Europe is a magical destination year round, but there’s something so special about Europe in the Summer. From the beaches of Italy to the English countryside to the rolling hills of France, I’m convinced it’s one of the best times to visit Europe. As the founder of my travel atelier, En Route to Rêverie, which specializes in France and England, I am lucky to get to go to Europe most summers and therefore have a lot of experience in packing for these trips.

Summer in Europe is the perfect time to explore historic cities, relax on beautiful European beaches, and beat the heat by escaping to the mountains. Whether you’re planning a city break, a countryside escape or a beach holiday, this Europe summer packing list will help you feel prepared without overpacking.

What to Pack for Europe in Summer

The weather in Europe obviously can vary vastly by region (and sadly more and more European countries are experiencing heat waves!) In places like France, Italy, and Spain, summer temperatures tend to be in the 70s and 80s with cooler mornings and evenings and hot days.

One thing I always warn En Route to Rêverie clients about is the lack of air conditioning (or air con) in many parts of Europe. While some hotels (especially newer ones) often have AC, it’s certainly not a guarantee with home rentals, shops, and restaurants.

One of the most common packing mistakes we see clients make is underestimating how hot it can get during the day and how little relief there is without air conditioning — which is why what you pack truly matters.

With this in mind, packing the right stuff can help ensure your Summer in Europe fun, safe, and most importantly comfortable! Today I’m sharing items you should consider packing if you’ll find yourself abroad this Summer.

I have a lot more guides! Don’t miss:

• What to Pack for France in Summer.
• What To Wear in Provence in Summer.
• How to Dress for Paris in the Summer.
• Men’s London Packing List for Spring and Summer.
• What to Pack for London By Season.
• Men’s Paris Packing List for Spring & Summer.

If you want even more guidance and ideas – don’t miss my Substack exclusive series Where to Shop and What to Buy if You’re Heading to Europe this Summer Part One and Part Two.

A Chic Capsule Packing List

1. Linen Dress

Linen dresses in neutrals are staples that I pack for all of my warm-weather getaways, and especially in Europe. For warm, sunny days, they will help you look put together while also keeping you cool and comfortable. You can dress linen down with sneakers, or dress it up with heels or espadrilles at night.

I always pack an assortment of breezy linen dresses in various lengths and silhouettes so I have options to choose from! Maybe a mini for daytime and a midi or maxi length for the evening. 

I particularly love the linen dresses by Dissh and Reformation. (I size up in both of these brands!) And then of course Madewell and J.Crew as well. I’ve linked a lot of styles I like in the shoppable widgets below.

My secret to packing linen are these travel sized bottles of Downy Wrinkle Release, I swear it’s magic! It’s not as good as my favorite travel steamer of course but great in a pinch.

Or, consider a linen jumpsuit. I’ve owned this jumpsuit for years and is a go-to for hot, sweaty days. The linen makes it breathable and I won’t worry about showing any sweat. I sized up to an 8.

And not linen, but a great versatile dress I always pack for EuroSummer trips is the Staud Wells dress. Recommend sizing up (I wear the 8).

2. Swimsuit

If you’ll be enjoying the ocean or perhaps a gorgeous pool at your hotel (I’ve booked En Route to Rêverie clients at some fabulous properties with pools this Summer!) you’ll need a chic swimsuit. I tend to stick to classic, elegant bathing suits when I’m in Europe and almost always in black.

This one piece is a favorite of mine that I own in two colors in a size 8 and I also love this one for its sculpting properties. I also always bring 1 or 1 Hunza G suits with me in my suitcase, too. And this one is one of my best Amazon finds ever.

Left on Friday and Monday Swimwear also make good premium swimwear.

For more affordable swim, check out Old Navy’s options and those from Abercrombie.

For a cover-up, I usually opt for an oversized linen button down. (Just buy it one or two sizes up!)

The only time you’ll ever see me wearing flip flops are when they’re paired with a swimsuit, and I always recommend this brand.

3. Basic Tees

When packing for a trip to Europe in the Summer, a couple of basic tees always make it onto my packing list. I can pair them with linen trousers or denim shorts, and style them on their own or as a base layer (like with a striped sweater draped over my shoulders or a light jacket).

