywhere else. Sure, it may be a little colder, but you’ve really only seen half of Europe if you limit your exploring to summer. So, get ready for your adventure, and we’ll help you out with your Europe winter packing list.

The obvious items

Right, packing for a winter vacation in Europe isn’t too different to packing for Europe in summer, so let’s get those obvious items out of the way. For winter travel, you’re still going to need all of these bits:

• Underwear (duh)
• Comfortable walking shoes and/or winter boots
• Pair of warm socks and/or tights
• Long sleeves (shirts, dresses, etc.)
• Long pants
• Comfy clothes for your travel days, i.e. sweatpants and hoodies
• A couple of sweaters and jumpers

Winter essentials

Winter-specific items are key when it comes to keeping warm, dry, and comfortable while traveling in Europe. From sweat-wicking layers to versatile scarves and choosing efficient fabric, there are actually quite a few considerations to note when selecting which items to pack for your trip. While the list could go on and on, be sure to make room in your suitcase for the following essentials:

• Hat
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Merino wool everything (little bit expensive, but sooo worth it if you want to pack light, since these pieces can be reworn)
• Base layers to stay warm
• A winter coat
• Raincoat
• Fleece-lined leggings or smart fleecy joggers (that warm lining will be a godsend on cold days)
• Plaid button-up shirts (easily dressed up or down)
• Chunky sweaters (easily dressed up with jeans, accessories or dressier bottoms)
• Dry-fit athletic shirts (for smart and warm athleisure looks)
• Undershirts (to provide a barrier between your skin and potentially itchier fabrics like wool)
• Long johns (get a good discreet pair and you can even wear them under your favourite skinny jeans)
• Turtlenecks (because a scarf every day can be too much to handle)
• An ultra-light and portable down parka (folds up for portability but deceptively warm)
• A lighter waterproof jacket (bonus points if it has a removable liner)

Shoes to wear in winter in Europe

European winter weather varies depending on where on the continent you are. European countries (in the northern and eastern parts of the continent, especially) are prone to cold weather and snow, so don’t forget to bring some proper winter boots and waterproof shoes. Western Europe doesn’t always get snow, but the days tend to be grey and subject to rain (especially in the UK). Wellies are a good idea, or just any sturdy boot like a Dr. Marten for example. 

If you’re planning on going out to hit the European club scene, then bring a dressy pair of shoes and heels – but maybe steer clear of any stilettos to avoid slipping on ice.

If you want to keep your packing list versatile, the following should have you covered for virtually every occasion: 

• Warm boots with thick rubber soles and good grip (the rubber helps keep your feet dry)
• Dressier leather boots with rubber soles
• Slippers (for cold bathroom floors and cozy nights in)

Extra accessories for your Europe winter packing list

Beyond clothes, your Europe winter packing list is going to need a few other items as well, including:

• An umbrella for those rainy days (you can get small packable ones!)
• Lip balm to avoid getting chapped lips
• Moisturiser because colder weather leads to dryer skin
• A hot water bottle to heat up if you’re prone to getting really cold
• Gloves with tactile fingertips so you can still use your phone without getting frostbite
• Sunglasses because even though the temperature drops, the sun is still out
• A versatile scarf or two (that can act as a blanket, a wrap, a pillow and an actual scarf to shield your neck and face)
• Multiple mitts, gloves and toques for snowy days (because they do get wet)
• Earmuffs and headbands (for keeping your good hair days safe from toques)
• Wool insoles for your boots (for extra comfort and warmth)
• Wool socks (warm and moisture-wicking)
• Lots of socks in general (you can never have too many, and wet socks are the WORST)
• A cloth bag for winter market shopping (say no to plastic)
• AirTags for your luggage (because surviving winter in Europe without your suitcase isn’t something anyone should be subjected to)

Toiletries

Other than your usual travel necessities, add these extra tools to your winter kit:

• Hand warmers (for that extra bit of warmth when you need it)
• Dry shampoo (to reduce your wash days and prevent going out in the cold with wet hair)
• Lotion (because dry, itchy skin is something no traveller wants)
• Lip balm (same applies for dry chapped lips)
• Vaseline (for emergency lotion, lip balm, dry scalp treatment, makeup remover or boot polish)

Tech essentials

You won’t want to show up to your winter vacation without a few tech essentials:

• Laptop and charger
• External battery charger because you won’t want to get stuck with a dead phone battery at an inopportune moment
• Power adapters and voltage converters (especially if you’re visiting from the US or another non-Europe destination)
• Camera

Packing for skiing in Europe

Another reason to visit Europe in winter is the ski game. It’s quite honestly pretty f**king fantastic with ski resorts all over the place. France, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Italy, etc.; you can ski basically anywhere on the continent. But this packing list for Europe is something else entirely. Check out our proper ski 101 guide for the full thing, but here are the highlights:

