Ultimate Packing List for Europe in Summer
Planning a summer trip to Europe and wondering what to pack?
I’ve got you covered!
I spent three years in Ireland and took advantage of the summer months to travel extensively throughout Europe. I know that you need to be smart about how you pack for Europe during the summer months.
You need to be prepared for heat, harsh sunlight, and lots of walking. Not to mention that temperatures across Europe vary drastically depending on where you’re going: While Irish summers can be cool and wet, down in Sicily the dry heat swelters and bakes.
But don’t worry! With a little planning, you can pack smart and be ready for anything the season throws your way.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of what to pack for Europe in the summer. From what clothes to bring, to footwear, and other travel must-haves. Whether you’re exploring city streets, countryside trails, or seaside towns, this list has you covered. Let’s dive in!
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How to Use This Summer Packing List
While I talk about European summer weather in mostly general terms, keep in mind that temperatures vary widely depending on where you’re headed.
Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece) can be extremely hot in July and August, while Northern Europe (Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland) tends to have milder temperatures.
Mountainous areas and coastal destinations may have cooler evenings. Be sure to check the weather forecast closer to your trip to help you fine-tune your packing.
I’ve crafted this list around the average summer weather conditions across the European continent. It covers everything you’ll need when packing for Europe in June, July, and August.
What to Pack for Europe in Summer
Clothing
Europe in summer means warm to hot temperatures, but many places have cooler temperatures at night. You’ll want to pack breathable, lightweight clothing that keeps you comfortable in the heat, as well as sweaters to keep you warm in the evenings.
Lightweight, long sleeve tops
Breathable fabrics are key to staying cool. Linen and cotton are best for wicking away sweat and keeping your body cool.
You may be wondering why you should bring long-sleeve tops with you for summer in Europe. While it will be hot, the sun is also quite powerful. A longer top will protect your skin from harmful UV rays that cause sunburn and skin damage.
As an added bonus, some outdoor clothing brands sell lightweight, full-coverage tops with added SPF.
The long sleeves will also come in handy as an extra layer for when temperatures drop at night.
Short-sleeve shirts or tank tops
Perfect for hot days and easy to layer under a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. Opt for light colors that will repel the hot summer sun.
Pro Tip: Save room in your suitcase by packing neutral, solid-colored shirts so you can mix and match to create multiple outfits.
Flowy dresses or skirts
I prefer dresses to skirts (a whole outfit in one and no need to find a matching shirt!), but always pack at least one or both for my summer travels across Europe.
Dresses and skirts are great for keeping cool. They can also be dressed up for dinners and evenings out. Look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics for easy packing.
Linen or lightweight pants
If you don’t want to wear shorts, linen or wide-leg cotton trousers are a great alternative. While you’ll see many Europeans wearing jeans year-round, I find them too hot in the summer.
Jeans also take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I prefer to pack a pair or two of linen or lightweight travel pants for comfort and modesty.
Shorts
Shorts are a must during Europe’s hot summers. Just be aware that many places in Europe, especially in religious countries like Italy or Greece, have more conservative dress codes for churches. You will need your shoulders and knees covered to enter religious spaces.
But don’t worry, shorts are perfect for casual sightseeing, lounging on the beautiful European beaches, and hot days.
Lightweight jacket
While daytime temperatures are hot, summer evenings can get cool, especially in northern Europe, coastal areas, or mountainous regions. A light jacket is useful for when the temperature drops or when entering air-conditioned spaces, like airplanes and museums.
Activewear
If you’re planning on some outdoor recreation, such as trekking through the Dolomites or biking around Amsterdam, I suggest bringing some moisture-wicking athletic wear. Just one set should be okay (you can always hand wash it if you need it again).
Footwear
No packing list for Europe is complete without comfortable shoes! You’ll certainly need those for traversing all those uneven cobblestone streets.
In summer you’ll want to pack at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers, as well as a pair of sandals you can wear all day and walk around in.
If you’ll be visiting any beaches or lakes while in Europe, I recommend also packing a pair of lightweight water shoes or flip-flops, especially since European beaches are mostly rocky.
If you want, you can also pack a pair of dressy flats or sandals for evenings out, but I would advise against it. Shoes take up valuable space in your luggage, so be wary of how many pairs you bring with you.
Accessories
Shawl
No matter the season, I always bring a lightweight shawl with me when I travel. I find it especially useful in the summer for two reasons.
First and foremost, when you’re dressed for the heat (see: revealing clothing) but want to enter a church or house of worship, the shawl can be draped across your shoulders or around your waist to cover your body.
This will keep you from having to purchase an overpriced shawl from opportunist vendors who wait outside churches to sell to uninformed tourists who didn’t prepare for their trips by reading this expert packing list. It will also keep you from missing out on visiting a key sight because you weren’t dressed appropriately.
The other reason I like to pack a shawl is to drape over myself in the evenings if it gets chilly. It packs up small, so even if, like me, you’re a minimalist packer, you can still find room in your suitcase for a shawl.
Swimsuit & Towel
Whether you plan to visit a Mediterranean beach, a hotel pool, or a famous spa town, packing a swimsuit is a must!
If I know I’m going to the beach, I like to pack a lightweight, quick-drying towel as well. My favorite is a Turkish towel I bought as a souvenir from Turkey (here’s a similar one you don’t need to travel to Turkey for).
