Munich in winter is a postcard-perfect experience—think snow-dusted rooftops, hearty food, Christmas markets, and stylish locals bundled in chic coats. Whether you’re exploring Marienplatz, heading to Neuschwanstein Castle, or sipping mulled wine in a festive square, you’ll need to dress for real winter weather—cold, damp, and sometimes snowy.
Prepare for temperatures near freezing, with short days and potential flurries. Munich’s style leans smart-casual, and you’ll want to balance fashion with function. Layers are key, along with waterproof and insulated outerwear to keep you warm during long walks through the city or day trips to the Alps.
Let’s dive into your complete winter Munich packing list—perfect for December market strolls, snowy strolls in the Englischer Garten, or museum days at Pinakothek.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Munich 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: -4°C to 4°C (25°F to 39°F)
- ❄️ Snow is common in December–February
- 🌬️ Cold wind, especially in open areas like Odeonsplatz
- 🏰 Perfect for Christmas markets, city walks, alpine excursions
What to Pack for Munich 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 – With wheels that handle snow and cobblestones
- 🧵 Packing cubes – For organizing thermals and outfits
- 👞 Shoe bags – Separate slushy boots from clean clothes
- 🧼 Toiletry bag – Waterproof, compartmentalized
- 📁 Document organizer – Tickets, ID, train passes
- 🎒 Daypack – Weather-resistant for day trips or hikes
- 🧺 Laundry pouch – For used base layers
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Winter gear can get heavy
- 🔒 Luggage lock – Secure your belongings
- 🧻 Travel towel – Useful for spa visits or hostels
- 🛏️ Neck pillow – Comfort for long train rides
- 😴 Sleep mask – For early sunrises or flights
👗 Clothes
- 🧣 Thermal base layers (3–4 sets) – Crucial for staying warm
- 👕 Long-sleeve tops (3–5) – Layer under sweaters
- 🧥 Wool or fleece sweaters (2–3) – Stylish and insulating
- 🧥 Insulated winter coat – Waterproof with a hood is ideal
- 🧥 Puffer jacket – Optional if not using a coat with down fill
- 👖 Jeans or warm trousers (2–3) – Add thermal leggings underneath
- 👗 Long sweater dress or skirt – For dinner with tights and boots
- 🏃 Activewear – For layering or lounging
- 🛌 Thermal pajamas – Warm enough for unheated rooms
- 👙 Swimsuit – For spa day or hotel sauna
- 🩲 Underwear (daily) – Choose breathable material
- 🧦 Wool socks (6–7 pairs) – Keep feet warm and dry
- 🧤 Fleece-lined tights – Extra insulation under skirts or pants
💆 Skincare
- 🧴 Hydrating facial cleanser – Protects dry skin
- 🧪 Toner – Calming and alcohol-free
- 🧴 Heavy moisturizer – For face and hands
- 🌞 Sunscreen – Even on cloudy or snowy days
- 🧼 Makeup remover – Gentle, non-drying formula
- 🧽 Exfoliator – Use sparingly to avoid irritation
- 👁️ Eye cream – For dry or tired eyes
- 💦 Face mist – Refresh skin throughout the day
- 😷 Sheet masks – Moisture boost post-flight or skiing
- 💋 Lip balm (SPF) – Essential for preventing chapped lips
- 🎯 Spot treatment – Cold weather breakouts can happen
💄 Makeup
- 💄 Hydrating foundation – Winter formulas with glow
- 🕳️ Concealer – Hide dark circles and redness
- 🧼 Setting powder – Light touch for long wear
- 🌸 Cream blush – Blends well in dry air
- ✨ Highlighter – Bring brightness to cloudy days
- 🌞 Bronzer – Optional for added color
- 🎨 Neutral eyeshadow palette – Versatile winter shades
- ✏️ Waterproof eyeliner – Smudge-resistant
- 👁️ Mascara – Long-wear formula recommended
- 💎 Brow pencil or gel – Define with ease
- 💋 Lipstick + balm – Hydrated lips with a pop of color
- 💦 Setting spray – Optional for long days out
- 🖌️ Travel brush set – Compact and useful
💇 Hair Care
- 🖌️ Hairbrush or wide-tooth comb – Reduce static
- 🪢 Hair ties + scrunchies – For quick styles under hats
- 🧴 Moisturizing shampoo + conditioner – Prevent dryness
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Freshen up after beanie days
- 🔥 Heat protectant spray – For styling tools
- 🌊 Hair cream – Control frizz from wool layers
- 💨 Compact hair dryer – Optional if not provided
- 🧊 Curling wand or straightener – For evenings out
- 💧 Hair oil – Smooth and add shine
- 🎀 Winter headbands, clips, or beanies – For both style and warmth
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 🥾 Waterproof winter boots – Non-slip soles essential
- 👟 Casual sneakers – For dry, warmer days
- 🥿 Stylish ankle boots – For dinners or museums
- 🧣 Chunky knit scarf – Style and insulation
- 🧤 Touchscreen gloves – Stay warm and connected
- 🎩 Wool beanie – A must in Munich’s winter chill
- 🕶️ UV sunglasses – Protect eyes from snow glare
- 💍 Simple jewelry – Minimal and easy to pair
- ⌚ Watch – Useful for timing trains or tours
