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Packing list for Germany in Winter: Germany’s climate is varied, depending on which part of the country you are visiting on your vacation. The climate in Germany generally comprises of temperate winters, warm summers, westerly winds and year-round rain.
There are basic rules for what to wear in Germany in winter, no matter where you are in the country. Pack warm clothing especially if traveling to places where buying a warmer jacket will set you back a pretty penny.
Read on to find out how to be warm – and stylish, when visiting Germany for a winter holiday.
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What to Wear in Germany in Winter
1-2x warm boots: Depending on how much suitcase room you have, pack 1-2 pairs of boots suited for colder weather. To save on space and luggage weight you can wear one of these pairs during flights.
1 pair of sneakers: If you have some activities planned where your boots just won’t work, pack a pair of sneakers. If not, you’re better off traveling with just the two pairs of boots, or 1 pair of boots and 1 pair of sneakers.
4-5 x socks – You can hand wash them in a sink
6-10 pairs of underwear
3-5 bras
1-2 x pairs of gloves
1-3 x Woollen hat / beanie
Cardigan or pullover x 2
1-2 x jacket/ coats: If pressed for space/ luggage weight, wear one of these on flights. If you have the space pack two, although one will be just fine.
Tops x 4-7: Longer sleeves will keep you warmer. Because you can hand wash these you can easily get by with only four tops if you want to travel light.
Sleepwear
Bottoms x 2-5: You’ll need long pants to keep you warm.
Leggings x 1-2: If you are susceptible to cold weather consider packing long johns to wear underneath your pants as well.
1-2x Scarf
What to Pack for Germany in Winter (December, January and February)
Medical
- Anti-acid medicine
- First aid kit
- Prescribed medication – Be sure to carry the prescription in case you need a refill or are asked upon at the airport.
Makeup and Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste (travel-sized tube)
- Regular makeup kit and travel sized makeup bag
- Wipes
- Tissues (travel sized)
- Deodorant
- Solid shampoo or travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
Technology
- Phone and charger
- Digital camera and lens – I use the Sony a6500 and 19mm f2.8 lens
- 2 or 3 8GB Memory cards– This will come in handy should one memory card fail or get lost
- International adapter – like this one
- Batteries and camera charger
- Portable battery (see this one) to charge a phone or the camera
Luggage
- Suitcase: It is ideal since it’s easy to find things, something like this would do well.
- Backpack: This is great for traveling in Germany, especially if you are not carrying a lot of things. This Osprey 55 litre is a top choice that will last a long time.
- Belt/ Neck Wallet: It is safe for storing personal documents such as your passport, credit card, or ID card as well as cash.
Everything Else
- Two bank cards – Carry a MasterCard and Visa since not all German banks may accept your regular card
- Photocopies- To avoid being stranded without a passport should the original get lost or stolen, have several photocopies made. Leave one copy back home with someone.
- Luggage lock- It ensures your luggage remains safe at all times.
Germany Seasonal Packing Lists
Spring in Germany (March, April and May): Spring is a great time to visit Germany as temperatures rise faster than the return of summer prices and crowds. Real spring begins in April with the appearance of the blossoms although the best weather starts in May.
Easter is one of the popular holidays for locals who flock parks and outdoor cafes to bask in the sun. If visiting in April, attend the Munich Spring Festival which is like a mini-Oktoberfest with the feel of a fair.
Summer in Germany (June, July and August): The summer months are the most crowded and most expensive, but are great weather-wise for visiting Germany’s urban centers.This is the time of the year when nature is transformed and it appears in all its glory.
Average summer temperatures in Germany range between 18 – 20 C / 64-72 F on average. That said, places like Berlin are known to reach the high 30’s C / 90’s F during the heat waves of July and August. If visiting in late June you can attend the Hurricane/ Southside twin music festival, and the Splendor in the Grass.
Fall in Germany (September, October and November): Fall is a pleasant time to visit Germany due to the fewer crowds, more comfortable temperatures and less rains. Every year, Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world, is held in late September in the city of Munich. If visiting Germany in early September, be sure to attend the Berlin Festival, a big rock festival and party. See the Fall / Autumn packing list here.
Winter in Germany (December, January and February): Wintertime in Germany is perfect for hitting the slopes or witnessing or participating in amazing winter sports.Winter temperatures average between 2-6C / 35-42F but it gets colder in places such as the alpine Zugspitze.
This season of severe frost is also a time for festive carnivals and events. The Christmas Markets around Germany are a magical must-see where you can enjoy mulled wine and a huge pretzel.
Germany never shuts down, not even in winter which offers a host of fun things to see and do. To ensure that you enjoy the fun winter attractions in Germany, you will need to be warm and comfortable. With this Germany in winter packing list, you no longer have to wonder what to wear in Germany.