Building an Italy February Packing List is easier when you plan for Winter layers, lots of walking, and quick regional shifts from North to South. This guide keeps your bag practical for cities, museums, trains, and day trips.
Use it as a master checklist, then tweak counts based on your route (Milan vs. Rome vs. Sicily) and your accommodation setup. You’ll be ready for cold mornings, milder afternoons, and the occasional wet day.
Note: This article is all about Italy February Packing List. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt it to your needs and share your tips in the comments!
How Is the Weather Like in Italy in February?
Italy in February is Winter, but it’s not the same everywhere. Expect about 0–10°C (32–50°F) in Northern Italy, around 5–14°C (41–57°F) in Central Italy, and roughly 8–16°C (46–61°F) in Southern Italy and Sicily. Pack layers for temperature swings, plus rain protection for changeable days and coastal wind.
Italy February Packing List
Luggage & Packing Tools
- Carry-on suitcase – Less time at baggage claim means more time to settle in; I’ve walked straight off the plane and into a taxi with everything in reach. A carry-on suitcase is usually the easy choice.
- Personal item backpack
- Compression packing cubes
- Waterproof luggage cover
- Foldable tote bag for groceries and day trips
- Dry bag for wet umbrella and damp accessories
- Laundry bag for separating damp socks and base layers
- TSA-approved suitcase locks
- Luggage ID tags
- Mini lint roller for dark Winter layers
Clothes
- Thermal leggings – Cold mornings turn manageable fast when I’ve got an extra warm layer under jeans—stays cozy without bulk and dries quickly after a wash. I’d bring them.
- Thermal base-layer top – Waking up to a cold cabin, it keeps my core warm without feeling bulky, so mornings start smoother and layers stay manageable. I’d toss one in.
- Merino wool long-sleeve tops (2–3 PCS)
- Breathable short-sleeve tees for layering (2–3 PCS)
- Warm mid-layer sweater or fleece (2 PCS)
- Packable insulated jacket for colder Northern mornings (1 PCS)
- Water-resistant shell jacket for rain and wind (1 PCS)
- Comfortable jeans or thick trousers (2 PCS)
- Smart-casual pants for restaurants and evenings (1 PCS)
- Day-to-night tops for easy outfit changes (2 PCS)
- Sleepwear set for cooler hotel rooms (1 PCS)
- Thermal socks or wool socks (4–6 PCS)
- Underwear basics (6–8 PCS)
- Comfortable bras or bralettes (2–3 PCS)
- Scarf or neck gaiter for wind protection (1 PCS)
Skincare
- Gentle hydrating facial cleanser
- Rich moisturizer for cold air and heated indoor dryness
- Barrier repair cream for wind-exposed cheeks and nose
- SPF 30+ face sunscreen for bright Winter days
- Hydrating lip balm with SPF
- Hand cream for frequent washing and chilly streets
- Soothing body lotion for dry hotel air
- Overnight hydrating mask for long sightseeing days
- Cuticle oil for cracking nails in cold weather
Makeup
- Hydrating primer for dry Winter skin
- Lightweight foundation or skin tint
- Concealer for travel fatigue and under-eye dryness
- Cream blush for natural finish in cold air
- Setting powder for heated indoor shine control
- Water-resistant mascara for drizzly days
- Brow gel or brow pencil
- Neutral eyeshadow palette for day-to-night looks
- Long-wear lipstick or tinted balm
Hair Care
- Travel hair dryer – After a late check-in, a quick dry means no damp pillow or frizzy morning hair—just faster comfort and a cleaner look. I’d still toss the travel hair dryer in.
- Hair straightener – Bad hair days don’t have to steal your morning—especially before meetings or dinners. Toss the hair straightener in and you’ll feel polished fast, with way less fuss.
- Anti-frizz leave-in conditioner for humidity and rain
- Hydrating shampoo in travel bottle
- Hydrating conditioner in travel bottle
- Dry shampoo for long travel days and early trains
- Heat protectant spray for frequent blow-drying
- Hair oil for dry ends in Winter air
- Travel brush or detangling comb
- Hair ties and claw clips
Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof sneakers – Dry feet mean an easier day when sidewalks turn slick after a surprise downpour. I keep waterproof sneakers in the bag so I can keep moving comfortably without fuss.
