I joke that I’m a weather chameleon and like to think that I adapt to the weather where I live because I move so much. Since we’re back in the land of 90+ degree summers, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the cold of a European December. So creating a packing list for Europe in winter honestly concerned me. As always, I over-researched everything then decided to wing it. I prefer to pack plenty of layers to deal with cold weather and to adjust temperatures easily when going in and out of buildings. Since my feet get cold really easily, I also packed a few pairs of ankle socks to layer under crew socks when wearing boots.
We traveled for about two total weeks. Some of those days were spent at my in-laws, and two were our international flights. We also spent a few days at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law-‘s house in Germany without any plans. Here’s what made the cut for my packing list for Europe in winter.
Note: I linked to the most similar items I could find. My coat and a few other items are several years old and aren’t currently available in the exact color or style.
What I packed
10 tops (three sweaters, three long-sleeved shirts, and four t-shirts)
3 camisoles / undershirts
One puffer vest
3 pairs of jeggings
2 pairs of leggings
Pajamas (a long-sleeve tee and comfy leggings)
10 pairs of socks (including boot socks and thicker socks)
Wool pea coat
Gloves and a hat
Undies
Riding boots
Bean boots
Sneakers
I also packed my Travelon anti-theft tote bag. I ordered this for my study abroad trip in 2017 because we went to a lot of high-theft areas in London and Paris. It’s a good-sized tote bag that could hold my camera gear, so I took the chance to use it again.
What I would change
- We dealt with pouring-down rain for most of the days we were in Germany. While my peacoat was warm enough, it wasn’t super water-repellent. I would also bring an umbrella.
- My leggings weren’t thick enough for the weather, so I only wore them one day that we were out and about. I would bring fleece-lined leggings instead.
- I forgot a hat and had to buy one in Germany. The best 15 Euro I spent on the trip.
- I didn’t need three pairs of shoes. I packed the sneakers to have a more comfy option on the plane. But I wound up wearing my riding boots on the flight back. While they didn’t add a lot of weight, I only wore them once.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, Extra Black Olives will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
