There is nothing quite like summer in Europe. From warm, sunny days filled with historic cities, long evenings enjoying a romantic al fresco dinner and jaw-dropping coast lines, a summer vacation in Europe is as dreamy as it sounds. But before your journey begins, one of the biggest questions is what do I pack for a summer in Europe?
I’d say there’s five key things that any visitor to Europe in summer will experience that need to be taken into account when planning your summer in Europe packing list:
- Cooler morning and evenings
- LOTS of walking (and climbing church towers)
- Hot days with sun protection needed
- Plenty of beach and pool time
- Modesty needed for religious sites
On top of the above, summer in Europe can really vary, dependent on whether you’re visiting the hot Mediterranean or breezier Northern cities. As someone who has travelled through Europe countless times, this guide will provide a practical summer in Europe packing list. This is a list designed to help you pack lighter, while still covering you for all eventualities, whatever the weather may bring.
What are temperatures like in summer in Europe?
Europe is vast, and so temperatures do differ wildly dependent on which country you’re visiting in summer. In Northern Europe, places like Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo typically see mild summers, with average temperatures around 18-23 degrees (64-73 Fahrenheit), with cooler evenings that will require a jacket or warmer jumper.
In Central Europe, for example Paris, Vienna and Prague, these cities tend to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from 22-28 degrees (72-82 Fahrenheit) with the occasional heatwave.
Meanwhile, in Southern Europe – think Rome, Athens, Seville, you can expect very hot summers with temperatures reaching 30-35 degrees (and sometimes even hotter during heatwaves). We visited Valencia in June and temperatures were already in the late 30s, so be warned!
Summer in Europe packing list
Taking into account the different temperatures across Europe in summer the below packing list covers all weather types.
If you know, therefore, that you’re only heading to Southern Europe in the height of summer, you may wish to disregard some of the warmer suggestions (it’s highly unlikely you’ll need a coat). This really is a list to cover all eventualities so use it alongside the expected weather forecast for your destination, to avoid overpacking.
Summer in Europe Packing List: The Essentials
Layering
First up, before we get into the ins and outs of a summer in Europe packing list, I want to stress the importance of packing plenty of layers. Dependent on where you’re visiting in Europe, you’ll want to pack clothes that can be easily added or removed for cooler mornings and evenings and hotter days. Of course, if you’re visiting southern Spain or Italy in peak summer, it’s very unlikely you’ll need a coat or jumpers but if you’re heading to the Algarve or northern Europe, you will want some warmer options for when the evenings turn chillier.
1. T-shirts/Lightweight shirts x 4-6
First up on our summer in Europe packing list is some basic t-shirts or lightweight linen shirts. I avoid spaghetti tops because I always end up with sun burn and prefer to cover my shoulders from the sun. I think the t-shirts from Uniqlo are unbeatable and always wash well.
For cooler morning, I’ll pack a few oversized linen shirts to wear, which always keep me warm/and or are breezy enough to keep me cool if I want to protect myself from the sun that little bit more.
2. Shorts/Skirts x 2-3
A couple of pairs of comfortable shorts are an essential for anyone visiting summer in Europe. I would suggest ones that are not going to chafe between the thighs after many hours or walking (think, no tiny denim shorts). I love cycling shorts, with an oversized t-shirt as it’s an incredibly comfy outfit, especially when walking all day.
If you want to mix it up, I love the Uniqlo skorts, that offer an extra layer of modesty under the skirt.
2. Midi/Long skirts
Having one or two midi or full length skirts packed for a trip to Europe is really important if you want to visit any religious sites. It’s recommended that you cover your knees and avoid wearing shorts or short skirts when visiting churches. I also think it’s just an important sign of respectful tourist, if you don’t walk into a religious site looking like you’re dressed for a day at the pool.
I always find a midi skirt is perfect for a European city break, as it keeps things flowy and cool, whilst also providing modesty for any religious attractions.
3. Summer dresses x 2-3
Summer dresses are made for wandering Europe in. Light and taking up minimal room, I always opt for a few summer dresses on any European vacation. As I mentioned above, I usually choose ones that cover my shoulders and are midi length, so I can visit religious sites without having to worry about getting changed.
I also find summer dresses easy to team with a denim jacket or jumper in the evenings or cooler mornings.
4. Hiking leggings/trousers (if you plan on hiking!)
Dependent on where you’re visiting in Europe and your itinerary, you may wish to pack some hiking leggings or trousers. I always throw a pair of hiking/gym leggings into my suitcase as sometimes you never know what kind of activities you’ll come across.
Obviously, if you’re focused on a just a city break, this might not be applicable but if you’re visiting anywhere surrounded by coast, countryside or mountains, I’d pack a pair just incase. One of my best hikes was actually during my honeymoon, along the Amalfi Coast, which was unexpected but so worth the effort.
5. Pashmina/Scarf
Following on from above, in some religious sites, you’ll want to cover your shoulders and sometimes your head. A pashmina is the perfect accessory in your backpack for when you do need to cover any bare arms or head.
