Are you wondering what to wear in Munich? Munich is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in Germany that has very changeable weather. In this guide we will tell you exactly what to pack for Munich in Summer, Spring, Winter and Fall as well as for special events so you know exactly what to wear no matter the month of travel.
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But before we get onto the specifics of what to wear in Munich along with some outfit inspiration we thought it would be worthwhile to talk about exactly where Munich is, and how the seasons will affect your Munich Packing List.
Where is Munich?
Munich is the capital of the Southern region of the state of Bavaria and lies around 50km/30 miles North of the Alps.
It is famed for its beer halls and its annual beer festival known as Octoberfest as well as its amazing Christmas markets. It is also the closest city to the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle which was the inspiration for the original Walt Disney Disneyland Castle.
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 Berlin
- What to wear in Hamburg
- What to wear to Germany in Summer
- What to wear in Germany in Fall
So now you know where Munich is, what are the dress codes you should be aware of?
Munich Dress Code
As with many places in Germany, Munich doesn’t really have many dress code per se. However there are a couple of places where there is an advisory but not compulsory dress code which we willow explain.
What to wear at Oktoberfest
Perhaps the biggest event in the Munich calendar is Oktoberfest. Contrary to the name Oktoberfest actually is largely held in September.
And while the Oktoberfest events are held throughout Germany, Munich is renowned for having the largest festival.
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 Munich Christmas Markets
As well as Oktoberfest, the other seasonal event that many people visit for is the Munich Christmas Markets.
While the Christmas Markets in Munich don’t 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 Munich.
What to wear at Dachau Concentration Camp
Although the most common day trip from Munich is Neuschwanstein Castle, another day trip that must be on the itinerary for Munich is the Dachau Concentration Camp. The Dachau Concentration Camp is less than a 30 minute train ride away from the city.
The Dachau 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.
How do local people dress in Munich?
The locals in Munich tend to dress relatively casually and there is a variety of fashions seen on the streets of Munich. Therefore you should dress in the style that you feel most comfortable in.
Considerations for your Munich Packing List
Before we get onto the exact items to include to make your Munich capsule wardrobe outfits, we thought is would be worth outlining some considerations for your packing list.
When we put together out Munich packing lists we also consider the following:
Layers
Layers are key to any Germany packing list. 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.
Pack Light
Although it can be difficult to pack light especially when you are traveling to a cold weather destination and need layers however it is really important when packing for Europe. The reason for this is because many people will travel to multiple cities as part of their Germany itinerary, usually but not exclusively via train.
Train travel 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 Munich
What to wear in Munich in Summer (June, July and August)
Summer in Munich is characterised as June, July and August but it is worth noting that the peak season in Munich does not only cover the summer months due to the special events that happen later in the year in Munich.
The average highs in Munich in summer tends to be between 22-24C -71F/75F. And on average there are around 12 days of rain in Munich.
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
You will definitely want a lightweight and compact waterproof jacket for Munich even in the summer. Click here to shop rain jackets.
Dresses
Maxi dresses are one of my favorite things to wear when touring Europe and Munich is no exception.
Personally I like maxi dresses but this is just personal choice.
Click here to shop dresses for Europe.
Trousers and Blouse
Trousers and blouses are a great alternative to maxi dresses for exploring Munich and having dinner as they are a great day to night transition outfit.
Linen trousers are a great pick for summer in Munich. If you do decide on packing linen be sure to check out our guide on how to pack linen to avoid wrinkles
Tank Tops and T Shirts
T shirts and tank tops are perfect for exploring Munich and can be paired with skirts, trousers or shorts.
Shorts
Shorts are perfect for warmer days in Munich in summer however I would advise not wearing overly skimpy shorts for Dachau.