- Ankle boots – Comfy and steady on long airport walks or rainy cobblestones, they keep my feet warm and my outfit polished with zero fuss. I’d toss these in.
- Compact travel umbrella – Rain hits without warning on the way to dinner, and I stay dry without juggling a bulky coat. It’s a small comfort that saves the day—worth tossing in.
- Comfortable walking sneakers for dry days (1 PCS)
- Waterproof walking boots with grip for slick streets (1 PCS)
- Warm beanie for Northern Italy evenings (1 PCS)
- Gloves for cold mornings and night walks (1 PCS)
- Warm scarf for wind tunnels between buildings (1 PCS)
- Sunglasses for bright Winter sun and glare
- Crossbody bag with zipper for crowded attractions
- Anti-theft bag strap or locking carabiners
- Reusable water bottle
Documents & Essentials
- Passport
- Photocopies of passport and ID
- Travel insurance details
- Credit cards and backup payment card
- Euros in small bills and coins
- Driver’s license and International Driving Permit if renting
- Hotel reservations and key addresses in Italian
- Train tickets and tour confirmations
- Emergency contacts card
- SIM card or eSIM activation details
First Aid
- Travel first aid kit – Blisters or a sudden headache always seem to hit mid-transit; having a few essentials on hand keeps me comfortable and moving without hunting a pharmacy—worth tossing in.
- Blister pads for high-mileage walking days
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Cold and flu tablets for Winter travel
- Cough drops for dry heated interiors
- Bandages and sterile gauze refills
- Antiseptic wipes
- Motion sickness tablets for ferries and winding roads
- Small thermometer
Health & Hygiene
- Electrolyte powder – After a long flight or sweaty hike, a quick mix-in keeps me from feeling wiped out and helps me bounce back faster—worth tossing in.
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss picks
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes for tray tables and public surfaces
- Tissues for cold days and churches
- Feminine hygiene products
- Razor and shaving supplies
- Quick-dry travel towel for day trips and hostels
- Probiotic capsules for changing meals and schedules
- Prescription medications in original containers
Tech & Electronics
- Universal travel adapter – Landing late in a new country, I can plug in my phone and laptop anywhere without hunting for the right outlet. It keeps charging simple and reliable—worth tossing in.
- Power bank – Peace of mind when my phone dips low mid-transit—one quick top‑up keeps maps and boarding passes working. Worth tossing in for reliable backup.
- Wall charger – Faster top-ups between flights keep my phone ready for tickets and maps. When airport USB ports are flaky, a wall charger is the dependable option worth tossing in.
- Noise cancelling headphones – Instant calm on a loud flight or busy café—these make it easy to focus or nap without cranking the volume. I’d definitely pack them.
- Bluetooth speaker – Instant good vibes in the room—nothing beats throwing on a playlist while I unpack or shower. Reliable sound without fuss makes downtime feel cozier, so I’d bring one.
- E-reader – Long layovers feel shorter when I’ve got a whole library in one slim device—no dead phone battery anxiety. Worth packing if you like quiet, easy downtime.
- Smartphone
- Charging cables for all devices
- USB-C or Lightning spare cable
- Travel plug splitter for limited outlets
- Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or local SIM tool
- Camera and lens kit if photographing cities
Entertainment
- Downloaded maps for offline navigation
- Italian phrasebook app download
- Podcasts or audiobooks for train rides
- Small travel journal and pen
- Deck of cards for cafés and evenings
- Crossword or puzzle book
- Offline playlist for flights and metro rides
Extras
- Reusable shopping bag for Italian markets
- Snack bars for long museum days
- Collapsible food container for takeaway and picnics
- Stain remover pen for dark Winter layers
- Mini sewing kit for loose buttons and hems
- Travel steamer or wrinkle-release spray
- Earplugs for city hotels and street noise
- Sleep mask for early sunrise streetlights
- Small gifts or postcards for hosts and guides
Travel Tips
- Plan outfits by layers, not single heavy pieces
- Prioritize grippy soles for wet cobblestones and marble floors
- Keep one warm layer in your day bag for evening drops
- Carry a compact umbrella even on “clear” forecasts
- Book major museums ahead for February weekend crowds
- Use a crossbody bag in busy hubs like Rome and Milan
- Pack one smarter outfit for opera, churches, and dinners