- 👜 Crossbody bag – Secure and stylish for markets
- 🌂 Travel umbrella – For sleet or drizzle
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + copies – Always carry a backup
- 📄 Visa (if required) – Germany is in the Schengen zone
- 🪪 ID or EU ID card – For EU residents
- 🩺 Travel insurance – Print and digital version
- 🎫 Tickets and reservations – Museums, trains, castles
- 🗺️ Offline maps + transit apps – Like MVV for Munich
- 💳 Debit/credit card + some euros – For cash-only stalls
- 📍 Contact numbers – Emergency and hotel details
- 🧾 Envelope or pouch – Organize receipts or passes
- 🖊️ Pen + notebook – Handy for notes and journaling
- 👛 RFID-blocking wallet – Prevent electronic theft
- 💎 Keep valuables in carry-on – Don’t check important items
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Blister bandages – For snowy walks in new boots
- 🧻 Sanitizing wipes – Clean up before meals or after transport
- 🩺 Mini first aid kit – With cold meds, pain relievers, gauze
- 🩸 Menstrual products – Bring your preferred brand
- ✂️ Tweezers + nail scissors – Multi-purpose grooming
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Optional but handy if you get sick
- 🧴 Cotton pads + Q-tips – Skincare or first aid use
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescribed medication – In original packaging
- 😷 Cold + flu pills – For Munich’s chilly air
- 🤧 Allergy pills – Especially for sensitive skin or sinuses
- 🚢 Motion sickness meds – For bus tours to castles
- 💊 Daily vitamins – Support immunity
- 🧼 Hand sanitizer – Carry at all times
- 🧻 Wet wipes – Refresh during day trips
- 🦟 Insect repellent – Not needed in winter
- ❤️ Contraceptives – Bring what you need
- 👁️ Eye drops – Winter air + heaters = dry eyes
- 🪞 Compact mirror – Quick check before dinner
- 🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Essentials kit
- 🧵 Dental floss – Lightweight but crucial
- 🧴 Deodorant – Solid or roll-on for travel
- 🪒 Razor – Travel cover recommended
- 💅 Nail clippers or file – For quick touch-ups
- 🌸 Perfume – Travel-size or rollerball
- 🧻 Pocket tissues – Great for cold weather sniffles
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Smartphone – For tickets, maps, and photos
- 💻 Laptop/tablet – Optional, depending on needs
- 📷 Camera – Capture snowy Munich scenes
- 🔌 Chargers – Phone, camera, headphones
- 🔋 Power bank – Battery drains faster in cold
- 📎 Cable organizer – Keep everything tangle-free
- 🔌 EU plug adapter – Germany uses Type C/F
- 💽 Cloud backup or USB drive – Save photos and docs
- 🗺️ Transit and guide apps – MVV, Google Translate
- 📶 SIM or eSIM – Avoid roaming charges
- 📖 E-reader – Lightweight entertainment
- 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones – Ideal for flights/trains
- 📱 Waterproof phone case – Optional for snow/sleet
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Novel or historical fiction – Something Bavarian-themed?
- 🎬 Offline shows/movies – Great for cozy nights in
- 🎧 Music + podcasts – Download for flights or trains
- 📓 Travel journal – For memories or notes
- 🎲 Card games – Fun with travel partners
- 📰 Magazines – Light reading for cafés
🎁 Extras
- 🥨 German snacks – For train rides or hikes
- 💧 Insulated water bottle – Stay hydrated in dry air
- 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For Christmas market finds
- 🧼 Laundry soap – Wash socks or thermals in your room
- 🧵 Sewing kit – In case of quick repairs
- 📣 Safety whistle – For solo travelers
- 🧽 Lint roller – Winter wool attracts fluff
- 🦶 Footrest – For plane or long train comfort
- 👃 Boot deodorizer – Keep gear fresh
- 🌙 Sleep aid – Beat jet lag faster
🌍 Travel Tips
- 🚇 Get a multi-day transit pass for U-Bahn/S-Bahn
- 📲 Download DB Navigator + MVV apps
- ⛪ Dress modestly for churches and castles
- 🧥 Wear your bulkiest items on the flight
- 📸 Take photos of luggage in case it’s delayed
- 🏦 Notify your bank about international use
🛂 Visa Tips
- 📆 Check Schengen visa requirements for your nationality
- 🖨️ Print hotel, train, and flight confirmations
- 🖼️ Pack spare passport photos
- 🎟️ Proof of onward/return travel
- 🔍 Know what items are restricted at customs
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 Passport + visa (if needed)
- 🧥 Warm, waterproof coat
- 🥾 Insulated boots
- 🧤 Thermal layers + gloves, hat, scarf
- 📱 Phone + adapter
- 💳 Cards + euros
- 💊 Medications
- 💧 Water bottle
- 🎒 Day bag
- 🕶️ Sunglasses
👍 Good-to-Have
- 🧺 Garment steamer or wrinkle spray
- 😴 Sleep mask + earplugs
- 🎧 Bluetooth headphones
- 🧣 Blanket scarf – Doubles as a wrap
- 🦴 Travel pillow – For extra comfort
- 🏷️ Luggage tag – ID your bag fast
- 🌂 Spare umbrella – Munich weather changes fast
- 📶 SIM/eSIM – Stay online without roaming
- 🛍️ Extra tote – For beer steins and souvenirs
