Your Winter Packing List: Top Essentials for Warmth & Style

As I write this, it’s November and my sister is in Europe with her husband and my toddler niece. They’re exploring Copenhagen, Berlin, Strasbourg and Lucerne this time and while I’m not physically with them I can feel the cozy (and chilly) vibes through all their photos. 

I’m no stranger to winter travel myself. I’ve visited France in February, Portugal in December, Switzerland in November and more. Which is why I now feel confident taking it upon myself to whip up this winter packing list for you. 

What can make it tricky to curate a winter vacation packing list is that ‘winter’ means different things in different destinations. So, read on for packing list recommendations and tips on how to assess your destination-specific needs. 

Your packing list for cold weather 

To determine what you’ll need to pack for a winter trip you’ll need to consider what level of winter you’re about to step into. Having experienced Chicago winters for most of my life, for instance, I packed much lighter gear for a winter trip to France.

Milder winter

If you’re visiting a destination that doesn’t get snow in the winter, doesn’t get too frigidly cold based on your research (and your own definition of cold) then you can pack accordingly. 

When I spent some of February in Paris, this is pretty much what my packing list looked like:

Lightweight, but warm, coat 

When I visited Paris in winter I wore a long wool-blend coat with layers underneath. But I also could’ve chosen my other go-to coat for milder winters, this fleece-lined one that’s also waterproof. 

You’ll definitely want some sort of coat for milder winter weather but not a super bulky one. Apart from it being more comfortable, a sleeker coat for milder vacation temps also keeps you photo-ready while you’re out and about exploring. 

Leggings

Weather is unpredictable, and some days may be chillier than others. Leggings are an easy just-in-case item to pack because they roll up so small.

When needed, you can layer them underneath your jeans or trousers for added protection against the chill. 

Jeans or trousers

Whatever bottoms you’re most comfortable in. For me, it’s usually jeans but I try to branch out into trousers for a more polished look if the destination calls for it. 

Sweaters

Of course you’ll want to pack some sweaters. They key is to pack sweaters of various weights.

You’ll likely want 1-2 heavier sweaters, and then some lighter-weight ones. I recommend at least one dressier option, too. Then, you can layer these if needed. 

Waterproof, lightweight boots

I always recommend a minimum of two pairs of comfortable shoes that you could walk in for hours, for a couple reasons. 

One, in case a pair gets wet and needs time to dry. And two, I’ve found that feet can get tired in the exact same shoe day after day when there’s lots of walking involved no matter how comfortable the shoe usually is.

It’s nice to mix it up, especially for a trip that’s longer than just a weekend away.  

For milder winter weather, you won’t want anything too bulky or overly warm. I suggest one pair of sturdy sneakers and one lightweight ankle boot. Even better if both are water-proof, since winters in general tend to be a bit damp. 

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Winter-winter 

If you’re traveling to a destination where you’ll be immersed in a true winter – snow, much lower temperatures – like Chicago or Iceland you’ll want to make some swaps and additions compared with the milder winter list: 

Heavier, but still stylish, coat

You’ll definitely want to bring a thicker coat to a true winter destination. But the thing to remember is that whatever coat you choose will likely show up in the vast majority of your photos from the trip! 

Choose a coat that you feel confident in, love the look of and want to be photographed in during your winter adventure. 

Heattech 

Uniqlo’s heattech fabric is thermal clothing with fibers that are designed to absorb moisture from the body and convert it into heat. 

The fabric is moisture-wicking and odor resistant. Plus, it comes in different levels of warmth (regular, extra or ultra warm). Don’t ask me how it works, I just know it does. 

They have everything from heattech undershirts and legging, to heattech-lined gloves and beanies. These would make a great addition to your winter wardrobe. 

Fleece-lined leggings

Whether or not you also get heattech leggings, I’d be remiss not to suggest fleece-lined leggings. These are a must for me every winter in Chicago, whether I’m also traveling elsewhere or not. 

Jeans or trousers

Same as above, although you might consider trousers in warmer fabrics like flannel or wool. 

Sweaters

Pack more of your bulkier sweaters than lighter ones for true winter weather, but consider reaching for natural fibers which are more odor resistant. With all your winter layers you might sweat a bit.

Snow boots

I’m not a huge fan of clunky snow boots for travel, because it can be tough to walk around a lot with them grounding your feet. But, warmth is important and the more comfortable your feet are in the cold the more you’ll be able to enjoy your travels! 

Look for snow boots that are durable, warmly-lined and as lightweight as you can find so you’re not clunking around everywhere. 

Wool socks 

Keep your feet toasty warm with a few pairs of wool socks.

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Rainy winter 

Some destinations experience a winter that is essentially a ‘rainy season’ rather than winter as you may think of it. Costa Rica and Mexico are two examples of places where there is a dry season and a rainy season instead of ‘winter.’ 

Rather than cold, it’s wet that you’ll want to be prepared for in such places. The weather could also be humid.

Of course in such cases your ‘winter packing list’ will look completely different:

Raincoat 

This is the specific raincoat I’ve had since my 2021 trip to Costa Rica. It’s lightweight so I don’t overheat in it. It’s adjustable so I can layer under it or cinch it in when preferable. Plus, it’s fairly compact and can be tucked away when not needed. 

Cargo pants 

I always travel with at least 1-2 pairs of jeans but for rainy weather you might also consider a couple pairs of cargo pants. In addition to being comfortable, they tend to dry more quickly. 

Layering tops

Pack a variety of short-sleeved and long-sleeved tops, as well as at least one cardigan for easy layering. You might find it’s chillier in the mornings and evenings than it is during daytime hours.

Waterproof walking shoes 

Choose a slip-resistant pair of sneakers as your comfortable walking shoe for a rainy winter.

Often, wet season does not mean that it rains all day everyday. Rather, it rains most days for some or most of the day. So you may not want to be trudging around in rain boots all day. 

You might include a pair of waterproof sandals depending on where you are. For example, if you’re in a coastal town vs if you’re in a city. 

Compact, wind-proof umbrella 

It’s tough to find an umbrella that retains its usefulness once the wind kicks in, but this one is touted as being sturdier than most without completely breaking the bank like the more expensive ones. Because yes, there are also $90 umbrellas out there!

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Additional Tips for Your Winter Packing List

The moral of the story here is that winter is not the same all over the world. Before your trip make sure you research what your destination of choice is actually like in winter, and even during your specific month of travel. 

Stay tapped in to daily weather trends as your trip approaches by adding your specific destination(s) into your weather app beginning 1-2 weeks before you travel. 

Here are a couple additional considerations or reminders: 

Medications 

Pack some just-in-case cold and flu medication, headache and allergy medication just in case. You might not find exactly what you’re looking for or it may be more expensive at your destination.

Focus on accessories 

In cold or rainy weather your outerwear and accessories are prone to a lot more camera time. You’re probably not going to want to take your coat, hat, scarf etc off for pictures outside so pay extra attention to styling through your accessories. 

Maybe bring a few different pairs of hats/scarves/gloves as a way to mix up your look. 

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For more travel essentials and to ensure you don’t forget to pack anything important, read this guide next.