I have used my 20+ years of travel experience to create this list of the essential items for a spring European trip that should 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 adjust the number of items to the length of your trip by adding or removing articles from my list to ensure you have enough clothes for warm days and cold weather.

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Spring Packing List
Packing for a European trip is a daunting task, especially given that Europe is such a massive continent with very different weather and spring temperatures. And everything becomes even more difficult if this is your first time overseas or if 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 to visit!
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.
Please keep reading to discover my ultimate packing list for Europe, along with my tips and tricks for avoiding bringing unnecessary items.
Trip To Europe Packing Checklist – Perfect Packing List

Pro tip: I love packing cubes, especially when making a family packing list. We each have one color, which makes it easier for the kids to find their clothes in the big suitcase.
Europe Packing List Tips
Spring looks very different depending on where you travel in Europe, so pack some clothes and accessories if you are, let’s say, heading 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 paying extra for checked luggage to bring more outfits and accessories with you.
- When packing, consider your itinerary: will you often be moving from one city to another? 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 a place 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 for figuring out what to pack for Europe, but there’s one topic that needs more discussion: Europe’s spring weather.
Now, let’s jump into the European spring packing list for women and men.
Pack For Europe 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 1oneboots and one pair of 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 book an Airbnb with a washing machine so you can do a load of laundry; that way, you can have the most space possible in your bag to bring home souvenirs.
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What You Need To Know About European Weather In Spring

When putting together a packing list for Europe, you need to decide where in the continent to travel based on your interests, preferences, and the weather.
While Europe is generally pleasant in spring, May is often one of the best months to visit.
With the days becoming longer and the sun shining in many countries—which means warmer temperatures—May is a spectacular time for a two-week (or more!) holiday.
April also boasts good weather in Southern Europe, while March is the cheaper spring month to travel to Europe, but you can still find rain and cool temperatures in many places, though parts of southern Greece and southern Spain can be milder.
All About Europe’s Different Climates
Europe is often grouped into regions such as 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, it can still be 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 those in any other region of the continent. In countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy, Spring still sees rainfall (and occasional snow in the mountain areas). Still, temperatures are usually up to 20 degrees Celsius (68F) by the end of April.
Southern Europe includes countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Malta.
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe’s temperatures are slightly colder in early spring, but as the good season takes full swing, they will easily reach 15 degrees Celsius (or 59F). Expect showers across the region, including Poland, Hungary, and Russia.
Eastern Europe encompasses Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, the 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, spring weather in Western Europe is particularly unpredictable. Sometimes, you could even experience all four seasons in the same week! In March, temperatures are still pretty low (10°C/50°F), but they gradually increase as the season progresses.
France usually has better weather overall 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 How To Pack For Travel To Europe In Spring

Considering how vast Europe is and the number of microclimates you will find across its regions, creating a packing list for Europe in spring is pretty challenging.
When deciding what to bring, keep spring’s unpredictable weather in mind, with higher precipitation 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 For A Spring Vacay (Women)

