I have put my 20+ years of travel experience to good use and made you this list of the essential items for a Europe trip in spring that need to be in your suitcase.
From must-have clothes to accessories, I have compiled a 2-week Europe packing list for any travel style. You can quickly adapt the number of items to the length of your trip just by adding or removing some of the articles from my list to make sure you have enough clothes for those warm days as well as for cold weather.
Packing for a European trip is a daunting task, especially considering that Europe is such a massive continent with very different weather conditions and temperatures in spring. And everything turns out to be even more difficult if this is your first time overseas or you are trying to figure out how to pack light.
Have you finally booked flights for your next spring adventure in Europe? Then, it’s time to start thinking of what to put inside your suitcase!
March, April, and May are beautiful months to visit Europe – from cities to mountains to beaches, there are so many places you can travel to!
Once you’ve picked out the country or countries you will spend time in, it’s fundamental to plan your Europe spring travel outfits accordingly.
Keep reading to discover my ultimate packing list for Europe and all my tips and tricks to avoid bringing too many items you won’t need.
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Europe Packing Checklist – Perfect Packing List
Pro tip: I love packing cubes, especially if you are making a family packing list. We have one color for each of us, and it makes it easier for the kids to know where to find their clothes in the big suitcase.
Europe Packing Tips
Spring looks very different depending on where you travel in Europe, and you should pack some clothes and accessories if you are, let’s say, traveling to Edinburgh or Santorini.
Before discussing in detail your Europe spring vacation luggage, there are a few things to discuss:
- Research how the weather and temperature are in the country/countries you are visiting – more on this below;
- Check the local forecast a week before departure and pack accordingly;
- Consider if you want to pay extra for checked luggage to bring more outfits and accessories with you;
- When packing, consider your itinerary: will you move from one city to another often? If so, it would be better to pack light and leave with a travel backpack;
- Think of your suitcase as a small capsule wardrobe rather than somewhere to store individual outfits so you can mix and match everything to create a new look daily;
- Always pack a black, classy outfit – as you can use it on more occasions;
- Always bring at least one pair of good-quality walking shoes;
- Most accommodation facilities have on-site laundry, so consider packing lighter and eventually have your clothes washed;
This bullet list is a great starting point when figuring out what to pack for Europe, but there is a topic that needs more discussion: Europe’s weather in spring.
Now, let’s jump into the European spring packing list for women and men.
Checklist For Women
As a summary, here is our ultimate travel packing list for your European vacation for women to adapt based on the region(s) of the continent you will be visiting and for how long:
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 4-5 Blouses and/or long-sleeve t-shirts.
- 2 Cardigan/sweater.
- 1-2 Dresses
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 1 Pair of trousers/capris.
- 1 Skirt (optional)
- 1 Lightweight rain jacket/trench coat.
- 1 Warmer coat (leather jacket or parka, depending on how cold it will be)
- 2 Pairs of boots or 1 boots and 1 high heels
- 1 Pair of comfy sneakers
- 1 Pair of trekking shoes (optional)
- 1 Pair of flip-flops (optional)
- 2 Pairs of tights
- 1 Hat of choice
- 1 Scarf
- 1 Pair of sunglasses
- 1 Pair of gloves (optional)
- Jewellery
- Underwear
Checklist For Europe For Men
Get ready to pack for your next European spring adventure by following this handy checklist for men’s clothing. Don’t forget to add (or remove) items based on the European region(s) you will be traveling to and for how long:
- 5-6 T-Shirts (shirt-sleeves and long-sleeved)
- 1-2 High-quality evening shirts
- 1 Hoodie
- 3-4 Oxford Sweaters/Merino Wool Jumpers
- 1 Pair of jeans
- 1 Pair of other long pants of choice
- 1 Pair of shorts (optional)
- 1 Lightweight rain jacket
- 1 Warmer coat (depending on how cold it will be)
- 1 Hat
- 1 Pair of Sneakers
- 1 Pair of ankle boots
- 1 Pair of elegant shoes
- 1 Pair of trekking shoes (optional)
- 1 Pair of flip-flops (optional)
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Scarf
- 1 Pair of sunglasses
- 1 Pair of gloves (optional)
- Underwear
The best advice I was ever given was to make sure you book an Airbnb that has a washing machine so that you can do a load of laundry; this was, you can have the most space possible in your bag to bring home souvenirs.
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What You Need To Know About Europe Weather In Spring
When it comes to putting together a packing list for Europe, you need to figure out where in the continent to travel based on your interests, preferences, and weather.
While Europe is generally pleasant in spring, May is definitely the best month to go there. With the days becoming longer and the sun shining in many countries – which means warmer temperatures and hardly any rain – May is a spectacular time for a holiday of 2-weeks (or more!).
