Planning a December trip to Munich? Get ready for crisp alpine air, twinkling Christmas markets, and cozy Bavarian charm. The city comes alive in winter, but so does the chill — you’ll need layers, weatherproof gear, and festive fashion.
From snowy strolls in Marienplatz to warm nights in beer halls, packing smart is key. Munich in December means freezing temps, possible snowfall, and plenty of opportunities to layer up in style.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Munich in December. 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 🌦️
Munich’s December weather is classic European winter — cold, often damp, and sometimes snowy. Dress warm and prepare for changing conditions.
- 🌡️ Average high: 4°C / 39°F – cold even during the day
- ❄️ Average low: -2°C / 28°F – freezing nights
- 🌨️ Snow is possible, especially later in the month
- 💨 Cold wind adds to the chill — bring windproof layers
What to Pack for Munich in December
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
- Carry-on suitcase – 🧳 sturdy with spinner wheels for icy streets
- Checked bag – 🛄 space for winter gear & holiday shopping
- Duffle bag – 🎽 great for day trips or gym
- Daypack – 🎒 waterproof and warm for outdoor adventures
- Packing cubes – 🧱 organize bulky layers
- Shoe bags – 👟 separate snowy shoes
- Toiletry bag – 🧼 leak-proof with compartments
- Document organizer – 📁 keep all travel papers tidy
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ perfect for Christmas market shopping
- Laundry kit – 🧺 detergent, bag, and line
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ manage weight from heavy coats
- Luggage lock – 🔒 added travel security
- Money pouch – 💰 keep valuables close
- Quick-dry towel – 🧻 for hostels or spa day
- Neck pillow – 💤 for long trains or flights
- Sleep mask – 😴 block light in transit
👗 Clothes
- Thermal tops & bottoms (2–3) – 🔥 must-have base layers
- Wool or fleece sweaters (2–4) – 🧶 cozy layers for every day
- Long-sleeve shirts (3–5) – 👕 great under sweaters
- Thick winter coat – 🧥 insulated, windproof, and waterproof
- Cardigan or light fleece – 🧵 for indoor warmth
- Jeans/warm trousers (2–3) – 👖 durable and insulating
- Fleece-lined leggings – 🩳 for layering or dress outfits
- Wool skirt – 👗 stylish with tights and boots
- Thermal pajamas – 🛏️ for cold Munich nights
- Swimsuit – 🩱 if visiting a thermal spa
- Cover-up – 🧖♀️ for spa or sauna
- Underwear (7+) – 👙 warm, breathable fabric
- Bras (3–4) – 🧺 mix of everyday and sports
- Wool socks (7+) – 🧦 a must for warmth
- Tights/fleece leggings – 🧤 add warmth under skirts
💆 Skincare
- Cleansing balm or cream – 🧴 gentle for dry skin
- Hydrating toner – 💧 balances moisture
- Rich moisturizer – 🧴 combats wind and cold
- SPF – ☀️ winter sun still affects skin
- Makeup remover – 🧽 keep it gentle
- Exfoliator – 🛁 for smooth winter skin
- Eye cream – 👁️ for tired, dry eyes
- Facial mist – 💦 hydration on the go
- Sheet masks – 😷 self-care after cold days
- Lip balm – 💋 cracked lips are common
- Spot treatment – 🎯 optional but helpful
💄 Makeup
- Hydrating foundation – 💄 winter formula
- Concealer – 👁️ for under eyes or redness
- Setting powder – 🌬️ controls shine
- Blush – 🌺 adds color to pale winter skin
- Highlighter – ✨ for that festive glow
- Bronzer – 🌞 warms up your look
- Eyeshadow palette – 🎨 winter shades or holiday shimmer
- Eyeliner – ✒️ waterproof for cold days
- Mascara – 👁️ smudge-proof
- Brow gel – 🧴 tame winter brows
- Lip color – 💄 bold for festive dinners
- Setting spray – ❄️ holds everything in place
- Brushes – 🖌️ travel size set
💇 Hair Care
- Brush/comb – 💇♀️ anti-static preferred
- Hair ties/clips – 🧷 secure styles under hats
- Shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 moisturizing types
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ winter scalp saver
- Heat protectant – 🔥 if using hot tools
- Styling cream – 🧴 for frizz control
- Mini dryer – 💨 if accommodations don’t provide
- Travel straightener/curler – 💁♀️ dual voltage preferred
- Hair serum – 💧 to tame dryness
- Hair accessories – 🎀 clips or festive touches
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof winter boots – 🥾 insulated and slip-resistant
- Comfortable sneakers – 👟 for dry indoor days
- Dress shoes – 👠 for evenings out
- Thick wool hat – 🧢 keep that heat in
- Touchscreen gloves – 🧤 warm + functional
- Chunky scarf – 🧣 for warmth and style
- Earmuffs or fleece headband – 🎧 cozy alternative
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ winter glare can be intense
