If there’s one thing we’ve learned about putting together the perfect packing list for Europe in spring, it’s to always expect the weather to be both colder and rainier than you hope for… especially if, like us, you hail from a climate where summer temperatures start sneaking into the calendar as early as March or April.
It’s not all bad news, though–March, April, and May are wonderful months to travel in Europe!
Delectable farmer’s markets, adorable small towns decked out for Easter, coastlines that are slowly waking up from their winter hiatus and aren’t crowded yet, and blooming flowers everywhere you look are just a few of the fun things to look forward to during spring in Europe.
And, after many springs spent hopping around the continent, we have plenty of ideas on how to put together the perfect spring packing list for Europe (many of which come from learning from our mistakes).
We’ve rounded up everything you need to pack for Europe in the spring here–plus some outfit ideas and advice on what to wear.
Table of Contents
- How to Use This Packing List for Europe in Spring
- The Absolute Essentials for Visiting Europe in Spring
- Travel Gear You Should Definitely Pack for Europe this Spring
- Packing List for Europe: Spring Wardrobe for Women
- Packing List for Europe: Spring Wardrobe for Men
- Other Travel Gear for Your Europe Packing List for Spring
- Keep Planning Your Spring Trip to Europe
How to Use This Packing List for Europe in Spring
While we talk mostly in general terms about packing for spring in Europe here, it’s of course important to remember that the continent has a wide variety of landscapes and weather patterns to offer!
Spring in the south of Europe is a totally different world than more northern parts of the continent, and the best things to wear in Scotland in March will of course be wildly different than what to wear in Sicily in May.
This packing list is designed to cover packing for Europe in March, April, and May, with an emphasis on visiting central and southern Europe.
Think strolling the streets of Paris, visiting the castles of Germany, or eating your way through Rome–that’s what this guide to what to wear in Europe in spring is designed for.
You will be prepared for spring showers and cold snaps, as well as bright sunny spring days.
Of course, always be sure to carefully check the weather in the destinations you’re planning to visit as your trip gets closer, but this spring packing list for Europe will provide a great jumping-off point for deciding what to bring (and what to leave behind).
All of the photos of Jeremy and me in this blog post were taken throughout Europe in March, April, or May–and as you can see, that has called for everything from peacoats to sundresses depending on the trip!
(Planning a trip to Europe in a different season? We also have packing lists for visiting Europe in the summer, fall, and winter!)
The Absolute Essentials for Visiting Europe in Spring
Passport — If you’re traveling internationally, your passport is an absolute must: there’s no point in packing for Europe in the spring without it!
Travel Insurance — No one likes to think about the possibility of canceled or interrupted trips, let alone accidents on the road.
Anything can happen while traveling, though–and that’s where travel insurance can help.
Check travel insurance policy inclusions and prices for your trip here.
Visa (If Needed) — Though 26 countries in Europe are part of the Schengen Zone that allows many nationalities (including US citizens, Canadians, and Australians) to enter and travel freely between their countries for 90 days for tourism, that still leaves around half of Europe’s countries that are not part of this agreement.
Regardless of where you are from, always double-check entrance requirements before showing up at the airport to fly to any European country (or any country at all that isn’t your own, for that matter).
SOON: ETIAS Waiver — While a traditional visa is not necessary, the EU is in the process of rolling out the ETIAS waiver system that will apply to most visa-exempt travelers from outside the EU.
While not active as of the first half of 2025, it is slated to begin at some point in the second half this year… or possibly in 2026.
When up and running, this will essentially be a brief form that will need to be filled out, paired with a small fee (7 Euro) that will need to be paid before entering any of 30 European countries.
It sounds more complex than it is, but for now, we recommend checking this site for any updates before your trip to Europe (as of February 2025 when I am updating this blog post, we are at least 6-7 months out from ETIAS coming into effect, and quite possibly longer).
Money — We recommend bringing two credit cards (one to use, and one to keep as a backup), and two debit cards.
Ideally, bring cards with no foreign transaction fees.
We’ve never felt it necessary to obtain currency before arriving (we just withdraw from an ATM when we get there), but you can purchase most currencies in your home country if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Keep in mind that not all countries in Europe are on the Euro, so be sure to double-check what currency you’ll need based on your itinerary!