You will find sites will often offer a scarf to rent but it always makes me feel a bit queasy imagining how many heads those rental scarves have been on, so better to pack your own to avoid any unwanted visitors to your head.
6. Comfortable sandals or trainers
You can never overestimate just how much walking you’ll do when visiting Europe. European city breaks often result in 20,000+ steps a day and I’ve learned the hard way that flimsy sandals aren’t going to cut it. Instead, pack a pair of comfortable trainers (that are already worn in) or sturdier walking sandals. Do NOT think you can walk around a European city all day in flip flops – your feet will be screaming over the cobbled streets.
7. Sun hat (wide brimmed)
Summer in Europe can be exceptionally hot and sun protection should be a priority. I’ve found that a wide brimmed sun hat is best as it helps protect the neck and shoulders and feels a lot less sweaty than a baseball cap.
I always pack a couple of hats as it always seems to be the thing that I lose during a European trip.
8. Swimwear
Even if you aren’t planning on swimming or visiting a beach, I’d recommend adding swimwear to your summer in Europe packing list.
I find hotels often end up providing a hot tub or sauna and it’s always nice to have something if you decide on a spontaneous trip. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world exist within Europe, and not allowing yourself to experience the sand in your toes and Mediterranean sea is almost criminal.
I’ve listed flip flops below for the pool and beach but I would recommend them for in the sea on beaches that are more rocky. For example, some beaches in Sicily can be quite painful to get in and out of with bare feet.
9. Lightweight back pack
I always pack a lightweight back pack on any European trip because it’s so much easier than lugging around a large bag on my shoulder. I swear by the cheap and cheerful lightweight bags from Go Outdoors, made by Eurohike, which carry around a surprising amount but aren’t bulky or heavy on your back. If you sign up as a member for free, these backpacks are just £4.97!
I also find them much more secure, which is always something to consider when walking through busy cities.
10. Walking boots
If you’re planning some hikes while in Europe then walking boots are a must. If you’re heading to Nordic countries, boots are an easy thing to wear in the day too as it’s likely you’ll be doing mostly outdoor activities.
If, however, you’re just visiting a central city, leave your walking boots at home -you won’t use them and they’ll be far too hot to wear as a main pair of shoes in the summer.
Read our guide to 13 Stylish Walking and Hiking Boots for Women 2026
Summer in Europe – Day Trip Essentials
As well as the staples, below are a few more accessories you’ll want to consider packing for day trips out while on holiday in Europe.
11. Phone lanyard
This might sound like an odd one but getting a phone lanyard is such a hack when holidaying in Europe. I take an unhinged amount of photos on holiday and got so sick of reaching in and out of my bag every few seconds to get my phone out to take another photo.
A phone lanyard provides easy access, while keeping you hands free. It is also a safer option if you’re in busy cities than putting your phone in a handbag, where it could be left vulnerable to pickpockets.
12. Sunglasses
Although sunglasses might seem like an obvious choice for a summer in Europe packing list, I do have a few further suggestions on the matter. When it comes to sunglasses, I’d strongly advise tossing a couple of cheap pairs into your bag and not your most expensive, treasured pair.
You’ll probably be in and out of cafés, beaches, trains, and ancient monuments, so there’s a high chance they’ll get lost or scratched (if you’re anything like me). It’s better, therefore, to bring ones you don’t care too much about than stress over an expensive pair the whole trip.
13. Anorak/Waterproof coat
A lightweight anorak is an essential for any summer in Europe checklist.
Even in the hottest European countries, thunderstorms can happen during the summer months and you’ll be grateful for an anorak in your backpack. Further north in Europe, rain is even more likely, particularly if you’re heading to Nordic countries. I always prefer an anorak over an umbrella as it keeps my hands free and is much less faff to carry around.
14. Flip flops
If you’re planning some pool time or beach time in Europe, a pair of flip flops are a must. The sand can be incredibly hot in summer months on beaches in Spain, Italy and Greece, as well as having some rocky parts in the shallows of the water.
The last thing you want to be doing is trying to dust sticky sand off your feet to push into a pair of hot trainers after a long day on the beach, so add flip flops to your summer in Europe packing list.
15. Travel Adaptor
If you’re planning a summer trip across Europe, you’ll need a Type C and Type F plug adaptor, as these are the most common across countries like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
These plugs have two round pins and work with most continental European sockets. If your itinerary includes the UK or Ireland, you’ll also need a Type G adaptor, which has three rectangular pins.
To keep things simple, many travellers opt for a universal adaptor that covers multiple plug types, ensuring you can charge your devices easily no matter where your trip takes you.
17. Power Bank for mobile phone
One of the most important accessories you can pack for any type of travel is an extra, portable power bank for your phone. I always underestimate how many photos and videos I’ll take during my travels and always end up draining my battery very quickly. Not only will a power bank keep your photos flowing but is important in case of any emergency.
