Are you wondering what to wear in Berlin? As Germany’s capital city, Berlin is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the country. But it also has very changeable weather depending on the season of travel. For this reason in this guide we will tell you exactly what to pack for Berlin in Summer, Spring, Winter and Fall as well as for special events so you know exactly what to wear no matter the month you travel.
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But before we get onto the specifics of what to wear in Berlin along with some outfit inspiration we thought it would be worthwhile to talk about exactly where Berlin is, and how the seasons will affect your Berlin Packing List.
Where is Berlin?
Berlin is the capital city of Germany as is part of the Northern European Lowlands in the Brandenburg state of Germany.
It is famed for its amazing modernist architecture, its lively night life and music scene as well as a plethora of Second World War memorial sites.
Note: Although all of the German cities and regions have similar fashion sensibilities and dress codes, it is worth checking out each of our German seasons and city specific guides as there are some key regional differences:
- What to wear in Munich
- What to wear in Hamburg
- What to wear to Germany in Summer
- What to wear in Germany in Fall
So now you know where Berlin is, what are the dress codes you should be aware of?
Berlin Dress Code
Germany as a whole does not have a lot of strict dress code per se. However there are a few places where you may want to modify your outfit to visit. These include:
Second World War Memorial Sites
Berlin has a whole host of World War 2 Memorial sites, not many of these have strict dress codes unless you plan to visit the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
This is common day trip to take from Berlin and is just under an hour away on train.
The Sachsenhausen concentration camp dress code states that you must “respect the dignity of the dead”. This means that clothing should be respectful i.e. no overly revealing clothes and certainly nothing that has offensive slogans or graphics.
What to wear at Oktoberfest
Although Oktoberfest is most commonly associated with Munich, and it is true that the largest Oktoberfest is in Munich, Berlin will have its own version too.
And while there is no compulsory dress code for the festival, you will find that many people, both locals and tourists alike will dress in traditional outfits. For more information on what to wear for Oktoberfest check out this post.
What to wear at Berlin Christmas Markets
As well as Oktoberfest, the other seasonal event that many people visit for is the Berlin Christmas Markets.
WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt is the most popular Christmas market in Berlin and draws both locals and tourists alike. And although this and other Berlin Christmas markets do not have a dress code per se, it is worth thinking about what you will wear to them.
Most people visit the Christmas markets at night so you will need lots of layers to combat the chilly evening air in Berlin.
How do local people dress in Berlin?
The locals in Berlin tend to dress relatively casually and there is a variety of fashions seen on the streets of Berlin. Therefore you should dress in the style that you feel most comfortable in.
Also black is a very popular color to be worn by local Berliners. So if you want to dress like a local in Berlin it can be a good idea to have some darker colors in your Germany capsule wardrobe.
Considerations for your Berlin Packing List
Before we get onto the exact items to include to make your Berlin capsule wardrobe outfits, we thought is would be worth outlining some considerations for your packing list.
When we put together out Berlin packing lists we also consider the following:
Layers
Layers are key to any Germany packing list whether you are traveling to Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich. That is because even in Summer it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings. And of course at the Christmas markets layers are key.
Dark Colors
The locals in Germany do like to wear black and dark colors so if you want to look like a local in Berlin then add some dark colors to your Berlin packing list.
Pack Light
One of the things I love about traveling in Europe and Germany more generally is traveling by train. If you plan to travel by train in Europe packing lightly is key. Train travel in Germany can be very difficult if you have overpacked. For more information on how to pack light for winter destinations or packing light for travel in general check out our packing techniques:
What to Wear in Berlin
What to wear in Berlin in Summer (June, July and August)
Summer in Berlin is characterised as June, July and August but it is worth noting that the peak season in Berlin does not only cover the summer months as in other places in Europe. This is because of the the special events that happen later in the year in Berlin.
The average highs in Berlin in summer tends to be between 22-24C -71F/75F and the average lows are 12-15C / 53-59F. And on average there are around 8 days of rain in Berlin in each of the summer months.
Therefore although the weather is warm it is worth having a light top layer with you, and some waterproof wear in the form of a light rain jacket or at least a compact travel umbrella just in case.
Generally speaking I would recommend packing:
Light rain jacket
A lightweight jacket such as a denim jacket is very handy in Berlin in summer. However I personally like to take a lightweight and compact waterproof jacket so I am always prepared. Click here to shop rain jackets.
Dresses
Maxi dresses are one of my favorite things to wear when touring Europe and Berlin is no exception.
Personally I like maxi dresses but this is just personal choice. And as black is such a popular color in Berlin I always add a black maxi dress to my Berlin summer packing list.
Click here to shop dresses for Berlin.
Trousers and Blouse
Trousers and blouses are a great alternative to maxi dresses for exploring Berlin and having dinner as they are a great day to night transition outfit.