International Driving Permit — If you are visiting Europe this spring from outside the EU and plan to rent a car, you may need an International Driving Permit to do so!
Italy is particularly well-known for enforcing this requirement.
Be sure to check the rental requirements in any country that you plan to drive in before you arrive!
Travel Gear You Should Definitely Pack for Europe this Spring
Camera — We use a Sony a7R III and absolutely adore it, but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!
Travel Adapters for Europe
Be sure to check the requirements for the particular countries you visit–the United Kingdom, for example, is well-known for using different plugs than most of the continent.
If you’re visiting the UK, Ireland, or Malta as part of your trip, we recommend also adding these adapters to your spring packing list.
Pacsafe
This travel safe is affordable, sturdy, easy to pack, and will help keep your valuables safe wherever you stay (not that you should need to worry much about theft from your hotel room during your trip to Europe, but it’s better to be safe than sorry).
Portable USB Charger
Reusable Water Bottle
Apple Air Tags — Air Tags are a relatively new addition to our Europe packing list, but we’ve absolutely loved having the extra security when checking out luggage! They’ll be coming with us from now on.
Tote Bag
They’re incredibly handy and we recommend adding one to your packing list for Europe this spring.
We’ve been carrying ours for years and it still comes in handy constantly and is holding up perfectly!
Swiss Army Knife
If so, you’ll be so glad you brought along a Swiss Army Knife!
Comfortable Day Bag — We currently use Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.
Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a Northface Jester backpack for years and loved it as well.
Travel Umbrella
An umbrella is a must-have on a spring trip to Europe, and by buying a dedicated travel umbrella before you leave, you’ll end up with a much higher quality umbrella than if you buy one from a street vendor once it starts pouring.
Student ID — If you’re a student, you’ll be entitled to lots of discounts on museums and attractions throughout Europe.
Be sure to add it to your packing list for Europe (but do keep in mind that some student discounts are only available to travelers studying in the EU–double-check before counting on the discounts!).
Cell Phone — Back in our backpacking days, we spent more than a year traveling without working cell phones, just relying on wifi… and while that’s completely fine, we would never go back.
Consider buying an eSIM, purchasing an international plan for your cell phone (most carriers offer them), or, if you have an unlocked phone, you can just buy a local SIM card once you land in Europe.
You can also buy EU SIM cards online before you go, though it’s not strictly necessary!
Purell Hand Sanitizer
Sunscreen
Packing List for Europe: Spring Wardrobe for Women
You’ll want to structure your personal wardrobe for traveling in Europe based on where you’re going, of course.
A glamorous trip to Rome than hiking in Iceland or soaking up the first rays of sun in Greece–but if you’re looking for a great all-in-one spring packing list for Europe, this is it!
These picks reflect my personal favorite things to wear in Europe in the spring.
Dresses
I love wearing dresses in Europe in the spring (and year-round, frankly)!
They’re easy to pack, easy to wear, look great just about anywhere you go, and manage to look pulled together while only requiring one piece of clothing.
When it is a little colder you can add tights and a jacket, layers are key in spring in Europe!
Dresses like this and this are generally what you’ll find me in when traveling through Europe in the spring.
Be sure to bring at least one or two maxi dresses (I love this one, for example), which fulfill the double purpose of being extremely photogenic while allowing you to visit religious sites like churches and mosques without issue.
Tops
Simple blouses like this are perfect for most places in Europe during the spring.
Be sure to also bring a sweater or two along–thinner ones are easier to pack and layer, so keep that in mind when shopping.
Something like this is a great option.
Bottoms
A Europe packing list for spring absolutely requires a pair of jeans–I’m obsessed with this pair and had them for years, but am branching out with straight-legged jeans now after a decade of skinny jeans.
If it’s not quite warm enough for shorts, jeans are a perfect low-maintenance polished option.
If you prefer wearing pants, you might also like to bring an additional pair of jeans–black ones like these are a great way to mix things up.
If you are like me and prefer to wear dresses and skirts more often than not, a cute skirt like this layered with tights is a fashionable and comfortable choice for your Europe spring packing list.
It also provides you with options if it is warmer, then you can forgo the tights.
