Berlin in winter is raw, cool, and full of soul—think cozy cafés, snowy streets, and underground art scenes. From Christmas markets to museum marathons, you’ll be outdoors and indoors a lot, so you’ll need to dress smart and layer well. Berliners are stylish in a minimalist, functional way—so pack clothes that work for both freezing weather and casual city hangs.
Expect cold days, icy sidewalks, and temperatures that hover around freezing. The wind can be biting, especially near the Spree or in open squares. Comfort and warmth come first, but you’ll also want versatile outfits that transition from sightseeing to bar-hopping without needing a full outfit change.
Here’s your full Berlin winter packing list, covering cold-weather gear, urban fashion, skincare for dry climates, and every small item you don’t want to forget.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Berlin in winter. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- 🌡️ Average temps: -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F)
- ❄️ Occasional snow, gray skies, and damp air
- 🌬️ Wind can make it feel colder, especially in open areas
- 🎭 Perfect for galleries, nightlife, museums, and holiday markets
What to Pack for Berlin in Winter
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Medium suitcase – Easy to roll through train stations and snow
- 🧵 Packing cubes – Separate layers and accessories
- 👞 Shoe bags – Keep slush and mud away from clothes
- 🧼 Toiletry bag – Leakproof and organized
- 📁 Document organizer – Passport, metro cards, ID
- 🎒 Water-resistant daypack – For sightseeing in any weather
- 🧺 Laundry bag – Separate wet/dirty items
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Coats and boots add weight fast
- 🔒 TSA-approved lock – Security on transit
- 🧻 Quick-dry towel – Useful for hostels or saunas
- 🛏️ Neck pillow – For long flights or ICE trains
- 😴 Sleep mask – Berlin doesn’t sleep, but you’ll want to
👗 Clothes
- 🧣 Thermal base layers (2–3 sets) – Must for staying warm
- 👕 Long-sleeve tops (3–4) – Cotton or merino preferred
- 🧥 Warm sweaters (2–3) – Fleece or wool blend
- 🧥 Heavy winter coat – Down or insulated, water-resistant
- 🧥 Puffer or parka – Stylish and functional for snow
- 👖 Jeans or lined pants (2–3) – Pair with thermals underneath
- 👗 Knit dress or long skirt – With tights and boots for a cozy chic look
- 🏃 Activewear – Layerable and comfy for exploring
- 🛌 Flannel or thermal pajamas – Stay cozy indoors
- 👙 Swimsuit – For hotel spas or German saunas
- 🩲 Underwear (daily) – Breathable and comfy
- 🧦 Wool or thermal socks (6–7 pairs) – Absolute must
- 🧤 Tights or leggings – Layer under skirts or trousers
💆 Skincare
- 🧴 Hydrating cleanser – Gentle for dry winter skin
- 🧪 Toner – Alcohol-free to avoid irritation
- 🧴 Thick moisturizer – Lock in hydration
- 🌞 Sunscreen – Yes, even in Berlin’s gray winter
- 🧼 Makeup remover – Cream or balm-based
- 🧽 Exfoliator – Once or twice during the trip
- 👁️ Eye cream – For puffiness or dryness
- 💦 Face mist – Hydrating boost on the go
- 😷 Sheet masks – One or two for extra care
- 💋 Lip balm (SPF) – Berlin wind = chapped lips
- 🎯 Spot treatment – Cold weather breakouts happen
💄 Makeup
- 💄 Moisturizing foundation or BB cream – Avoid dryness
- 🕳️ Concealer – For tired travel eyes
- 🧼 Setting powder – Light dusting only
- 🌸 Cream blush – Blends better in dry air
- ✨ Highlighter – Keep that glow alive
- 🌞 Bronzer – Optional for added warmth
- 🎨 Eyeshadow palette – Neutrals and smokey tones
- ✏️ Eyeliner – Smudge-proof for long days
- 👁️ Waterproof mascara – Withstands drizzle
- 💎 Brow gel – Quick and tidy
- 💋 Lip stain + balm – Color and moisture in one
- 💦 Setting spray – Lock it all in
- 🖌️ Compact brush set – Travel-friendly
💇 Hair Care
- 🖌️ Brush or wide-tooth comb – For static-prone hair
- 🪢 Hair ties & clips – Quick styling options
- 🧴 Moisturizing shampoo & conditioner – Prevent dryness
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Refresh between washes
- 🔥 Heat protectant – If using hot tools
- 🌊 Styling balm – Tames flyaways
- 💨 Mini hairdryer – Most hotels have one, but pack if unsure
- 🧊 Flat/curling iron – For Berlin nights out
- 💧 Hair oil – Keep strands nourished
- 🎀 Hair accessories – Statement clips, beanies, or scrunchies
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 🥾 Waterproof boots – Stylish and snow-ready
- 👟 Sneakers – For dry days and indoor use
- 🥿 Flats or ankle boots – For museum or evening looks
- 🧣 Wool scarf – Bundle up with style
- 🧤 Insulated gloves – Essential in Berlin wind
- 🎩 Warm hat – Beanie or knit style