Sun hat
Essential for sun protection, especially in southern Europe where the sun is intense. Don’t forget to pack a hat when you go to Europe.
Sunglasses
The summer sun is intense, so protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses.
I recommend wearing polarized lenses which reduce glare, but bringing a cheap pair you won’t mind getting lost or broken is also a good idea.
Cooling towel or portable hand fan
If your trip this summer is to a particularly hot European destination, packing a cooling towel or portable hand fan can make a huge difference.
A small cooling towel that you wet and drape over yourself can feel especially refreshing while touring European cities in the hot summer sun.
Other European Travel Essentials
Travel Documents
Passport (with necessary visas)
Your passport is your most important travel document, so double-check that it’s valid for at least six months after your return date. If you need a visa for your destination, make sure to have those sorted well in advance.
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Copies of important documents (stored digitally and printed)
Make sure you travel with both digital and physical copies of your passport, travel insurance, and other important documents.
You’ll be glad you were prepared if the original documents are lost or stolen. I like to store digital versions in a secure cloud service (like Google Drive) for easy access.
Travel insurance details
Accidents and emergencies can happen. Be prepared for anything by purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Print a copy of your policy details and contact numbers to keep with your other important documents.
Tech
Universal adapter
Europe uses different outlets than the United States. To make things even more complicated, Ireland and the UK use different outlets than the rest of Europe.
Because of this, I recommend traveling with a universal adapter for charging your devices. Look for one with multiple USB ports, like this one, so you can charge multiple items at once.
Portable charger/power bank
If you like to take photos and videos on your phone, be sure to pack a portable charger. They’re small and lightweight so they won’t take up precious packing space. Then you won’t have to worry about your phone dying during a long travel day.
Headphones
I never leave home without a set of headphones. Whether I’m watching movies on the plane or following along with a museum audioguide, coming prepared with headphones is a must.
Phone and charging cables
While packing for a trip, lay out all your electronic devices and corresponding charging cables so you know which ones to bring. It can also be worth bringing extras in case one gets lost or damaged.
Camera (optional)
Photography lovers know that a camera and camera gear are must-packs for any trip. But, if you’re short on space, a smartphone camera is enough to capture all those special moments.
Money
Credit/debit cards with no foreign transaction fees
To avoid unnecessary fees, sign up for a credit card designed for international travel. Be sure to notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent security blocks.
Cash
Even in this digital world, having cash on hand is useful for small purchases, tipping, or places that don’t accept cards. Europe used to be more of a cash society, but since the Pandemic most countries have shifted and now use mostly cards or Apple Pay.
Still, you’ll want cash on hand for the odd business or tour that only accepts cash. Plus, many public restrooms charge a small fee, so you’ll want to keep some coins handy.
Withdraw money from ATMs in your destination country (just not at the airport) to avoid high exchange rates.
Money belt
Wearing a money belt is especially important in cities with high tourist concentrations and reputations for petty crime (looking at you, Paris). A discreet money belt will keep your valuables safe and secure, giving you peace of mind.
Toiletries & Medications
Travel-sized toiletries
To comply with airline regulations, keep any carry-on toiletries to under 100mL.
I like to travel with a set of regulation-sized reusable silicone toiletry bottles. They carry the perfect amount of shampoo or conditioner and I never have to worry about bringing too much liquid in my carry-on.
Sunscreen
The European summer sun is harsh, even in the northern countries. In Ireland, many people forget to put on sunscreen in the summer because the temperatures can be cooler and days often start cloudy. But even there you’re likely to get a sunburn if you don’t practice proper sun protection.
Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Nothing ruins a vacation quite like a sunburn.
Prescription medications
Carry enough of any prescription medication you need for each day of your trip, plus a few extra days’ worth in case of travel delays delays. Be sure to pack any prescription medications in your carry-on bag in case the airline loses your luggage.
I also recommend traveling with a copy of your prescription in case you need a refill while abroad.
Over-the-counter meds
Over-the-counter essentials like pain relievers, allergy meds, and remedies for colds or upset stomachs. Having these on hand can save you a trip to the pharmacy if you come down with something while traveling.
Daypack Items
A lightweight backpack is essential when traveling around Europe. They also make a convenient personal item for bringing on the airplane. For summer, these are the items I recommend loading into your day pack:
Reusable water bottle
Hot summers + sightseeing = needing lots of water.
Stay hydrated while simultaneously reducing plastic waste by packing a reusable water bottle. Better yet, bring an insulated water bottle so your water stays cool.
Tap water in most European countries is safe and drinkable, so there’s no need to constantly purchase water in single-use plastic bottles.
Guidebook
I always carry a physical guidebook with me when I travel. That way I can easily access the information I need and not worry about a website loading or being distracted with my phone. My favorite guidebook companies that cover Europe are Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.
Notebook or travel journal
I never go anywhere without a notebook. It’s the best way to hold onto your memories and a great keepsake to remember your travels.
Lightweight foldable tote for shopping
European countries charge for shopping bags, so pack a fold-up tote for carrying groceries or for visiting markets.
Final Thoughts
I hope this list helps you pack for your summer vacation in Europe. Packing for a trip can be daunting, but now you’re prepared and ready to rock your next trip
If you take away only one thing from this travel packing list, remember that lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection are key. Plan your travel wardrobe with hot temperatures and long days of sightseeing in mind. Remember that comfort and style are achievable, even without overpacking.
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