What To Wear In Germany In Winter

Germany is one of the biggest countries in Europe and it has a varied terrain. This makes its winter pretty different in different sections of the country. One thing that is common is that the winter is cold. How cold however is what makes the difference. That is why you need to pay attention to what to wear in Germany in winter.

In Dutch there is a saying, ‘Er bestaat geen slecht weer, alleen slechte kleding’. This means that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. The same applies to Germany. The country shares a large part of its border with the Netherlands so in parts it has almost the same weather. I’ll talk about it in just a bit.

When you consider what to pack for Germany in winter, remember to pack warm clothes. Lots of them. I’m going to talk about the necessary layers and tips and hacks in a bit too.

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What Kind Of Weather Can I Expect In Germany In Winter

When I first started living in the Netherlands, I thought that cold was just cold but honestly there are different kinds of cold to be prepared for. 

Rain Cold: There’s rain cold where the temperatures hover between 0-5 and the snow doesn’t form. Instead you get doused with ice cold water. No fun at all. You may even get hail.

Black Ice Cold: That’s when the temperatures dip just a bit below zero. The snow melts on the ground and forms a thin layer of ice. This is highly dangerous because it looks like the ground but it’s super slippery. Particularly if you are riding a cycle but also if you are walking.

Snow Cold: Now I always thought that when it snows it is the coldest and that is true but however the weather I really don’t like is the rain cold where it’s super cold and below freezing. Yet not cold enough for snow. Everything is wet and the cold sort of seeps in.

Now the type of weather that you will get in Germany is largely dependent on which part of the country you are. Generally speaking for most part the weather is cold and oscillates between -5C to 5C. So yeah its not always the best weather.

If you head to the mountains in the south however, you will see snow. For that you will need the proper snow gear. Most people who head here are in it for the snow capped views and the excellent skiing. Just note that these start opening only towards the end of December. So if this is you and you are wondering what to wear in Germany in winter, make sure to pack your ski gear. More on this in a bit.

What To Wear In Germany In Winter – Pro Tips

Layer Layer Layer

One thing that I had to learn when I started living here in Europe is that in winter, layers are a lifesaver. If you come from the more tropical or warmer parts of the world like I did, you will wonder why. Why not just wear one big thick jacket?

The reason is because the weather fluctuates in the day. So if the fluctuation is from -5C in the mornings to around 15C in the afternoon, you will find yourself overheated mid day. Mind you, 15C with sun feels a lot warmer!

The thicker jackets are best used for places that are constantly below 0C even during the day. Now this could well be in the mountains in Germany. So this is one of the exceptions.

What Type Of Layers Should You Use?

Layers are subjective to the your tolerance of cold. When I talk about what to wear in Germany, I generally recommend carrying the following layers. You can add or remove layers depending on your comfort level and the change in climate. Remember that eve if you check the weather in advance, the weather tends to fluctuate at this time of the year.

Thermal Linings/Underwear

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Now I always carry thermal leggings and even a t-shirt of it because sometimes the cold gets to me and there is no better way to be warm that to have a set of these.

It is especially good in the evenings when the temperature drops even more. Two sets of these thermal underwear are a definite must have when it comes to what to wear in Germany in winter.

One thing that I have learnt however is that it is always important to get a good pair. Some of the cheaper ones have an itchy and uncomfortable fabric. No matter what you don on top of them, you will be uncomfortable because your base layer isn’t good. Thermal generally last for long so its a great investment to buy a nice soft comfortable set.

Long sleeved T-shirts

When it comes to what to pack for Germany for winter, it goes without saying that everything you pack should have long sleeves. Unless you want to freeze! Now the styles that everyone uses will vary so pick according to your choice. Make sure that you buy one that you can use a layer underneath.

I also find that it is important to pay attention to the kind of fabric that the garment is made off. If it is too thin then it will offer very little protection from the cold.

I find that the most stylish and practical ones are the t-shirts with turtle neck collar. This keeps your neck warm too and it looks really suave. Plus if you pick a black or white, you can easily pair it with a pair of formal trousers for classy look. A couple of accessories at you are ready for a night out on the town.

Another popular favorite are the oversized t-shirts that are super comfortable for day to day use but look very stylish. These come in a variety of different colors which means you can add a splash of color to your wardrobe.

Note that the thin long sleeved t-shirts can also be used as a base layer if it is not too cold. That way you don’t always have to wear thermal underwear. This is something that you will have o figure out based on your cold tolerance. I have relatives in Canada who wouldn’t blink an eye at these temperatures. Meanwhile my mom donned the same number of layers at 15C. So it is very subjective.