Linen trousers are a great pick for summer in Berlin. If you do decide on packing linen be sure to check out our guide on how to pack linen to avoid wrinkles.
However a light pair of jeans can also be handy on the cooler days in Berlin in Sumer.
Tank Tops and T Shirts
T shirts and tank tops are perfect for exploring Berlin and can be paired with skirts, trousers or shorts.
You will see all manner of tops from graphic, slogan, neon to patterned so do feel free to dress in the style you are most comfortable in. However again I don’t think you can go wrong with a plain black tee in Berlin in Summer.
Click here to shop t shirts for Berlin.
Shorts
Shorts are perfect for warmer days in Berlin in summer however I would advise not wearing overly skimpy shorts for memorial sites.
Denim shorts are also commonly worn in the city by those not heading to the office so pick the style you feel most comfortable in.
Click here to shop shorts for Berlin
Pashmina
I never travel to Europe without a pashmina and Berlin is no exception.
Pashminas are great for the evenings in case you get chilly dining al fresco and can also be used to make an outfit more modest for visiting churches or concentration camps in Europe. Click here to shop pashminas.
Swimwear (optional)
Swimwear is definitely an optional for Berlin no matter when you visit. You only need swimwear if you are staying at a Berlin hotel with a pool or plan on visiting other places with pools or beaches as part of your vacation.
Sneaker Socks
Sneaker socks are good for days when you plan to do lots of walking as these will help reduce sweat and odour in your shoe. Shop sneaker socks on Amazon here.
Underwear
Goes without saying.
PJs
Light weight PJs are a must for Germany in Summer. Many hotels and Airbnbs in Germany do not have air conditioning and therefore lightweight nightwear and loungewear is an absolute must.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses with good UVA Protection are an essential for staying sun safe in Germany.
Note: If you want to know what to wear in Berlin for men I recommend packing a mixture of chinos and linen trousers and some smarter shorts alongside plain t shirts and polos and short sleeve shirts for summer.
What to Wear to the Berlin in Spring (March, April, May)
Depending on what time in Spring you are visiting Berlin will depend on how hot the temperatures are as the temperatures fluctuate greatly in Spring.
Generally speaking March is the coolest Spring month with May being the warmest. And the temperatures tend to start with an average high of in March being only 9C/48F and rises to 19C/66F by the end of May.
Therefore it does depend to when in the season you are traveling for what to pack. If you are traveling in early March then your packing list should be more like your Winter Berlin packing list while your Berlin May packing list should be more akin to your summer packing list.
However the rain in Berlin in Spring stays pretty consistent. In fact it is very similar to Summer with on average 8 days of rainfall a month.
With these temperatures and conditions in mind we tend to recommend packing the below additional items for Spring:
Jacket
A jacket that is perfect for shoulder season is a great idea for Berlin in spring. A leather jacket or something water proof would be perfect for the changeable Spring weather. Click here to shop jackets for Europe.
Jeans
Jeans are perfect for Germany no matter the time of year you are visiting, but are am essential in Spring. For me they are the perfect Spring trouser for Germany. If you are traveling in March you will want a thicker pair than in May.
Long Trousers
On top of jeans I would recommend having another pair of smart or smart casual trousers with you. These will be the perfect transition item from day to night in Berlin.
You really can’t go wrong with a pair of black chinos. Click here to shop trousers for Germany.
Long and short Sleeve T Shirt
Depending on whether you are visiting at the beginning of Spring or the end we recommend packing a good mixture of long and short sleeve t shirts for wearing during the day in Berlin.
For March we tend to pack more long sleeves but have replaced almost all of these for short sleeved t shirts by May.
Blouse
As the evenings in Berlin are still relatively chilly we recommend having a nice blouse with you that you can dress up with some costume jewelry and a pashmina to wear for dinner in Berlin.
Pashmina
Pashminas are always on my packing list no matter the season or city I am visiting and Berlin is no exception.
Underwear and Socks
This should go without saying
PJs
Spring is a changeable so having PJs that work well whatever weather.
What to Wear in Berlin in Fall (September, October and November)
When looking at what to pack for Berlin in Fall you will notice there is a lot of overlap with the summer packing list for September especially. And there is a definite overlap with our Winter Travel Capsule Wardrobe for November.
Having said that there are a few items that I always recommend on your packing list for Fall which are:
- Jeans -light pairs are better for September.
- Long trousers – for September linen and chinos are a good choice however in November you will want thicker trousers. Dark colors are always in keeping with local sensibilities.
- Blouse – for evenings and cooler daytimes. I recommend a 3/4 length sleeve or long sleeve for women. And for men long sleeve shirts for October and November and a short sleeve one for September.
- T Shirt – for September you will need more short sleeve t shirts and for November then you will need more long sleeve tees.
- Dress – if you are going to a smarter restaurant in Berlin you may want a dress. However for Fall you will want to pair this with tights.