April also boasts good weather in South Europe, while March is the cheaper spring month to travel to Europe, but you will find rain and still cold temperatures pretty much everywhere you go – with some exceptions, like the islands in Greece or the southern coast of Spain.
All About Europe’s Different Climates
Europe is home to 44 countries clustered in four main regions: Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe.
Each region requires a very different type of packing, and you should always check the weather in the country/countries you are traveling to within the same European region.
Northern Europe
Spring in Northern Europe is considerably colder. Although the temperature might not be as cold as in winter, you can still find it freezing. Plus, you will likely encounter snowfall in March in countries like Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Other countries, such as the UK, will see lots of rain.
Northern Europe includes Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Southern Europe
Southern Europe offers a Mediterranean climate, with temperatures warmer than any other region within the continent. In countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy, Spring still sees rainfall (and occasional snow in the mountain areas), but the temperatures are usually up to 20 degrees Celsius (or 68F) by the end of April.
Southern Europe comprises Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Malta.
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe’s temperatures are slightly on the colder side during early spring, but with the good season taking full swing, they will easily go up to 15 degrees Celsius (or 59F). Expect showers in the region’s countries, like Poland, Hungary, and Russia.
Eastern Europe encompasses Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Croatia, Albania, and the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Western Europe
Finally, in Western Europe, spring weather is particularly unpredictable. Sometimes, you could even experience all four seasons in the same week! In March, the temperatures are still pretty low (10°C/50F), progressively increasing as the season goes by.
France usually has overall better weather than Germany, Switzerland, and The Netherlands, but you can expect occasional rain everywhere.
Western Europe includes Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Monaco.
Overview Of Europe Spring Travel Packing
Considering how vast Europe is and the number of microclimates you will find in the different regions, creating a packing list for Europe in spring is pretty challenging.
The key element when deciding what to bring with you is keeping in mind spring’s unpredictable weather conditions and climate, which has higher precipitation levels in March.
Generally, you will always want to include in your suitcase clothing for warm and cool temperatures and something to shield you from the rain, like an umbrella or a handy K-way.
Wearing layers and accessories to stay cozy and comfortable if the weather changes is fundamental for enjoying your vacation.
Packing List For Europe In Spring For Women
When thinking about your clothing for Europe in spring, you might want to pack trendy clothes and accessories to show off looks that make for beautiful Instagram pics. However, you should always remember that you can still be glamorous without giving up on comfort.
So here are our great spring packing lists for the four European regions so that you will be ready for warm and colder spring days.
Northern Europe
In Northern Europe, spring can either arrive incredibly early or late, with snow still there in May. It’s safe to state that in countries like Norway and Sweden, spring is pretty cold. Besides snow, you may encounter strong winds.
The must-have clothes are a waterproof hooded jacket and low-heel boots. If the forecast predicts snowfall, bring with you waterproof boots so your feet will stay warm at all times. More items to have with you are a lovely warm scarf, a beanie, a pair of gloves, and an easy overcoat for cooler days and nights.
Under the outer clothes, you can wear long-sleeve t-shirts and sweaters paired with classy black pants and your favorite jeans. Another clothing item you might want to bring with you is a pretty dress: definitely pack a dress in a thicker material such as wool and pair it with black tights. Tights are also great to wear under the pants if you are particularly cold.
As for footwear, pack ankle or long boots and trekking shoes or tennis shoes – depending on what activities you will be doing during your vacation.
To perfectly mix with locals, remember that in Northern countries, people like to keep things simple in their wardrobe and tend to choose clothes that are beige, grey, black, and blue.
Southern Europe
A trip to Southern Europe means visiting some beautiful Mediterranean destinations, where springtime brings relatively mild weather. However, don’t let the shining sun fool you: some days are warm, but others can be pretty chilly. In the evening, you will always need to wear a jacket – an eco-leather jacket will give you just the right look!
If you are staying somewhere on the coast, you will also need to wear a light scarf during the evenings as the coastline tends to be more windy.
When packing for Southern Europe in spring, don’t forget to pack a sweater and a trench coat for rainstorms, as well as a small umbrella.
As for other clothes, jeans are a must. Style them with bright and light-colored t-shirts, blouses, or long-sleeve t-shirts, depending on the forecast. When it’s sunny, it will be warm enough to wear skirts and dresses in light fabrics, so it might be a good idea to have a couple of each in your luggage.
Footwear-wise, sneakers and comfy ankle boots are a must! Also, pack a pair of dressy shoes to dine out in style.
Don’t forget to accessorize! Whether you are visiting the Acropolis in Athens or the Colosseum in Rome, sunglasses, a chic sun hat, and jewelry are the way to go.
Lastly, If you plan to visit a warmer beach destination in late spring, pack a swimsuit of choice – both bikinis and one-piece bathing suits are cool.
