Have you recently moved OCONUS? Or are you planning a winter trip to Germany? Here are some tips on what to wear in Germany in Winter to stay warm and enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland! (Updated: 10 / 2024)
I am a Georgia peach, born and raised. Prior to our OCONUS move, I had no idea how to appropriately layer and wear the necessary winter clothes that would be needed in Germany.
I have only lived in the south. I am so accustomed to sunny days, hot, humid summers, and not-so-freezing winters. Moving to Germany was quite the culture shock, in more ways than one, and it’s safe to say that I was not prepared for Germany in Winter.
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The Winter in Germany temperature ranges
By mid-November, the temperature starts dropping, and the hours of sunshine become shorter. By December, the sun no longer rises high into the sky, with January typically one of the coldest months out of the year for Germany in Winter.
The average Winter temperature in Germany is 2.9C / 37F
statista
We live in Southern Germany right on Lake Konstanze/ Bodense (specifically in Baden-Württemberg), and according to Statista, the average Winter in Germany temperature in this region is 2.8C / 37F. The frigid air often comes right off the Alps, and it can feel especially cold when on the water.
The winter temperature in Germany for the northern regions such as Bavaria will reach freezing temperatures more often, with an average temperature of 1.9C / 35F.
Note: all temperatures listed in this post came from Statista
Dressing for Winter in Germany: The importance of layering
When walking around Germany in Winter, it’s easy to notice that there is almost an understood dress code in Germany: Puffer jackets, easy-to-dry athletic pants, winter boots, and accessories. That’s because German winters can reach freezing temperatures and are often wet from snow and the not-so-occasional rain showers.
The outer layers are essential; however, what you wear underneath the winter coat is even more critical. Warm layers are necessary for adequately dressing for winter in Germany. Let’s start with the basics and then branch out to the puffer jacket and accessories!
Dressing for winter in Germany: The base level
Long underwear is one of the best things to help keep you warm during the German winter months. I prefer the long underwear pants that are thin enough to fit under a pair of skinny jeans.
They are so typical of winter clothes in Germany that many small stores sell them. I actually purchased a couple of mine from a local coffee shop!
Winter clothes in Germany: Your regular clothing layer
It’s a good idea to choose these warm layers based on your daytime plan.
It is important to note that most restaurants and buildings will be well-heated during the winter months.
If you will be inside for most of the day, you don’t want to overheat. Consider a pair of jeans, a thin sweater, or even a short-sleeved shirt could be a good choice if you run warm.
A sweater or long-sleeved shirt would be an excellent option for what to wear for visiting Christmas markets in Germany and historical sites such as castles and parks.
The goal is to be able to remove the layers to accommodate for the daily temperature changes from indoors to outdoors.
Note: most German restaurants and indoor places have an area where you can hang up your winter coat.
Tip: Germany is breastfeeding-friendly! If you are breastfeeding, be sure to wear a tank top if you don’t have a nursing shirt.
Dressing for winter in Germany: A fleece jacket or sweater
I love wearing a nice cozy fleece, which is cuter and just as comfortable as a sweatshirt. Chunky cardigans are also a go-to and can be a great Germany winter fashion statement!
Jacket liner (optional)
I wanted to include this clothing item as an option for winter clothes in Germany, especially when visiting Germany during the colder temperatures.
A Puffer jacket or winter coat is essential winter clothes in Germany
Dark and neutral colors are a standard dress code in Germany for outerwear. Women typically wear long puffer jackets and long coats, while men will wear both short puffer jackets and long coats.
Tip: if you plan to visit Germany during the Winter holidays, pack your Winter coat using a vacuum-seal space-saver bag, or plan to carry it with you on the plane.
How to dress for Winter in Germany and still be fashionable
It only takes a couple of items to dress up your winter clothes in Germany wardrobe! For men, it’s relatively easy to dress fashionably and stay warm.
For women, it takes a bit more. The great news is that you can still wear dresses in this cold weather!
Hands down, one of the best items to purchase is the fleeced-line pantyhose! They look fantastic and are insulated!
If you love leggings (and this mama does), insulated leggings are another Germany winter fashion item you must purchase!