• Ski equipment (if you have it, you can also rent it there)
• Poles
• Goggles
• Proper ski gloves
• Proper ski pants and ski jacket (by proper we mean waterproof!)
• Base layers are a must
• Comfortable snow shoes for walking around

Luggage

Cobblestones are tricky enough in summer, so add snow and ice to the mix and suitcase pulling can get quite entertaining…

• A suitcase with strong handles (in case your wheels fail and lots of lifting and carrying is needed)
• Or, a big backpack with adjustable straps to fit over your layers (but not so big that it will put you too much off balance in slippery situations)
• A cross-body day bag or backpack (because carrying bags with your hands in gloves or mitts is uncomfortable)
• An extra bag to tote home your inevitable shopping purchases

Tips for packing for Europe in winter

When packing for trips to Europe, as a general rule winter remains quite cold, but that being said it can really range. Some days may see rain or snow, and others will welcome a bright yolk-coloured sun in the sky. As a result, layering is key! You may want to strip down or layer up your outfits to adjust to the changing temperatures throughout.

Honestly you should just prepare for all kinds of weather, especially if bucket list activities like seeing the Northern Lights is on the agenda, which might mean your suitcase gets a little heavy. So, pack smart with items like packing cubes! You’ll be able to stay organised and shove more items into your bag.

Even if you’re headed to the southern parts of Europe like the Mediterranean, November through to March still brings cooler days. You can get away with lighter clothing, but always have a jumper prepared for cold nights.

Practical packing hacks

Along with layering, there are a few ways smart travellers can elevate their packing game to ensure the smoothest European winter vacation. 

Consider doing laundry as you travel so you can pack less

Depending on the length of your trip (especially for tours lasting multiple weeks or even months), you may want to consider doing laundry along your way to streamline your packing process. Laundromats are inexpensive and common throughout Europe and hotels typically offer some sort of laundry service if you ask at the concierge. Trust us, by the third or fourth wear of that merino wool sweater, you’ll be glad to have a bit of a refresh! 

Travelers who prefer to travel carry-on-only or those who prefer a backpack will be glad to keep this tip in mind.

Layering is essential

Easily the most surefire area to overpack in, the key to packing for winter is wholeheartedly embracing the idea of layering. If an item isn’t versatile enough to be paired with more than one other item in your suitcase, then leave it behind. You need to be able to mix and match day-to-day in order to prepare for fluctuating weather and temperatures. 

It’s also smart to choose basic colors that can easily be mixed and matched with the other items in your suitcase, so that each piece can be worn multiple times throughout your trip without anyone even realizing. Think black, white, gray, and navy for the ultimate in versatility, and while you might consider packing a bright statement piece or two to jazz things up, you’ll likely be happiest with a few reliable basics. 

Keep in mind that packing multiple thinner layers will take you further than opting for a few larger, bulkier pieces. This will also offer you the chance to adapt your outfit to ever-changing European weather (think sunny days that suddenly become grey and snowy, especially when you’re out on the ski slopes!).

Prioritise winter-friendly fabrics

One of the biggest things to remember when selecting your wardrobe is to opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton, because there’s nothing worse than walking around all day in the cold while you’re secretly drenched in sweat under your coat.

Merino wool has natural sweat-wicking and odor-repelling properties which make it a great choice for base layers, and wool in general will keep you warm and dry during those notoriously wet Euro winter days.

For your outermost layers, consider water- and wind-resistant fabrics like Gore-Tex and synthetic blends. These also tend to be quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and durable so they will easily stand up to packing (and repacking, if your trip includes multiple stops) so you won’t need to worry about ironing and maintenance as you go along your way. 

What NOT to pack for a winter trip to Europe

While knowing what to pack is important, keeping in mind what to avoid bringing can be equally as valuable. Items that take up tons of room in your luggage that only have one use or can only be worn once or twice don’t merit the suitcase space they require.

• Bulky, heavy coats and items that take up a lot of space
• Clothes with bright patterns or colours that can only be worn once
• High-maintenance fabrics that wrinkle easily (like silk and linen)
• Too many pairs of choose (opt for a few versatile pairs instead)
• Hair tools that aren’t compatible with European voltage (keep in mind that voltage converters are notoriously unreliable, and your expensive hair tools may end up broken after the first use)

Final thoughts

Your winter packing list for Europe will largely depend on which countries you’re planning to travel to and what activities are on your itinerary while you’re there. That said, a few essentials remain relevant regardless of your destination (things like a warm winter parka and comfortable, water-resistant boots or walking shoes). 

You’ll want to avoid overpacking by opting for layers and versatile pieces you can rewear again and again throughout your journey, and the same goes for shoes which can be worn on repeat for a number of activities. 

When it comes to skiing, be sure to take extra care to pack everything you’ll need, and don’t forget accessories like hats, gloves, and hand warmers to ensure you stay dry and warm, no matter where you’re headed.