Eastern Europe
Spring is a splendid time of year in Eastern Europe. The temperatures can change rapidly within the same day, so wearing layers is mandatory to be comfy. It’s important to note here that the temperature difference between March and May could be drastic, so you need to prepare your luggage accordingly.
Grey skies and rain are the main weather you will find when traveling to Eastern Europe in March and April, so a hooded raincoat and boots need to be in your suitcase.
As for other clothes, sweaters will keep you toasty warm, but also pack some cotton long-sleeve T-shirts or a light sweater for warmer days. As for pants, you never go wrong with jeans and black or navy pants.
Local women also like to wear long or short skirts with tights or pantyhose underneath to be warm. Complete the look with a scarf and a medium-sized purse where you can store a wool hat and a pair of gloves if you are cold.
And keep in mind all of those cobblestone streets when thinking about what shoes are best to pack.
Western Europe
When packing for Western Europe in Spring, “dressed up” casual attire is what you should go for. As it is for the other European regions, the climate is unpredictable, and you should expect to encounter rain. However, you surely will want to be stylish when strolling on the streets of chic European cities like Paris or Berlin, so here is what you should bring.
Well-tailored, darker-wash jeans are figure-flattering and will keep you warm enough; pair them with a pretty blouse or long-sleeve shirt, boots (ankle or long) or sneakers, and a high-quality and light scarf to look your best. Besides jeans, pack a sweater dress and thick tights, perfect for museum-hopping and leisurely walks around the city.
Depending on how low the temperatures will be and how much time you plan to spend outdoors, you may need to wear a trench coat/black leather jacket or a warmer jacket like a parka.
Don’t forget to pack some jewels and pairs of shoes that go with a lovely dress for a fancy night out.
Packing For Europe In Spring For Men
Many blog posts with packing lists only include women’s wear – but men need to pack clothes and accessories, too! Everyone wants to look their best when vacationing abroad, so they can shoot pics and post them on Instagram. But looking fabulous is only half the matter: being comfortable is a must!
Keep reading to find out what to wear in Europe in spring so you are ready to pack for your next getaway, depending on the region you will travel to.
Northern Europe
As discussed before, spring in Northern Europe, spring is still cold, with occasional snow falling and strong wind well into May.
A key element that you cannot miss from your luggage is waterproof and cozy clothes. As for outerwear, choose a heavy jacket if going somewhere particularly cold, or opt for a waterproof jacket (one with a hood will be a bonus )to pack something lighter but handy. A scarf, beanie, a pair of gloves, and a good pair of boots are also a must for your northern European spring trip.
As for tops, long-sleeved t-shirts are perfect to wear under Merino wool cardigans, unstructured blazers, and hoodies. Pair them with fitted jeans or some other pants that you like (as long as they have a thicker fabric), and you are ready to enjoy your vacation!
Southern Europe
Southern Europe in spring means a very mild climate with bright sunny days and random showers. A light jacket or a fashionable leather jacket is a must-have to be worn in the evenings and coastal areas, but you should always opt for a warmer coat if traveling somewhere with mountains.
Sweaters and hoodies also need to be in your suitcase, but in southern European countries, you can style them with a t-shirt or shirt underneath, so you can take the outer layer out when the sun gets the temperature higher.
As for bottoms, denim jeans are always the way to go, but you can also wear chinos pants in the shade you prefer, from light khaki to more colorful shades. Pair them with classic sneakers, and don’t forget to bring with you a pair of comfortable ankle boots or loafers for your nights out.
If you want to hit the beach during your holiday, pack a swimsuit and 2 pairs of shorts to enjoy the sunny outdoors.
Eastern Europe
Spring in Eastern Europe means one thing: unpredictable weather with temperatures that can go from “it’s almost summer” to “it’s winter time” within the same day. So, packing clothes that can be worn in layers is the way to go.
Rain will be almost a daily companion of your trip, especially in the early season, which means that you should bring with you a hooded raincoat and boots to keep your feet dry.
As for other clothes, cozy sweaters and sporty hoodies paired with classic jeans or black or navy pants are perfect for surviving the crazy spring climate. Underneath, you can wear long-sleeve or short-sleeve T-shirts, depending on how cold you are.
Make sure to pack a good pair of comfortable shoes, a light scarf, a hat, and a more elegant jacket to wear at need.
Western Europe
You know the deal by now: climate in spring is unpredictable, and Western Europe is no exception. Colder days, rain, and wind can sweep in every city, so you need to wear the correct clothes to feel comfortable.
Properly fitted jeans, sneakers or ankle boots, and an oxford-cloth sweater are perfect attire for a trendy look. Put a raincoat or leather jacket on top, a light scarf, and a pair of sunglasses to complete the attire. If the forecast predicts particularly colder temperatures, consider packing a warmer jacket like a parka.