When thinking about your spring wardrobe for Europe, you might want to pack trendy clothes and accessories to show off looks that make for beautiful Instagram pics. However, it would be best if you always remembered that you can still be glamorous without sacrificing comfort.
Here are our great spring packing lists for the four European regions so that you will be ready for warm and cold spring days.
Northern Europe
In Northern Europe, spring can arrive either very or incredibly still 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 calls for snow, bring waterproof boots, so your feet stay warm at all times. Other 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 your outer clothes, you can wear long-sleeve t-shirts and sweaters, paired with classy black pants or your favorite jeans. Another clothing item you might want to bring is a pretty dress: definitely pack a dress in a thicker material, such as woo,l, and pair it with black tights. Tights are also great to wear under pants if you are particularly cold.
As for footwear, pack ankle boots or long boots and trekking shoes or tennis shoes, depending on what activities you will be doing during your vacation.
To blend in with locals, remember that in Northern countries, rich people tend to keep their wardrobes simple, choosing 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 in the evenings, as the coast tends to be windier.
When packing for Southern Europe in spring, remember to bring a sweater, a trench coat for rainy days, and a small umbrella.
Other clothes: Jeans are a must. Depending on the forecast, style them with bright or light-colored T-shirts, blouses, or long-sleeve T-shirts. When it’s sunny, skirts and dresses in light fabrics will be warm enough, 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 ofyour choice—bikinis and one-piece bathing suits are cool.
Eastern Europe
Spring is a splendid time of year in Eastern Europe. Temperatures can change rapidly on the same day, so wearing layers is mandatory to stay comfy. It’s important to note that the temperature difference between March and May can be drastic, so you should prepare your luggage accordingly.
Grey skies and rain are the main weather you will find in Eastern Europe in March and April, so a hooded raincoat and boots need to be in your suitcase.
Other clothes and 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 stay 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, you should choose “dressed up” casual attire. As in the other European regions, the climate is unpredictable, and you should expect rain.
However, you will surely want to look stylish while strolling 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, 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 long you plan to spend outdoors, you may need to wear a trench coat/black leather jacket, or a warmer jacket like a parka.
Remember to pack some jewels and pairs of shoes to match your lovely dress for a fancy night out.
List For Europe In Spring (Men)
Many packing lists for blog posts 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 pictures 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, depending on the region yyou’llwbe travelingto, so you are ready to pack for your next getaway.
Northern Europe
As discussed before, spring in Northern Europe is still cold, with occasional snowfall and strong winds possible into May.
A key element you cannot miss in your luggage is waterproof, cozy clothes. As for outerwear, choose a heavy jacket if going somewhere particularly cold, or opt for a waterproof coat (one with a hood will be a bonus )to pack something lighter but handy. A scarf, a 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 for wearing under Merino wool cardigans, unstructured blazers, and hoodies. Pair them with fitted jeans or other pants you like (as long as they are made of 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 occasional showers. A light jacket or a fashionable leather jacket is a must-have for evenings and coastal areas. Still, you should always opt for a warmer coat if traveling into mountainous regions
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 off when the sun raises the temperature.
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 two 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 layered is the way to go.
Rain will be almost a daily companion on your trip, especially in the early season, so bring 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 an elegant jacket to wear when needed.
Western Europe
You know the deal by now: spring climates are unpredictable, and Western Europe is no exception. Colder days, rain, and wind can sweep through any city, so you need to wear the right clothes to stay comfortable.
Properly fitted jeans, sneakers or ankle boots, and an Oxford-cloth sweater make for a trendy look. To complete the attire, add a raincoat or leather jacket, a light scarf, and sunglasses. If the forecast calls fornotablyy cold temperatures, consider packing a warmer jacket, such as 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.
Spring Packing List For Europe
What are the most important things to consider when packing for a European vacation in the 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 to create a comprehensive packing list and organize 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 that can be mixed and matched. Include lightweight sweaters, long-sleeve t-shirts, tank tops, jeans, and short-sleeve tops. Layering is an excellent way to adapt to varying temperatures.
What should I consider when choosing a dress code in Europe during spring?
In Europe, dress codes can vary by location. Generally, it’s a good idea 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, travel insurance is an excellent choice 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 set weight and size 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. Tap water is generally safe to drink in most of Europe, but bottled water can be purchased if you prefer.
What’s the best tip for packing for a long trip to Europe in the 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 clothes. 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 cspring climateis generally unpredictable, but depending on which European region you 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 sacrificing 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!
We are travelling to the UK first for 2 weeks then across to Belgium Zurich Zermatt St Moritz by train then down to Venice then on a Cruise Croatia Italy Greece Malta back up to Rome
Onto another Cruise same Ship winders of Spain getting off in Barcelona across to Madrid down to Lisbon then Seville back to Madrid then home. A grand total of 8 weeks and I have NO IDEA where to start! We are coming from Australia I am a serial overpacker and so don’t want too NEED HELP DESPERATELY
Great informations, what about shoes?
Good question — comfortable walking shoes are a must. Bring something water-resistant in case of rain. You don’t need anything heavy or wintery. Stylish sneakers fit right in.