The seasons in Europe are usually well-defined, with very cold winters and very hot summers. The European summer, which starts on June 21 and ends on September 20, is the time when both Europeans and tourists enjoy beach vacations and outdoor activities. But what should you wear during the European summer? If you have a trip planned to the continent and want some tips on what to pack, read this article we’ve prepared!
Check the weather in the cities you’ll visit in Europe
The warmer weather and longer days are perfect for visiting cities, tourist spots, and enjoying the stunning beaches in Europe, especially in Southern Europe, which has higher temperatures. In the northern part of the continent, the weather is milder and quite pleasant.
The summer climate in Europe can vary significantly depending on the region you visit. For example, southern Italy and the Greek islands experience intense heat, with temperatures that can exceed 40ºC. On the other hand, northern Europe has a milder summer.
So, before your trip, it’s important to check the weather of the city or cities you’ll visit and the forecast for the days of your stay. This way, you can pack appropriately for the European summer.
What to pack for the European summer?
Besides the essential items like documents, cards (debit and/or credit), cash, passport, round-trip tickets, and travel insurance, and necessary items like personal hygiene products and underwear, it’s recommended to pack clothes and shoes suitable for the weather of the city or cities you’re visiting.
Here are some basic tips on what to pack:
Opt for lightweight fabrics and light colors
T-shirts, loose dresses, denim or linen shorts, jeans, leggings, etc., are good options to pack for Europe.
Ideally, pack fresh clothes that can be mixed and matched. This way, you can use the same clothes on multiple occasions during your trip.
For example, a white T-shirt can be worn with green linen shorts or jeans.
Don’t forget beachwear
If you’re visiting a beach destination like Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, or others, remember to pack your beachwear.
Bikinis, swimsuits, trunks, sarongs, and beach cover-ups are highly recommended for enjoying the European summer on beautiful beaches.
Accessories are welcome
Accessories help complete your look. Additionally, some of them might be necessary for the hot days. So, pack:
- Jewelry
- Belts
- Sunglasses
- Hat / Cap, etc.
Remember to pack items that reflect your style. In other words, don’t bring clothes you wouldn’t usually wear, as they will only take up space in your suitcase.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for daytime outings
Many tours in various European cities can be done on foot. Generally, you walk a lot to visit several tourist spots in one day or to explore major parts of a museum like the Louvre in Paris.
So, we recommend packing comfortable shoes (or flats) and/or sneakers for walking, along with flat sandals and flip-flops.
In Europe, heels are rarely worn during the day, only at night for a restaurant or a show. Therefore, it’s best to bring only one pair of heels that match most of your outfits for going out.
Important tip: only bring shoes you’ve already worn and that don’t hurt your feet. It’s not recommended to wear new shoes or sandals on a trip as they might hurt your feet.
Despite the summer, also pack jackets
It’s always good to be prepared for sudden weather changes. So, pack lightweight jackets and sweaters because, at night, the temperature in European cities tends to drop – and Brazilians usually feel colder than Europeans (who are used to the climate).
Opt for pieces in neutral colors that match any outfit.
Extra tip: sunscreen!
As mentioned, the summer in Europe is generally very hot, and temperatures can exceed 40ºC. Therefore, even though it’s not clothing, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen. You can also buy it at a pharmacy when you arrive at your destination.
This way, you’ll be more prepared to enjoy the sunny days in Europe!
Travel to Europe with more peace of mind
“Protection is never too much”! Since the European summer is very hot and dry, different from the Brazilian summer, many Brazilians may experience headaches, sunstroke, nausea, among other symptoms.
Most need to go to a hospital to get a prescription to buy medication (certain types of medication are only available with a prescription). The clinic may be far from your accommodation, you may wait a long time for treatment, worsen your medical condition, or even lose time that could be spent on outings.
Therefore, telemedicine can be a strong ally to optimize your time and speed up care. So, get a travel insurance plan from Skaii Seguros, which includes telemedicine for everyone. This way, you’ll travel more protected against any unforeseen events.
Take advantage of our tips on what to wear in the European summer and also check out tips on how to plan your trip to Europe. Have a great trip!