Pashmina
I never travel to Europe without a pashmina and Munich 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 Munich no matter when you visit. You only need swimwear if you are staying at a Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich in Spring (March, April, May)
Depending on what time in Spring you are visiting Munich will depend on how hot the temperatures are. The temperatures actually vary greatly in Munich in Spring with the average high in March being only 9C/48F (and 1C/33F at the lower end). While in May the average temperature increases to 19C/66F.
And there is between 9-11 days rain in Munich in Spring.
Generally speaking therefore we recommend packing
Jacket
A jacket that is perfect for shoulder season is a great idea for Munich 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.
As the weather in Munich is so changeable jeans are the perfect thing to put on your packing list for spring in Munich.
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 Munich.
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 Munich.
However as you will see in Germany, you will see many styles of fashion on the streets of Munich. Therefore go with whatever style you are most comfortable in whether than is plain, patterned, neon or slogan.
Blouse
As the evenings in Munich 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 Munich.
Pashmina
Pashminas are always on my packing list no matter the season or city I am visiting and Munich 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 Munich in Fall (September, October and November)
When looking at what to pack for Munich in Fall you will notice there is a lot of overlap with the summer packing list for September and an an overlap with our Winter Packing List for Germany in November. Having said that there are a few items that I always recommend on your packing list for Fall which are:
- Jeans -lightly pairs are better for September.
- Long trousers – for September linen and chinos are a good choice however in November you will want thicker trousers.
- Blouse – for evenings and cooler daytimes
- 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 Munich 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 Munich start in Munich and you will need lots of layers and thick jumpers if you plan to visit these in Munich 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 Munich in September then you will want a good Oktoberfest outfit. You can read more about Oktoberfest outfits for Munich here.
For how to pack a capsule wardrobe for Fall check out this post.
What to Wear in Munich in Winter (December, January and February)
Winters in Munich are typically quite cold. You can also expect some snow in Munich in Winter. Generally speaking the average temperatures are -2ºC/27ºF to 4ºC/39ºF.
But the good news is that actually there is not too much rain in Munich in Winter. Therefore the most important thing to remember when packing for Munich in Winter is to have lots of layers, but you shout be overly concerned with waterproof layers.
Winter coat
In my opinion you won’t need thick thermal coats in Munich and I tend to use a parka jacket on most December days and they will be seen quite often in Munich. Click here to shop winter coats for Munich.
However for cold evenings then you will also want to have:
Thermal Base Layer
A thermal base layer is a good idea for cold Munich 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 Munich a woolen hat or a beanie is an essential for visiting Munich 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.
If you are planning on taking a lot of photographs while visiting Munich in December at the Christmas markets then you would be best advised to take gloves that have a sensor that makes it easier for you to use your photos.
Click here to shop winter accessories for Munich.
Jeans
Jeans are a staple of any German Capsule wardrobe especially in Winter. The great thing about Munich is that jeans are not on the what not to wear in Germany list as Munich 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 Munich in Winter.
Jumpers
Whether you are a woman or man visiting Munich a jumper should be a staple of your Munich 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.
Best Shoes for Munich
Sneakers
Sneakers are perfect for Munich 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.
Sandals
Sandals are really only appropriate for Munich in Summer and for in Munich in September. Click here to shop sandals.
Boots
Boots are great for Munich in Winter and the shoulder seasons. I usually select ankle boots for Munich and always go for a pair with a good sole and some waterproofing that can cope with rain, snow and ice. All of which you can get in Munich no matter the month. Click here to shop ankle boots for Munich.
What to Pack for Munich (non clothing)
So now you know what to wear in Munich, we will turn our attention to what to pack for Munich in October other than clothing.
- Travel Adaptor for European plug sockets.
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Compact Umbrella – essential for any month in Munich but especially Fall.
- Crossbody bag – All tourist attractions in any city attract pickpockets and Munich is no different. Therefore we recommend having a crossbody bag with lots of zips.
- Backpack – for storing items on your day trips.
- Camera – Munich is a beautiful city you will want to take lots of photographs.
Have you been to Munich? What did you wear? We would love to hear in the comments below!