What to Pack for Thessaloniki in December: Smart Layers for a Cozy City Escape

Heading to Thessaloniki in December? This charming northern Greek city offers festive lights, historic streets, waterfront cafés, and a rich cultural vibe—with a definite winter chill. It’s a wonderful off-season destination, combining holiday magic with Byzantine beauty and urban energy.

Unlike the Greek islands, Thessaloniki gets colder in winter and even sees occasional snow. Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, and warm accessories to stay stylish and comfortable as you explore the city’s markets, museums, and cozy tavernas.

Here’s your full guide on what to pack for Thessaloniki in December—complete with cold-weather layers, city fashion, and practical travel gear for Greece’s second-largest city.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Thessaloniki 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 🌦️

Thessaloniki has a Mediterranean-continental mix, with cold, damp winters and crisp nights.

• 🌡️ Average high: 11°C / 52°F
• 🌡️ Average low: 4°C / 39°F
• ❄️ Possible frost or snow in colder spells
• 🌧️ Rain on 7–10 days/month, especially early December
• 🎄 Christmas lights, cafes, museums & cultural festivals

What to Pack for Thessaloniki in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Medium suitcase – Enough for warm layers and boots.
• 🧳 Checked bag – If bringing bulky coats or holiday shopping.
• 🎒 Daypack – Ideal for museum days or local walks.
• 🧺 Packing cubes – Keep thermals and tops sorted.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Separate shoes from clean clothes.
• 🧴 Toiletry bag – With leakproof bottles for skincare.
• 📂 Document folder – Travel info, bookings, ID.
• 👜 Waterproof tote – Stylish for shopping and sightseeing.
• 🧺 Laundry bag – Separate damp/worn socks or layers.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Useful if you shop local goods.
• 🔒 TSA lock – Secure suitcase in hotels or buses.
• 🫙 Accessory pouch – Gloves, beanie, charger cords.
• 🧼 Quick-dry towel – Handy for guesthouses or spa visits.
• 💤 Neck pillow – For buses or intercity trains.
• 😎 Sleep mask – In case of bright Airbnb rooms.

👗 Clothes

• 🧥 Warm winter coat – Insulated, preferably water-resistant.
• 🧥 Waterproof jacket or trench – Great for rainy days.
• 👕 Long-sleeve tops (3–4) – Perfect for layering.
• 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Wool, cashmere, or fleece.
• 👖 Jeans or pants (2–3) – Thick fabrics are best.
• 🧘 Thermal leggings or tights – Layer under dresses or pants.
• 👗 Knit or wool dress – With boots and tights = stylish + warm.
• 🧣 Scarf – Warm and cozy for outdoor cafés.
• 🧤 Gloves – Tech-friendly for taking photos.
• 🧢 Beanie – Essential for cold, windy evenings.
• 🧦 Wool socks – Especially if you plan to walk a lot.
• 🩲 Underwear & bras – Comfortable and breathable.
• 🩴 Pajamas – Fleece or flannel for cold nights.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Hydrating cleanser – Cold air dries the skin quickly.
• 💧 Toner – Alcohol-free and calming.
• 🧴 Moisturizer – Rich formula for day and night.
• 🌞 SPF 30 – Protect against winter sun & glare.
• 🧽 Makeup remover – Gentle and effective.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – For softening winter skin.
• 👁️ Eye cream – Prevent dryness or puffiness.
• 💦 Face mist – Refresh on chilly, dry days.
• 😴 Overnight mask – Lock in hydration overnight.
• 💋 Lip balm – Must-have for windburn.
• 🩹 Spot treatment – For stress or climate-change breakouts.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Hydrating base or BB cream – For a glowy winter finish.
• 🖌️ Concealer – Keep skin looking bright.
• 💨 Setting powder – Light formula for all-day wear.
• 🌸 Blush – Add color to pale winter cheeks.
• 🌞 Highlighter – Radiant glow for festive evenings.
• 🟫 Bronzer – Warm up your look naturally.
• 🎨 Neutral or berry palette – Day-to-night versatility.
• ✏️ Eyeliner – Soft brown or bold black.
• 👁️ Waterproof mascara – Handles humidity and rain.
• 🪞 Brow gel – Quick grooming tool.
• 💄 Lip balm, gloss, or tint – Hydrating color.
• 💧 Setting spray – Keep makeup in place.
• 🖌️ Mini brushes – Compact and easy to pack.