Bathing Suits
Depending on if you’re planning to visit some warmer beach destinations, I’d pack 2-3 bathing suits for visiting Europe in the spring. I love choices like this and this.
If you’re planning on trying out any active water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving, consider packing at least one one-piece suit, too.
Shoes
The absolute most important rule when determining what shoes to put on your packing list for Europe this spring is making sure that they’re comfortable to walk in!
I’ve been wearing these white sneakers in Europe during the spring lately and love them, and this pair is another longtime favorite of mine.
Converse are popular with backpackers and travelers along the tourist trail, as are classic Birkenstocks (I love this pair–just make sure to break them in well before your trip).
You might also prefer to bring a pair of boots, evenings can still be cold so you will be thankful for something drier and warmer than sneakers! Something like this is perfect.
Jacket
Spring in Europe is the optimal time to plan for layers.
We once visited the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre during an unseasonably cold and rainy May… and we were so glad we had brought layers!
A light jacket like this is also a great option paired with an umbrella in your bag.
If you’re heading to outdoor-focused, more rainy places like Ireland or Scotland, you’ll also want to pack a rain jacket.
Accessories
Sunglasses are essential for traveling in Europe during the spring, that hazy spring sun can be strong!
You can either purchase them ahead of time or plan on picking them up as souvenirs.
Cheap sunglasses are sold on just about every corner in Europe, and designer sunglasses from European brands are generally far cheaper within the EU (I once paid under 200 Euro in Siena for a pair of Valentino glasses that were listed on Saks’ website for $400).
Scarves are also great for having handy if it gets chilly and to layer over a light jacket.
Packing List for Europe: Spring Wardrobe for Men
Tops
Fitted, casual shirts like this and light sweaters like this are both great options for men when packing for Europe in the spring.
Bottoms
Casual slacks or chinos like these are a versatile and easy option for your spring in Europe packing list.
We recommend bringing at least one pair of fitted jeans like these as well.
Shoes
Jeremy tends to opt for light, casual shoes like these during spring in Europe–whatever you pack, just make sure that they’re well broken in and easy to walk in for hours before adding them to your spring packing list for Europe!
Subtle boots like these or classic shoes like these are both good options.
Bathing Suit
If you’re planning on hitting warmer beach destinations in Europe this spring, make sure to bring one or two bathing suits along with you. Suits like this work perfectly.
Jacket
Depending on the weather for your trip to Europe, you may not need a heavy jacket at all when visiting Europe in the spring.
Jeremy is comfortable in this jacket all the way through most of March, April, and May in Europe, give or take additional layers.
Other Travel Gear for Your Europe Packing List for Spring
Dry Bag
Swim Goggles
Sea Bands
I use them on all boats and the occasional bus, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.
Trust me–you don’t want to miss out on the joys of boating around the Mediterranean due to seasickness!
Tripod
True, it’s a bit of a pain to carry and not advised in busy areas, but the memories are priceless and the photos you end up with are generally so much better than the ones you get by asking a stranger to snap a photo for you.
Not traveling with a camera? This inexpensive phone tripod gets packed on our trips and does a great job.
Travel Journal
I’ve been using it for more than 6 years now (I’m on my second volume) and I still absolutely love it.
Money Belt — This is up to you: we no longer use one, but if you’re more comfortable having your passports on your person while exploring Europe this spring, you can consider bringing one.
We used to use this one
Basic Medication — Some people prefer to buy medication for basic headaches, fevers, and stomach aches as needed, but who wants to deal with language barriers when they’re sick?
We’ve never regretted adding our own over-the-counter meds to our Europe packing list.
Keep Planning Your Spring Trip to Europe
If you found this guide to packing for Europe in the spring helpful, we’d love to continue to be part of your travel research here on Our Escape Clause!
You can browse all of our general Europe blog posts here, find articles about specific places through our destinations page, or check out these detailed itineraries for places that we think are particularly wonderful in the spring:
- The Perfect 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary (+ Travel Tips!)
- How to Take an Amazing Andalucia Road Trip (Southern Spain Itinerary!)
- One Day in Amsterdam: How to Enjoy Amsterdam in a Day
- A Fabulous South of France Itinerary: Provence + The French Riviera
- The Ultimate Sicily Road Trip: An Epic 10 Days in Sicily Itinerary
About Kate Storm