Sweaters And Cardigans

Now once you’ve picked a nice base layer with long sleeves, pick a cardigan. I would pick about two. The reason is that sweaters and cardigans are thicker and take more space. When you plan what to pack for Germany in winter, you want to try and conserve space. So why not just take one? Well, you always want a spare because when one gets dirty or wet, you will be left without a backup.

Another (and in my opinion better) alternative to take one cardigan and on sweater. That way you can mix up your wardrobe a bit too.

There are different types of cardigans to choose from. There are the long cardigans and the cropped cardigans. You are going to need to choose this based on your wardrobe and your jacket.

Long Cardigans: Long jackets pair better with long cardigans because it just looks odd to have your cardigan half covered. Long cardigans are so much warmer and they look very stylish but I find that people who are tall carry this off so much better that shorter people like me.

Short Cardigans: These are great with all kinds of jackets. Can be light and thin. Pack well and are a great accessory for all kinds of outfits including dresses.

Buttoned Versus Open: Another thing to consider is whether you want your cardigan buttoned or not. I like buttoned ones for my kids because it is nice and snug. Fits well under the jackets too. Open ones however are comfortable when you are at a restaurant and your main jacket is off.

Different Types Of Jackets You Can Use

Once you have all your base layers sorted, it is now time to think about what kind of jacket you will use. Now there are way to many options so it can be hard to choose.

Puffer Jacket Down

Puffer jackets are very popular in all cold weather conditions. The down jackets use either duck or goose feathers in between the layers. These feathers help trap heat with a layer of insulating air.

A better version of this one is the mid length Columbia jacket that is form fitting and give you a great look while still keeping you warm. This has way better reviews and I really loved how it looks. It is also a newer version to the one I have.

Other Great Down Jackets from other brands are:

• THE NORTH FACE Women’s Flare Down Insulated Puffer Jacket II
• Columbia Women’s Autumn Park Down Hooded Jacket

Puffer Jacket Synthetic Down

Now if you are checking our jackets when it comes to what to wear in Germany in winter and you want a more ethical choice, check out the synthetic down alternatives. Back when I bought my jacket, I wasn’t quite as conscious about these things. I only learnt about the differences later on.

I recently got a longer synthetic down jacket that I absolutely love from Columbia and it is just as warm and as good. I honestly can’t see the difference and I prefer to take the more ethical course where I can. Things that I love about the jacket is the fact that it is form fitting so even though I generally have a couple of layers on, I don’t look like a snowball.

It is also water resistant so with the frequent ice cold showers, my jacket doesn’t get soggy and unusable. This is one of the reasons why this my go to jacket when I look at what to wear in Germany in winter. Another feature that I love is the comfort cuffs with thumb holds. They work great on the chillier days.

Kid’s Options For Winter Jackets: Nordic Strider

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If it matters, there is both a boy’s version and a girl’s version. Again, there’s a ton of different colors in these especially if you buy it from the USA. Here in the Netherlands we had just three color options and I went with the wine color.

Irrespective of the color, when it comes to what to wear in Germany in winter for kids, this is definitely a good option. It is also very water resistant. I’ve tried and tested it in the Dutch weather and my kids who used to fall ill frequently because of the cold, don’t any more so it is money well spent.

Other Jackets To Check Out

• Tommy Hilfiger Women’s Essential Lightweight Packable Puffer Jacket

Should You Pack A Long Jacket Or Short Jacket

Short or long? Which jacket is a better one to go with when you are writing down your list of what to wear in Germany in winter. I would say, if you have a jacket then you don’t need to buy a new one. Just go with what you have and use layers to get to the warmth you need.

There are however some advantages of both the jackets that you should consider. Both will keep you warm but the short jackets can be packable. This means that the just fold into their pocket so it forms a small pack and makes it so easy to travel.

Longer jackets on the other hand keep your legs warm. Pair it with a nice pair of boots and you are as toasty as you could possibly need. It also is great if you just want to sit down somewhere. No worries about getting your butt wet. Lol.

Long jackets are more bulkier and harder to pack. So that is a downside if you need to travel light. Alternatively you could just toss it over your arm in the airport so you don’t need a large bag.

Rain Shields/Jackets

If your jacket isn’t waterproof to some extent, you may want to carry a rain shield. Generally though most winter jackets can take a light shower. There are some cool light rain shields that you can use. Sometimes when it gets too cold and I need a little extra warmth, I add the rain shield to my growing number of layers.

