Europe Winter Travel Packing List: What to Pack for a Cheap Quick Weekend Getaway

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While it’s thrilling to plan a short winter getaway in Europe, it can be tricky to put together the ideal Europe winter packing list.

As winter approaches, it’s important to pack wisely so you can stay warm and cosy while you explore the beautiful cities and views.

Having grown up in a warm environment (Africa), I never really thought of winter as cold until I moved to Europe. As I write this, I will have spent my third winter and Christmas in Europe. 

I remember how cold my lower body felt when I went up into the snowy mountains of Switzerland in jeans for the first time in a real European winter. Yes, I get it! That was a bad idea!

So, I made this Europe winter packing list to help you avoid making the same mistake I did and prepare you to get ready for your winter trip in Europe.

This post has tried-and-tested tips on everything you need to pack for a quick weekend trip around Europe in the winter.

Whether you are going to one of the beautiful Christmas markets there or want to see the country when it’s not so crowded, I’ve got you!

Europe Winter Packing List: Know Before You Go

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Winter in Europe is a beautiful time of the year. Ensuring you’ve got the best Europe winter packing list sorted is essential. Overall, Europe is one of the best places to spend the holidays.

The city centres in all the European countries are filled with cute Christmas markets, ice skating rinks with snow, hot mulled drinks, and lots of other holiday-themed fun.

Spending a short weekend trip around Europe is a great way to experience European winter traditions. As a side note, each country in Europe has its own special seasonal and holiday traditions.

Despite the fact that most Christmas markets look the same, each country has at least one or two distinct winter traditions that I recommend you seek out and experience.

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Europe winter packing list tips

However, depending on where you go on your short European trip, it is essential to make sure you pack the right winter clothes to get the most out of your trip.

For instance, we recently (December 10th–14th, 2023) had a short trip to Portugal; usually, this place is considered warmer than London. I will discuss warmer and colder places in Europe later in the post.

What is the weather like in Europe in the winter?

The weather in Europe in the winter is very different depending on where you go and when you go. I live in the UK, which is in northwest Europe. In the winter, it’s usually dark and rainy here.

But, throughout the winter, temperatures usually drop below freezing, and it can get very cold. Winters in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe are harsh, with heavy snowfall and prolonged freezing temperatures.

Additionally, it is likely that a lot of snow will fall in some Western European countries. Some of the few are Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Climate change could also bring snow to the south of England, which is where London is located. Winter 2022 is a great example.

Still, there are places in Europe where the winters are not too cold. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast for where you’re going before you leave.

Also Read:European destination worth visiting in winter

Europe Winter Travel Tips: Take Advantage of Daylight

As opposed to the long days and short nights of the European summer, when darkness falls around 10 p.m.

It’s the exact opposite in the winter, and to be honest, this is the only thing I don’t like about European winters!

It gets dark at 3–4 p.m. in Europe in the winter, so there aren’t many daylight hours.

Therefore, I would suggest that you try to rise before the sun rises and make the most of your limited time if you want to see as much as possible.

If your main goal is to just see the Christmas markets, though, going after dark may be the best time because the markets look beautiful and are lit up with shimmering lights.

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Europe Winter Packing List: Focus on packing winter essentials

Your Europe winter packing list will be unique based on where you’re going and how long you’ll be there.

I packed almost my whole winter wardrobe for a trip to Romania that lasted a week and a half, but I only wore a few things and had to pay a huge baggage fee for nothing.

So when you go on a winter trip to Europe, you should only bring things that you will use and need.

Complete Europe winter packing list: clothes to bring

As a guide, this Europe winter packing list is only for carry-on bags or backpacks. Let’s get down to business and pack everything we need for a short weekend trip to Europe! The sections include warm clothes, shoes, toiletries, basics, accessories, and more!

Europe in Winter Packing List for Warm Clothing

● Sweaters or jumpers: On cool nights, choose cosy sweaters made of merino wool or cashmere to keep you warm. Avoid bringing big sweaters if you can, especially if you are going to the south of Europe.

It is a bit warmer here than in other parts of Europe. On top of that, big sweaters will take up too much room in your carry-on, and your backpack probably won’t have room for much else.

But layering thick sweaters instead of lighter ones might be the best thing to do if you’re going to northern Europe. Also, this is a great way to make the most of the space in your bags. Next in the post, I’ll talk more about how to layer clothes.

● Thermal base layers: If you are only going to be in Europe for a short time in the winter, the best way to avoid packing too much stuff is to wear as many layers as possible.

I don’t mean you must wear them the whole time you’re away if that makes sense. For extra warmth, you should bring long-sleeved thermal tops and leggings to wear under your clothes.

My usual packing list includes two pairs of tights. One is very thin and almost looks like my skin. I wear this pair under my travel sweatpants or thick leggings. Also, I put on extra-thin tights under my winter miniskirt or jumper dress.