Besides long-sleeve t-shirts and sweaters, pack one nicer shirt for evenings out that you can pair with classic navy or black pants and a nice-looking pair of derby shoes.
What are the most important things to consider when packing for a European vacation in springtime?
When packing for a European vacation in spring, it’s essential to consider the weather, dress code, and the activities you plan to engage in.
What’s the best way to ensure you have everything you need for a European springtime vacation?
The best way to ensure a hassle-free trip is by creating a comprehensive packing list and organizing your belongings efficiently. Consider using packing cubes to stay organized.
What should I pack in my carry-on bag for a springtime European vacation?
In your day pack or carry-on bag, make sure to include essential items like travel documents, a water bottle, extra layers for changing weather, and any medications you may need during the journey.
How should I plan my travel wardrobe for a European spring vacation?
Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Include items like lightweight sweaters, long-sleeve t-shirts, tank tops, jeans, and short-sleeve tops. Layering is a great idea to adapt to varying temperatures.
What should I consider regarding dress codes in Europe during the spring months?
In Europe, dress codes can vary by location. Generally, it’s an excellent choice to pack slightly dressier options for evenings or visits to cultural sites. However, casual wear like jeans and comfortable shoes is suitable for most activities.
Do I need to bring flip-flops for a European spring vacation?
Flip-flops are unnecessary, but comfortable walking shoes are a great choice, especially if you plan to explore cities or engage in outdoor activities.
Should I pack extra layers for spring weather in Europe?
Yes, packing extra layers is a great idea, as spring weather in Europe can be unpredictable. Lightweight jackets, scarves, and a waterproof outer layer can come in handy.
Is it advisable to purchase travel insurance for peace of mind during an international trip?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice to have travel insurance for your European vacation. It can cover unexpected events, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations.
What’s the best way to handle money while traveling in Europe?
Carry a mix of credit and debit cards, but be aware of foreign transaction fees. It’s also a good idea to have some local currency on hand for places that may not accept cards.
How can I protect my belongings from petty theft while traveling in Europe?
Use a secure travel backpack or day pack to keep your valuables close. Be cautious in crowded areas, and consider using anti-theft accessories such as hidden pouches or locks.
What are some essential items to pack for a European road trip during springtime?
If you plan a road trip, ensure you have a valid driver’s license, car documents, a GPS or map, a first-aid kit, and snacks for the journey.
Are there any restrictions on luggage weight for international flights to Europe?
YES! Airlines in Europe have weight limits for checked and carry-on luggage. Check with your airline for specific limits and any potential extra costs for exceeding them.
What are the best bags for packing light on a European spring vacation?
Opt for a versatile travel backpack or carry-on bag that meets airline size regulations. Packing cubes can help you maximize space and keep items organized.
How can I stay hydrated during my European vacation?
Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it as needed. In Europe, tap water is generally safe to drink, but you can also purchase bottled water if preferred.
What’s the best tip for packing for a long trip to Europe in springtime?
The best tip is to pack items that can serve multiple purposes and prioritize comfort and versatility. Be mindful of the weather forecast and adjust your packing accordingly.
Do I need to pack differently for a short trip to Europe in spring compared to a longer one?
The essentials remain the same, but for a short trip, you can pack fewer clothing items. Focus on mixing and matching to create different outfits with fewer pieces.
What’s the last thing I should check before leaving for my European vacation?
Before leaving, double-check that you have all your travel documents, including passports, visas, flight tickets, and hotel reservations. It’s also a good time to ensure your phone and devices are charged.
Are there any specific travel tips for traveling via public transport in Europe?
Public transport is efficient in Europe. Research the local transport options in each destination, and consider purchasing transportation passes for convenience.
What should I include in my family packing list for a springtime European vacation?
When traveling with family, ensure you have extra clothing for children, entertainment for the journey, and any specific items your family members may need.
Is there an ultimate packing list available for a European spring vacation?
You can find various packing lists online, including ultimate packing lists tailored to specific destinations in Europe during spring. Use these as a starting point and customize them based on your preferences and activities.
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Wrap Up On Making A Springtime Packing List For Europe
Understanding what to wear in Europe for your next spring trip isn’t as straightforward as many think. Before putting clothes and accessories inside your suitcase, you need to carefully ponder what the weather will be like in the destination(s) you travel to.
The climate in spring is generally unpredictable, but depending on which European region you will visit, you will need to pack different items.
Hopefully, this spring Europe travel essentials packing guide will help you figure out what to bring to be comfortable every day and night without giving out in style!
I saw people suggesting to pack umbrellas, but I do not want to can I but it there?
100% YES, go to those cheap stalls, shops that sell Chinese made items you can always find umbrellas there.
Great checklist! Super helpful for planning my upcoming trip to Europe in spring. Thanks for simplifying the packing process!