- Layers – as the months go on you will need thicker and thicker layers. The Christmas markets in Berlin start in November so you will need lots of layers for being outside at night.
- Coat or Jacket – For September a waterproof jacket is perfect however for November a thicker waterproof coat is perfect.
- Hat, scarf and gloves (for November) – especially for visiting the Christmas markets.
- Pashmina
- PJs
- Underwear
Note: if you are visiting Berlin in September then you will want a good Oktoberfest outfit. You can read more about Oktoberfest outfits here.
What to Wear in Berlin in Winter (December, January and February)
Winters in Berlin are typically quite cold. You can also expect some snow in Berlin in Winter. Generally speaking the average temperatures are -2ºC/27ºF to 4ºC/39ºF. Again February is the warmest and driest of these month and January is the coldest and wettest.
Winter coat
In my opinion you won’t need thick thermal coats in Berlin and I tend to use a parka jacket on most December daysh. Click here to shop winter coats for Berlin.
However for cold evenings then you will also want to have:
Thermal Base Layer
A thermal base layer is a good idea for cold Berlin evenings especially when visiting the Christmas markets. Click here to shop thermals.
Woolen Hat or Beanie, scarves and gloves
Whether you are a man or woman visiting Berlin a woolen hat or a beanie is an essential in Winter as the weather can feel cold especially if you are walking around the city.
I would also recommend taking with you a matching scarf and gloves set that match your winter coat to finish off the look.
We recommend making sure the gloves you bring have the electric conductor pad on the finer so you can still use your smart phone for taking photos and using things like google maps with your gloves on.
Click here to shop winter accessories for Berlin.
Jeans
Jeans are a staple of any German Capsule wardrobe especially in Winter. The great thing about Berlin is that jeans are not on the what not to wear in Germany list as Berlin tends to be quite casual.
Most Germans will wear jeans to work, restaurants (unless a dress code prohibits) and even in the theater.
Hoodies
If you are having a less formal day of sightseeing then a hoodie is perfectly acceptable.
T Shirts
I would personally pack more long sleeve than short sleeve t shirts for Berlin in the Winter.
Jumpers
Whether you are a woman or man visiting a jumper should be a staple of your Berlin packing list.
Jumpers are the main staple of Germans in Winter for both day and night wear.
Something plainer is more suitable in the day but you can do soemthing sparkly or glittery for a jumper at night.
For more information on what to wear in Germany in Winter check out this post.
Best Shoes for Berlin
So now you know what to wear in Berlin in every month, we will turn our attention to the best shoes for Berlin.
Sneakers
Sneakers are perfect for Berlin no matter the season you visit. If you are traveling in one of the wetter months you will want some waterproof sneakers. And if you are visiting in Winter be sure to have sneakers with a good sole that can cope with snow and ice.
However if you aren’t visiting in Winter, I personally don’t think you can go wrong with a plain white sneaker as they really go with everything. One of my favorite pairs of white sneakers is the Adidas Cloud Foam shoes.
Sandals
Sandals are really only appropriate for Berlin in Summer and in September. Click here to shop sandals.
Boots
Boots are great for Berlin in Winter and the shoulder seasons.
Personally I like to wear ankle boots in Europe in Winter as they are lighter to pack and are very versatile style wise.
Just be sure you select a pair with a good sole and some waterproofing that can cope with rain, snow and ice for Winter.
Click here to shop ankle boots for Berlin.
What to Pack for Berlin (non clothing)
So now you know what to wear in Berlin, we will turn our attention to what to pack for Berlin in October other than clothing.
- Travel Adaptor for European plug sockets.
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Compact Umbrella – essential for any month in Berlin but especially Fall.
- Crossbody bag – All tourist attractions in any city attract pickpockets and Berlin is no different. Therefore we recommend having a crossbody bag with lots of zips.
- backpacks for Dady trips
- Backpack – for storing items on your day trips.
- Make up
- Travel lip balms.
- Camera – Berlin is a beautiful city you will want to take lots of photographs.
If you want to pack your toiletries before you travel then be sure to check out our travel toiletries essentials packing list. However as with any capital city it is easy to buy toiletries on arrival in Berlin.
FAQS About What to wear in Berlin?
What to wear in Berlin at night?
If you are looking at what to wear in Berlin at night the answer is that it will depend on where you are going to.
If you are visiting a nice restaurant then you would be ok to stick with a smart casual dress code, unless the restaurant stipulates otherwise.
However if you are visiting a music venue or going clubbing in Berlin the fashion will be different. Berlin is renowned for its music scene and you can get anything from goth to metal to something more hipster.
One of the things that people love about clubbing in Berlin is that there don’t tend to be many dress codes and you are free to Dress however you please.
Have you been to Berlin? What did you wear? We would love to hear in the comments below!