💇 Hair Care

• 🪮 Comb or brush – De-tangle post-wind hair.
• 🌀 Hair ties & clips – For casual looks and wind control.
• 🧴 Moisturizing shampoo & conditioner – For dry air protection.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Between washes or for travel days.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – For styling with tools.
• 🧴 Anti-frizz serum – Helps in misty, damp weather.
• 💨 Travel hair dryer – Most places have one, but bring if you style often.
• 🪞 Flat iron or curling wand – For dinners or holiday photos.
• 💧 Hair oil – For smoothness and shine.
• 🎀 Winter-friendly accessories – Clips, bands, or headwraps.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 👢 Waterproof ankle boots – Ideal for stylish city walks.
• 👟 Sneakers – Good for dry sightseeing days.
• 🥿 Flats or low heels – Optional for nights out or fancy dinners.
• 🧢 Knit hat – For windy White Tower strolls.
• 🧣 Chunky scarf – Adds warmth and flair.
• 🧤 Lined gloves – Must-have for outdoor cafés or views.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – Winter sun reflects off sea and stone.
• 💍 Simple jewelry – Subtle accents for dinner looks.
• ⌚ Watch – Analog or digital, your choice.
• 👜 Crossbody or anti-theft bag – Ideal for city walks.
• 🌂 Umbrella – Packable and wind-resistant preferred.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 Passport – Required for international travelers.
• 📃 Travel insurance – Smart for off-season travels.
• 🎟️ Tickets/reservations – Museums, shows, transport.
• 📄 Itinerary – Digital or print copy.
• 💳 Debit/credit cards – Widely accepted.
• 💵 Euros – Small change for buses or cafés.
• 📍 Offline maps – GPS may lag in old town streets.
• 🧾 Folder for receipts – Shopping or VAT claims.
• 🖊️ Pen & notebook – Notes, journaling, or language tips.
• 👛 RFID wallet – For added protection.
• 💎 Lockbox or pouch – Store valuables in accommodation.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – For boots or walking blisters.
• 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean hands or minor wounds.
• 🩺 Gauze + tape – Light wound care kit.
• 🩸 Period products – Your preferred brands may not be sold locally.
• 🧲 Tweezers – Always handy.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – Monitor colds or flu symptoms.
• ✂️ Nail kit – File, clippers, scissors.
• 💠 Cotton swabs – Skincare or cleanup use.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Prescriptions – Bring a full supply + extras.
• 💊 Painkillers – For muscle aches or headaches.
• 🌸 Antihistamines – In case of winter dust allergies.
• 🤢 Motion sickness pills – Helpful for long train or bus rides.
• 💊 Immune support – Vitamins, zinc, or probiotics.
• 🧴 Sanitizer – Keep it on hand for museums and metros.
• 🧻 Wipes – Freshen up while sightseeing.
• 🧼 Contraceptives – Always pack your preferred type.
• 👁️ Eye drops – Dry air + screens = irritation.
• 🪞 Mirror – For quick grooming checks.
• 🪥 Toothbrush & paste – Travel-sized if flying carry-on.
• 🧵 Floss – Don’t forget the small stuff.
• 🧴 Deodorant – Winter walks still break a sweat.
• 🪒 Razor – Choose travel-safe versions.
• 💅 Nail file or buffer – Winter = brittle nails.
• 🌸 Roll-on perfume – Easy for nights out.
• 🧻 Travel tissues – Public restrooms may not have any.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Smartphone – For maps, translations, photos.
• 💻 Laptop or tablet – Optional for digital nomads.
• 📷 Camera – Thessaloniki is incredibly photogenic.
• 🔌 All chargers – Label if you’re carrying multiple.
• 🔋 Power bank – For long touring days.
• 🧵 Cord pouch – Organize adapters and cables.
• 🔌 EU plug adapter – Greece uses type C/F plugs.
• 📶 eSIM or roaming plan – Good Wi-Fi, but backups help.
• 📖 Kindle or book – For train rides or cozy evenings.
• 🎧 Headphones – Music, walking tours, or Netflix.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📚 Book – Ideal for long café breaks by the sea.
• 📺 Offline series or movies – Not all accommodations have Netflix.
• 🎧 Podcasts or playlists – Set the mood while exploring the waterfront.
• 📓 Travel journal – Thessaloniki is full of inspiration.
• 🎲 Card games – Perfect for slow evenings or group stays.
• 📰 Magazines – Airport and flight time filler.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – For long museum days or hikes.
• 💧 Refillable water bottle – Hydration matters in cold, dry air.
• 🛍️ Foldable shopping tote – Useful for groceries or souvenirs.
• 🧼 Laundry soap sheets – Hand wash socks or thermals.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – For emergency repairs.
• 📢 Whistle – For solo travelers or night outings.
• 🧼 Shoe deodorizer – Cold = boots worn daily.
• 🦶 Footrest – Makes travel days more comfy.
• 💤 Melatonin or sleep aid – For jet lag or noisy streets.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 🧳 Dress for layers – Cold mornings, warmer cafés.
• 📲 Download local transit & map apps.
• 👢 Pack waterproof boots or shoes – Sidewalks get slick.
• 📸 Thessaloniki is very photogenic – Bring a good camera.
• 🏦 Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocks.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📅 EU/Schengen visa needed for many non-EU visitors.
• 🖨️ Print hotel, transport, and museum bookings.
• 📷 Carry passport photos – Helpful for emergencies.
• 🧾 Review customs & shopping VAT refund policies.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 Passport
• 🧥 Warm coat
• 🧤 Gloves, scarf, hat
• 👢 Waterproof shoes
• 👜 Secure day bag
• 📱 Phone + EU adapter
• 💧 Moisturizer + lip balm
• 💳 Cards + euros

👍 Good-to-Have

• 🎧 Headphones
• 🧼 Laundry kit
• 🌂 Umbrella
• 📖 Kindle
• 🛍️ Extra tote
• 💤 Blanket scarf
• 🔋 Power bank
• 🧺 Packing cubes