● Pack a capsule wardrobe: When you’re packing for winter in Europe, my best advice is to bring clothes that go with each other. That’s where the capsule wardrobe comes in.

I go for khaki jeans, a black turtleneck jumper, pack beige jeans, and a spiced tan mini skirt. Mixing grey and burgundy colours is another thing I love to do.

● Winter coat/jacket: As mentioned, for a short winter trip in Europe, you will only need one perfect, warm coat or jacket, depending on where you go.

Choose a jacket that is both waterproof and warm. This will keep you safe in rain, snow, and wind. Maybe the best choice is a long puffer jacket.

● Scarves, gloves, and hats: Don’t forget these essentials to shield yourself from the cold weather. You don’t always need gloves, especially if you’re going somewhere inside, like a museum.

Most of the time, I only bring one good scarf with me. Also, if you want to save space in your backpack, put your beanie or gloves inside your winter coat or jacket instead of your backpack. As for the hat, I usually tie it around the back of my backpack when I’m travelling.

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Packing List for Winter Travel in Europe: Footwear

After bringing seven pairs of shoes for a week’s winter trip to Europe (yes, I know, I know, what was I thinking?!), I ended up paying almost €200 on Lauggae because I bought too many things.

I learned my lesson, so if you’re going to Europe in the winter, I suggest that you only bring two pairs of shoes. I promise that’s enough! Learn from my mistakes.

Europe Winter Packing list: Waterproof boots

If you plan to walk a lot during the day, you should make sure you have shoes that keep your feet warm and are comfortable. Check that they are appropriate for the snowy, icy, wet, and muddy conditions.

Of the two pairs of shoes you bring, one pair should be casual shoes for doing things inside or dining out. We like to travel on a budget, so I don’t worry too much about bringing shoes to fancy restaurants in the winter.

Warm Winter socks

Bring enough thick wool socks to keep your feet warm outside. You need extra-warm socks for places in Europe that get much colder.

Also, don’t forget to bring a pair of thin socks because the winter weather in some parts of Europe (hello, Malta and south of Spain) is hard to predict. For sure, you don’t want your feet to get too warm.

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Toiletries to Pack for Europe in Winter

● Travel-sized toiletries: I used to bring too many things, and toiletries and personal care items were no exception. If you are going on a short trip to Europe in the winter or any other time of the year,

You would pack travel-sized toiletries like mini-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and other things you need to save space.

When it comes to short weekend getaways, though, I’ve learned that you should only bring cosmetics that you will need and use. Most accommodations have soap, so I no longer bring shampoo or conditioner.

Europe winter packing list: Skincare essentials

● Moisturiser: It rains and blows a lot in Europe in the winter, so you need to bring some essential good skin care products to avoid getting dehydrated skin.

When you pack your skin care items for winter in Europe, don’t forget to bring a good face moisturiser. The Supergoop is my go-to! I like the PLAY Everyday SPF 30 Lotion (I use it in the summer and winter, and it lasts over six months), and the Nivea body lotion is also good.

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Winter Packing List for Europe: Gadgets and Packs

I strongly suggest you do not bring too many electronics on a short weekend trip to Europe in the winter.

You will probably only need your phone, a good power bank, and a simple flash drive for storage, like the USB Camera Adapter for iPhone and iPad, a USB camera adapter with a charging port.

It’s pretty handy; all you have to do is plug it in and go. Moving photos from your phone to the flash drive is also easy.

Every time I packed electronics for our trips, I had too many that I didn’t need. For example, I brought my massive tripod but never used it because I rarely travel alone.

I suggest you bring a small tripod resembling a selfie stick.

Travel Hacks: Winter Packing Tips and Weekend Breaks

● Backpack/weekend bag: Choose a small and roomy bag to hold all of your essentials without being too big. I’ve been using my ultralight foldable hiking backpack for over a year.

You can put your clothes, water bottles, laptop and other small things in the rucksack, which is light and easy to carry.

Tips on how to pack for a winter trip in Europe

Choose a neutral colour scheme if you want to mix and match clothes. This is something I’ve already talked about above. You can also save space by rolling up clothes instead of folding them.

I don’t know what rock you’ve been living under if you haven’t seen or heard about how to organise your stuff with packing cubes or compression bags on social media.

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● Winter Sports Gear (if applicable): Remember to bring all the right gear if you’re going on a weekend trip that includes skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or any other winter sport. You can also rent the gear. Some places that offer winter activities do this.

The best way to pack for a short weekend trip to Europe in the winter is to be smart and efficient. Considering the weather, the things you want to do, and your preferences can help you be ready for any situation while still keeping your bags light and compact.

You can enjoy your winter trip through Europe without worrying about not having enough gear or carrying too much luggage if you have a well-thought-out Europe winter packing list.

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