- 🕶️ UV sunglasses – Snow glare is real
- 💍 Minimal jewelry – Lightweight and safe
- ⌚ Smartwatch or analog – Keep track of transit times
- 👜 Crossbody bag – Zipped and secure
- 🌂 Compact umbrella – Berlin’s gray skies love a drizzle
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + copies – Keep one in your luggage
- 📄 Visa (if applicable) – Check Schengen requirements
- 🪪 EU ID card – For EU travelers
- 🩺 Travel insurance – Print + digital copy
- 🎫 Train tickets, event passes – Print and save offline
- 🗺️ Berlin transit map – Also download BVG app
- 💳 Credit card + some Euros – Many places are cashless, some are cash-only
- 📍 Offline maps – Berlin can be spotty with signal
- 🧾 Receipt pouch – Keep travel documents organized
- 🖊️ Pen + mini notebook – For notes and journaling
- 👛 RFID wallet – Extra protection in crowds
- 💎 Valuables in carry-on – Always
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Blister band-aids – Cold + walking = ouch
- 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Always handy
- 🩺 Small first aid kit – Include cold meds + painkillers
- 🩸 Menstrual products – Your preferred kind
- ✂️ Tweezers + nail scissors – Useful every time
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Optional, but smart
- 🧴 Cotton pads/Q-tips – Multi-use
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescription meds – Enough for your stay
- 😷 Cold + flu tablets – Highly recommended
- 🤧 Allergy meds – For dry or dusty days
- 🚢 Motion sickness pills – For travel days
- 💊 Vitamins – Support immune system
- 🧼 Hand sanitizer – Public transport essential
- 🧻 Wet wipes – Cold weather = messy noses
- 🦟 Bug spray – Not needed in winter
- ❤️ Contraceptives – Bring your own
- 👁️ Eye drops – For dry indoor air
- 🪞 Travel mirror – Optional but useful
- 🪥 Toothbrush + paste – Travel set
- 🧵 Floss – Always essential
- 🧴 Deodorant – Choose solid or cream
- 🪒 Razor – Travel cover recommended
- 💅 Nail kit – Clippers and file
- 🌸 Perfume – Small roller or spray
- 🧻 Pocket tissues – You’ll thank yourself
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Smartphone – Your travel hub
- 💻 Laptop or tablet – If you work remotely or stream
- 📷 Camera – Capture Berlin’s grit and glam
- 🔌 Chargers – For all devices
- 🔋 Power bank – Never run out of juice
- 📎 Cable organizer – Stop the tangle
- 🔌 EU plug adapter – Berlin uses Type C/F
- 💽 Backup drive/cloud – Secure your photos
- 🗺️ Transit + map apps – BVG, Google Maps, Komoot
- 📶 SIM or eSIM – Affordable data plan
- 📖 E-reader – Long train rides, cozy cafés
- 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones – For U-Bahn and cafés
- 📱 Waterproof phone case – Optional, but handy
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Book – Cold war history or Berlin noir
- 🎬 Downloaded shows/movies – For cozy nights in
- 🎧 Podcasts/music – Soundtrack your U-Bahn rides
- 📓 Journal – Berlin sparks thoughts
- 🎲 Travel games or cards – Hostel fun
- 📰 Magazines – Easy entertainment
🎁 Extras
- 🥨 Snacks – For train rides or museum breaks
- 💧 Insulated water bottle – Hot or cold drinks
- 🛍️ Foldable tote – For thrift finds or groceries
- 🧼 Laundry soap – Hand-wash small loads
- 🧵 Sewing kit – For a loose button or rip
- 📣 Whistle – For solo travelers
- 🧽 Lint roller – For dark coats
- 🦶 Footrest – On long flights
- 👃 Boot deodorizer – Your shoes will thank you
- 🌙 Sleep aid – For noisy hostels or jet lag
🌍 Travel Tips
- 🧥 Layer up—cold outdoors, warm indoors
- 📲 Download BVG app for public transit
- 💳 Some places take card, some only cash
- 🗺️ Old East Berlin is full of hidden gems
- 🧳 Keep valuables on you in transit
- 📸 Take a photo of your luggage
🛂 Visa Tips
- 📆 Check Schengen entry rules for your passport
- 🖨️ Print hotel/flight confirmations
- 🖼️ Carry spare passport photos
- 🎟️ Proof of onward or return travel
- 🔍 Know what goods are restricted at customs
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 Passport + visa (if required)
- 🧥 Insulated coat
- 🥾 Waterproof boots
- 💳 Cards + euros
- 📱 Phone + EU adapter
- 💊 Medications
- 🧴 Moisturizer + lip balm
- 🎒 Day bag
- 🧤 Gloves + scarf + hat
👍 Good-to-Have
- 💧 Hydration pack – For long museum days
- 🧺 Garment steamer – Optional for nice outfits
- 😴 Earplugs + sleep mask – Rest better
- 🎧 Bluetooth headphones – Easy listening
- 🧣 Blanket scarf – Style and warmth
- 🦴 Neck pillow – Travel comfort
- 🏷️ Luggage tag – In case of loss
- 🌂 Extra umbrella – Backup for wet days
- 📶 SIM/eSIM – Stay connected affordably
- 🛍️ Extra tote – For Berlin’s amazing vintage finds