- Jewelry – 💍 simple, festive pieces
- Watch – ⌚ for winter train schedules
- Purse/day bag – 👜 crossbody or backpack
- Umbrella – ☔ for wet snow or rain
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – 🛂 EU or global entry
- Visa (if needed) – 📄 Schengen requirements
- ID – 🪪 always carry a government-issued ID
- Travel insurance – 🏥 print + digital backup
- Flight/train tickets – 🎟️ paper or app
- Hotel and tour confirmations – 🧾 stay organized
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 notify your bank
- Cash – 💶 especially for markets
- Emergency contacts – 📱 digital and paper
- Offline maps – 🗺️ for navigation
- Notebook/pen – 🖊️ write down plans or journaling
- Wallet – 👛 RFID-safe if possible
- Valuables – 💎 keep minimal and secure
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 for blisters from boots
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧼 on-the-go cleaning
- Gauze/tape – 🩼 emergency-ready
- Pain relievers – 💊 cold headaches are real
- Cold meds – 🤒 prevent trip delays
- Tweezers – ✂️ multi-use
- Thermometer – 🌡️ just in case
- Scissors – ✂️ travel-approved mini
- Q-tips – 💠 compact case
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescriptions – 💊 clearly labeled
- Vitamins – 🍊 boost immunity
- Motion sickness tablets – 🚗 for tours
- Feminine hygiene – 🩸 pads/tampons/cup
- Hand sanitizer – 🧴 frequent use in markets
- Wipes – 🧻 always handy
- Toothbrush/toothpaste – 🪥 travel case
- Floss – 🧵 compact container
- Deodorant – 🧼 solid preferred for travel
- Razor – 🪒 safety cap included
- Nail kit – 💅 clippers and file
- Perfume – 🌹 small rollerball
- Eye drops – 👁️ for dry indoor air
- Contacts/solution – 👓 bring spares
- Mirror – 🪞 mini and foldable
- Tissues – 🧻 must-have in the cold
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – 📱 with EU-compatible SIM or eSIM
- Laptop/tablet – 💻 for work or streaming
- Camera – 📷 for festive Munich photos
- Chargers – 🔌 for all devices
- Power bank – 🔋 stay charged on market strolls
- Cords/cables – 🪢 labeled and organized
- Germany adapter (Type F) – 🔌 essential
- Backup storage – 💾 hard drive or cloud
- Offline apps – 🗺️ maps, translator, guides
- Headphones – 🎧 noise-canceling for travel
- E-reader – 📚 compact entertainment
- Waterproof phone pouch – 📱 for wet snow
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 festive or travel reads
- Downloaded movies – 🎬 perfect for cozy nights
- Podcasts/music – 🎧 cold-weather playlists
- Games/cards – 🃏 for down time
- Journal – 📓 capture your Munich story
- Magazines – 🗞️ light and entertaining
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – 🍫 chocolate, nuts, or energy bars
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 stay hydrated indoors
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ reusable for holiday gifts
- Detergent – 🧼 for handwashing thermals
- Sewing kit – 🪡 for emergency fixes
- Whistle – 📣 for solo safety
- Lint roller – 👔 for wool coats
- Footrest – 🦶 for long train rides
- Shoe deodorizer – 👃 especially for boots
- Melatonin – 🌙 manage jet lag
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer smart – 🧥 thermals + sweater + coat = warmth
- Use public transport – 🚇 Munich’s system is great
- Carry coins – 💶 markets often prefer cash
- Photo your bags – 📸 in case of loss
- Keep essentials in carry-on – 👜 always be prepared
- Notify your bank – 🏦 to prevent card blocks
- Bring printed confirmations – 🧾 tech fails happen
🛂 Visa Tips
- Schengen rules apply – 🌍 check your country’s status
- Apply early – 📝 some processing times vary
- Print all documents – 📄 for border checks
- Return ticket – 🎟️ may be asked for
- Passport photos – 📷 bring 1–2 extras
- Know local laws – 🛃 especially customs on food/alcohol
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport + visa – 🛂 absolute essentials
- Travel insurance – 🏥 for peace of mind
- Phone + adapter – 📱 communication is key
- Cards + cash – 💳 both are necessary
- Offline maps + apps – 🗺️ be self-reliant
- Warm coat + thermals – 🧥 don’t skimp
- Health kit – 🚑 better safe than sorry
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 hydration anywhere
- Daypack – 🎒 carry layers and snacks
- Confirmed bookings – 📄 stay organized
👍 Good-to-Have
- Sleep mask + earplugs – 😴 for hostels or flights
- Luggage tags – 🏷️ easy ID
- Blanket scarf – 🧣 warmth and comfort
- SIM/eSIM – 📶 stay connected
- Extra gloves – 🧤 in case one gets wet
- Travel blanket – 🛌 cozy on planes/trains
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ perfect for souvenirs