Winter clothes in Germany for your baby and toddler
Germans are not shy and will absolutely stop to tell you if your child is adequately dressed for the winter. I have been stopped more times than I can count.
German children will look like fluffy marshmallows with their puffy outfits. My son would never let me dress him that warmly.
My best advice would be to make it fun. He is usually mismatched with all his winter clothes, but he’s covered and warm.
One of the main winter clothes in Germany for young kids is the snow pant overalls. They come with varied levels of thickness and insulation to accommodate for both rain and snow gear.
For babies, I recommend these items:
Even in September, when I had my baby in Germany, the hospital staff continuously bundled her up and layered her in warm outfits.
Bring a swimsuit for the theme, German bathhouse, and nude saunas! Treat yourself you a holistic Aufguss treatment!
Dressing for Winter in Germany with the proper accessories
And finally, we can’t forget the accessories! These will also provide lots of options for cute colors.
Be sure to include these on your Germany packing list.
- Woolen berets
- Insulated ear warmers I also really love the hat and ear warmers from Barts (Amsterdam)
- Thick gloves or mittens
- Thick socks (merino wool will be fast-drying and warm)
- Scarf
- Fast-drying comfortable boots for days with lots of walking
- Cute leather boots for dressing up. I love my Uggs
Tip: Germany has a lot of cobbled streets, so avoid packing high heels.
What to wear in Germany in November
The Average Winter in Germany temperature for November (2023) was 5.5C / 42F. This can feel a little cooler as the hours of sunshine decrease.
The warmer layers are not reasonably necessary; however, it’s important to realize many indoors will likely start turning on their heat.
If you plan to visit Germany in November, here are some items to include in your packing list:
For visiting historical sites and taking cultural trips:
- Hiking pants and jeans
- Long sleeve and short sleeve shirts
- A fleece jacket or a thinner short or long puffer jacket
- Comfortable boots or running shoes
For a day out on the town
- A pair of jeans
- Warm sweaters or chunky cardigans
- A denim jacket (if you want to be more fashionable)
- A coat
- Leather boots
A night out in Germany
Plan for a little cooler temperatures than during the day
- A long sleeve dress or sweater dress
- A skirt paired with a cute sweater
- Skinny jeans
- A leather jacket (if paired with a warmer sweater)
- Leather boots
- leg warmers (These long ones are not pictured, but I love how they go over my knees.)
For children
- A winter coat with long sleeve shirts and pants
- Hats
- Boots
- Gloves or mittens (I love these zippered ones for the little kids)
What to wear in Germany in December
December is such a magical time to visit Germany, from ice skating rinks to German Christmas markets!
The average winter in Germany temperature for December (2023) was 3.9C / 39F.
If you plan to visit Germany in December, here are some items to include in your packing list:
For visiting historical sites and taking German cultural trips:
- Warmer hiking pants and jeans
- Long sleeve and short sleeve shirts
- A fleece jacket and puffer jacket
- Comfortable boots or running shoes
For a day out on the town
- A pair of jeans
- Warm sweaters or chunky cardigans
- A long coat or puffer jacket
- Warm boots
What to wear to Christmas markets in Germany
Unless you have little kids, the more favorable time to visit the German Christmas markets is when the sun goes down. Seeing all of the Christmas lights is simply magical! A heads up, It does get a bit more crowded during the darker hours.
For the most part, Christmas markets are outdoors, so dress warmly!
Consider thin thermal underwear
- Jeans
- A warm sweater top
- A winter coat
- Warm boots
And the above-listed accessories
What to wear in Germany in January
The average winter in Germany temperature for January (2024) was 1.5C / 34F.
January is commonly the more colder month in Germany. Plan to include all of the layers I have provided above into your Winter packing list.
What to wear in Germany in February
Plan to pack the same items as you would for the month of January.
Many Germans celebrate Karneval (Fastnacht) with costumes! You can purchase these at a shopping mall or local stores.
Final thoughts on wearing the appropriate winter clothes in Germany
Whether you are preparing for an OCONUS PCS or an upcoming travel, dressing appropriately is crucial to enjoying this Winter wonderland. From winter sports, site seeing, to German Christmas markets- Germany during the Winter offers something for everyone! It truly is such a winter wonderland!
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