Recommended Rain Jackets

• LOMON Hooded Trench coat (Women)
• Columbia Men’s Watertight Jacket – Has some amazing colors
• COOFANDY Packable Jacket (Men) – Great lightweight option
• Columbia Rain Jacket for Kids

Shoes Versus Boots: What Should You Pick?

Picking footwear doesn’t have to be hard. The one thing that is essential is that it should be waterproof. The difference between boots and sneakers however is the level of comfort. Ironically comfort comes in different forms.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Boots

I love boots in winter. They keep a lot of my legs warmer and its great when the temperature drops a lot. It also keeps the water from splashing and wetting my pants. On the flipside, they are bulky and rather hard to put on and off. So its a pain when I’m removing my kids boots and mine.

Recommended Boots

• Ice Maiden Boots (Women) – My absolute favorite pair and it has lasted me for 8 years
• Skechers Timber Boot (Women) – Warm and isn’t as high as most boots. Its midway between a boot and a sneaker which is why people love it.
• NORTIV Waterproof Snow Boots (Men) – Very stylish and warm
• SOREL Boots (Kids) – Warm, waterproof and budget friendly

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Sneakers

Now sneakers on the other hand are more versatile. Easy to wear and so functional. They do not help with warmth so that’s the big downside to them. Not always the most stylish option but they work with all kinds of wardrobes. Plus they are smaller and easier to pack. This makes them one of the the top favorites when it comes to what to wear in Germany in winter.

These are a couple of great waterproof sneakers for the season:

• Columbia Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Women
• Sorel Out ‘N About – Women
• Adidas Terrex Anylander – Men
• Columbia Fairbanks Low Sneaker – Men
• Unisex-Child Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Kids

Pick The Right Accessories

In most of the other seasons, accessories are designed to make your outfit stand outa bit more. In winter on the other hand it is a good idea to consider what accessories add to the warmth of your general outfit. That doesn’t mean that they don’t have to be cool.

My general advice is that when it comes to what to pack for Germany in winter, make sure that your accessories are multifunctional.

Caps

Caps come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. For most part, I prefer beanies. These are super comfortable, sit well, don’t fly off when the wind picks up and the best part is that they cover my ears. I also love crocheting beanies so there’s that too.

But caps don’t always need to be beanies because for many these are pretty unflattering. You could opt for a variety of cool ones. I find that felt is particularly warm and so is wool. That’s about it.

Scarves

A scarf is by far one of my favorite accessories. Back in India, I collected them but it was way to hot to use them all the time which is why the moment the weather changes I bring out my collection. The thing about packing this for winter in Germany is that scarves take up minimal space especially if you opt for a thinner one.

Also if a scarf can really change up an outfit. I generally add one if I want to look a little more swanky for a night out. Another reason which is more practical is to keep my neck warm and prevent the wind from funneling through my clothes.

I’m raving about scarves a bit to much but suffice to say that it is one of the must haves when it comes to what to pack for Germany in winter. The pashmina scarves and shawls work great because they feel great and also are warm.

Gloves

Not everyone wears gloves. I generally stick my hands in my pockets when it gets cold. But unfortunately that does not work when you are cycling or when you need your hands out for something. When you pick a pair of gloves, try and get one which can be used on a mobile phone. Otherwise you will keep removing and putting them back on which is super frustrating.

Socks

Never underestimate the worth of a good warm pair of socks. Shawn hates when his feet get cold and he isn’t a fan of boots. So while I wear thin socks and comfy boots, he opts for a different approach. Instead he uses thick socks with sneakers. That way his legs are always comfortable and warm.

What To Wear In Germany In Winter – Capsule Wardrobe

One of the things that I have realized that I really need to talk about is packing lists and capsule wardrobes. We’ve gone into details about what to wear in Germany in winter, what are the different options available but packing everything up and traveling is where it becomes hard.

With the airline fees the way they are, I really like to downsize on my luggage. If possible travel with just a carry on. Now this list works for both men and women with the exception that you would pick different styles probably.

• 1 Jacket
• 2 pairs of trousers
• 1 pair of leggings
• 2 pairs of thermals (so you have a spare while the other one dries after washing)
• 3 pairs of thick socks
• 1 cardigan
• 1 sweater
• 3 long sleeves t-shirts
• 1 pair of sneakers or boots
• 1 hat/cap/beanie
• 1 pair of gloves (if you need them)
• 1 warm scarf

Now in addition to this capsule wardrobe for what to wear in Germany in winter, I wanted to add one last tip. Use packing cubes. Not only do they keep things nice and organized, they also help save space. Plus if you use packing cubes you are way less likely to add one last thing. If you are like me, you will know what I mean!

With that I come to the end of my super long list of tips and things to pack for Germany in winter. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.