12 Best Things To Wear in Europe in the Spring

Europe is a beautiful place to visit, especially during the spring and summer months. However, the weather in European countries can be unpredictable and vary heavily depending on the region. So, what to pack for a spring or summer trip to Europe?

The best things to wear in Europe in the spring include sweaters, cardigans, jackets, T-shirts, pants, and jeans. Besides comfortable sneakers, bring a pair of waterproof boots and a raincoat, since rains are common during springtime.

In this article, I will share 12 essentials to wear in Europe in springtime and provide helpful packing tips to prepare you for any situation.

1. Tops and T-Shirts

Comfortable t-shirts and light tops are must-have pieces of clothing when visiting Europe in the spring. You can wear them with or without a jacket on warmer days or put them on under your sweatshirt if the weather gets cool, especially when rapid weather changes are expected.

If you’re planning on visiting Southern Europe, tank tops and crop tops are also a good idea. The following countries comprise Southern Europe:

Greece

Italy
Spain
Portugal

Montenegro
North Macedonia
Croatia

Serbia
Slovenia
Albania

Bosnia-Herzegovina

This region is the warmest all year round, and the spring season there is especially nice. The temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)—very comfortable for taking long walks without having to suffer the full force of Southern heat.

Spring is also extremely beautiful in Southern Europe; the entire region is in bloom, the trees are green, and flowers can be seen all around. While rains happen anywhere in Europe, they are less frequent here than in other regions. Instead, there is plenty of sunlight, and you have the highest chance of catching bright clear days in Southern European countries.

Bring about five tops and T-shirts with you for a week-long trip. If you’re going to Northern Europe, three comfortable T-shirts will get you covered.

2. Sweaters and Long Sleeve Shirts

European spring can be warm and sunny; still, drastic changes in the weather are common, and in most European regions, it’s still rather chilly in springtime. So, bringing warm clothes such as sweaters and long-sleeve shirts with you is crucial for your comfort throughout the trip.

I recommend taking three to four sweaters and long sleeve shirts. You can wear them on rainy or windy days to keep yourself warm and comfortable. They are also very helpful in the evenings when the temperatures often drop significantly.

Again, if you’re going to Scandinavian or Baltic states, it’s best to get even more warm clothes since spring is typically cold there, and snowfalls are rather common. A cute and fuzzy sweater will be the perfect item to wear in such weather.

Tip: Check the weather forecast before packing. Preferably, do so a day or two before your departure to get the most accurate predictions. Even though European spring can bring surprises, you will be more prepared for them.

3. Pants and Jeans

Of course, you’ll need comfortable, practical, and stylish bottoms, especially if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. For most European regions, I’d recommend taking a couple of pairs of jeans and a pair or two of pants for fancier outfits and nights out.

As you pack, try to pick tops and bottoms that can make as many combinations as possible. That way, you’ll have many outfits to choose from without having to carry your entire closet to Europe.

Jeans will be perfect for long walks and touring the cities. Focus on picking the most practical items for your everyday activities. Still, it’s also a good idea to pack a pair of white or bright-colored pants for when you feel like dressing up.

Pants and jeans will be the best fit for European spring weather. In most regions, it doesn’t get hot enough for jeans to become uncomfortable. If you’re going to Northern European countries, I also recommend packing a pair of leggings to put on under the jeans on especially cold days.

4. Shorts and Skirts

If you’re going to the South of France or plan on touring around Greece, Spain, and Italy, a pair of shorts or a nice skirt are also nice things to wear. Keep in mind that this recommendation only goes for the Southern region: everywhere else, the temperatures are not likely to get high enough.

For the shorts, choose something more classy and think about the outfits you can put together with them. Europeans value elegance, so don’t be too casual: beach shorts would only be a good idea if you’re planning on going to the beach.

5. Dresses

Taking a nice dress with you is always a good idea: you can wear it for a night out, to a fancy restaurant, or during a theatre visit. In most of Europe, though, it won’t be warm enough to walk around in a dress comfortably, so only take one or two for special occasions.

However, if you’re traveling to the South, especially later in spring, a dress will also be an excellent everyday piece. Consider accessorizing your dress with bright accents, especially when your baggage is limited, and you can’t bring much.

Again, look for the right balance between comfort and elegance and go for versatile items that would fit various occasions.

6. Jackets and Cardigans

When you’re traveling through a region where the weather is fast-changing and often unpredictable, having warm things to throw on is a must. Jackets and cardigans are not only cute and stylish but also extremely helpful in the European spring season.

The weather in Europe during spring months can change rapidly, especially as you travel between different countries. Get prepared for any occasion, including rain and snow. Your best bet for staying comfortable throughout your trip is to bring items that can be easily mixed and matched, so you can take something off or add more layers and easily adjust to any weather.

If you’re planning on visiting Northern European countries in the spring, prepare for rougher conditions. The typical average temperatures are between 4°C and 10°C (39°F and 50°F), which is significantly colder than in Western Europe.

Here, shorts or skirts are not worth bringing along; instead, focus on warmer and more practical pieces when you pack for the trip.

The Northern European region includes the following states:

the UK
Ireland

Sweden
Norway
Denmark

Finland
Estonia
Lithuania

Latvia

Scandinavia is known for its rough winters, which typically stretch well into spring. Visiting these states is recommended in warmer summer months or later in May. The Baltic region is also chilly in spring, with snow and rain being rather common.

You can expect plenty of rain in the UK as well. One of the season’s most characteristic traits is the constant weather changes: you can enjoy a nice sunny day and wake up to a rainstorm the next morning.

Depending on where you’re going, pack a warmer or lighter jacket for everyday wear. Make sure to check the weather forecast to determine which of the jackets you own would be the best fit.

Since cardigans usually take up less space, I recommend packing two: you can combine them with your jacket on cold days and easily take them off if the weather gets better.

7. Raincoat

Spring is probably the most unpredictable season in Europe in terms of weather. Temperatures can vary dramatically; it often rains, although you can also expect many lovely sunny days, especially later in spring.

Chances of rain are dependent on the region or country you’re visiting. The countries of Western Europe include:

France
Germany

Netherlands
Austria
Switzerland

Belgium
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg

Monaco

Here, average spring temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F). Warm clothes are essential: even if you’re lucky with the weather, evenings will still be chilly, and an additional sweater or jacket will be a lifesaver.

Rains are very common here in spring, so grabbing waterproof clothes and shoes is also vital. In countries like Germany and Netherlands, you can even encounter snow, especially in early spring, while in France, for instance, you are more likely to enjoy warm and sunny days.

If you’re planning on visiting multiple countries during your trip, you have to pack for any occasion, as the conditions may change quickly.

Because rains are very common in Europe during spring, I recommend bringing a raincoat or a waterproof jacket with you. You want to enjoy all the time you have in this unique region, so don’t let the moody rainy weather stop you from seeing all of its beauty!

If you’re traveling to Northern Europe, prepare for the snow as well. Take a warm waterproof coat or jacket to be comfortable on cold and snowy days. In Germany and Poland, it can also sometimes snow during the spring months.

8. Sneakers

Comfortable shoes are essential for any trip, and there is hardly anything more convenient than a pair of your favorite sneakers. Go for a pair of nice-looking sneakers that would go well with the outfits you’re planning for the trip. They are also the perfect footwear for Eastern European spring and overall the best thing to wear daily.

The range for temperatures in Eastern European spring is quite broad: from 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F). In Poland, for instance, the temperatures can often get below average, and snow is also common in springtime. Your sneakers will keep your feet comfy and warm in these temperatures.

On the other hand, Hungary or Romania are southeastern countries with milder climates where you can expect warmer and sunnier days. While rains are not very frequent, they should be expected this time of year, so pack at least two pairs of sneakers for rainy days in case they occur during your stay. Spare shoes will be a lifesaver in case of unexpected rain.

9. Waterproof Shoes

Again, since rains are to be expected in Europe during spring, it’s crucial to have waterproof shoes for comfortable walks. For Northern regions, bring something that could keep you warm in the snow. If you’re not planning on traveling to Northern countries, go for lighter footwear.

10. Evening Shoes

People in Europe dress smart and elegant, so make sure to pack shoes that would go nicely with a fancy dress or a nice evening look for the nights you’ll be going out. For special occasions, consider something classic like pumps or strappy sandals. A nice pair of loafers and ballet flats are best for more casual looks.

In addition to being fashionable, comfort should also be considered when packing footwear for European trips. Choose open shoes if you’re traveling to the South or something warmer, like ankle boots, for colder regions.

11. Scarves

When it comes to accessories, the first thing to pack is scarves. They are quite popular in Europe, and for a good reason: during the spring months, cold air is more likely to blow through the continent, making it quite windy in many countries. Those who live near the sea are especially vulnerable to chilly gusts of air.

Scarves are an ideal accessory to keep yourself warm in such weather, and if the day gets better, they are compact enough to be easily put away. Plus, they look fabulous and are a great way to spice up your everyday outfits. Scarves come in various colors and fabrics that can match almost any outfit and make it look stylish with just one piece of clothing. Choose items that will both keep you comfortable and also look smart and stylish.

12. Hats and Sunglasses

Despite the weather being quite moody in Europe, you can generally expect plenty of sunlight in spring. In warmer regions, it also means that you will be constantly exposed to heat.

You will feel most comfortable exploring the cities of Europe with a pair of sunglasses. I also recommend bringing a nice summer hat if you’re heading South. And, above all, make sure to bring a warm hat with you to Northern European states, where it can get pretty cold.

Sources

Justine Jenkins: His & Hers Packing List for Europe in Spring