I like to bring a basic tee in black and white for versatility — this one from MM.LaFleur is a favorite as it has a great fit, a thick fabric that makes sure it travels well and slightly longer sleeves making it really flattering to wear on its own or layered.

4. Linen Pants

Linen pants are one of the most versatile bottoms you can pack on a Summer trip to Europe. While I have a well documented history of loving my denim, light and airy linen pants just make more sense to pack when the temperatures are high.

Wear them with a t-shirt and sneakers for a casual daytime look, a sparkly tank and heels for the evening, or over a bathing suit for seaside lunch.  

These trousers from Abercrombie have a cult-like following (size up). Dress them up or dress them down.

I find great ones at Reformation (size up!) and just bought these from J.Crew. 

Or, you could bring a pair of satin pants.

5. White Sneakers

If you’re traveling to a European city that’s highly walkable or a destination with lots of hills and cobblestone streets, comfortable walking shoes like white sneakers are my favorite footwear option.

My favorite Common Projects sneakers are versatile enough to wear with almost any summer outfit, so you can pack light. These more affordable alternatives also give you the same look for less.

6. Flat Sandals

If I was only bringing two pairs of shoes with me to Europe in the Summer, the second pair would be flat sandals. I love flat sandals that seamlessly blend comfort and style, and recently put together all my favorite sandal styles. I also look for sandals with good traction for all those cobblestone streets!

Related: What Shoes to Pack for Europe

7. Sun Hat

The sun in Europe can be very powerful in the summer. If you’ll be out in it I highly recommend a sun hat to keep you cool and keep you from getting too much sun on your face.

I love a boater style like those from Lack of Color and Brixton for daytime excursions but also always bring a packable hat, too from Janessa Leone for beach and pool days in France.

(And don’t forget a hat holder!! Game changer for summer travels.)

8. Hand Fan

Trust me, packing a hat fan for Summers in Europe will change your life. From stuffy museums to crowded public transportation, or really any time you need a little breeze — hand fans are clutch.

I love this one and this one, but if you’re looking for something electric this compact fan fits the bill as well. 

9. SPF

Depending on where you are in Europe, the sun has the potential to be very strong in the Summer. SPF is part of my every day routine and something I take very seriously.

I tend to opt for mineral sunscreen (which is a better alternative to chemical sunscreen) I like the Caudalie daily mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 and the Tower28 tinted SPF. 

For body sunscreen, I’m also a big fan of Supergoop. I like to keep a bottle in my toiletry bottle, and then something for when I’m on-the-go like this portable powder.

10. Straw Tote

If you’re planning on shopping during your trip, a tote bag is a must. This straw tote is my go-to for summer travels to Europe as the straps are adjustable. Straw bags make it easy to be hands-free throughout the day while still bringing all of your essentials like a wallet, sunglasses, water bottle, or umbrella.

Sezane also has an excellent selection (I own a bunch of them in my bag collection!) as does Mango each summer.

11. Sunglasses

I always travel with sunglasses, but especially in the Summer! Not only are they a chic accessory, but a practical one as well. One thing I notice about Europe in the Summer is that in certain places with lots of light-colored buildings, the sun can be absolutely blinding!  

This brand makes good affordable styles but I mostly swear by my collection of Celine sunglasses.

12. Reusable Water Bottle

This can be a bit of a controversial one as I know some people feel carrying a reusable water bottle is an easy way to spot an American tourist, but I think in recent years this has become more of a norm for Europeans as well.

In many places in Europe most tap water (including restrooms) is safe to drink, and there are also public taps you can refill from. I would suggest leaving those big, bulky, stainless steel reusable water bottles at home and instead opt for something a bit more sleek and discreet and keep it tucked away in your bag. Personally, I always need to have water on hand for hot days!

13. Packing Cubes

If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I’m going to do some shopping while I’m in Europe. The great thing about traveling in the Summer is that clothing is just more lightweight and compact making packing easier, but you may still want to consider using packing cubes to stay extra organized and ensure there’s some room leftover to bring home any of your souvenirs.

I personally don’t use packing cubes but instead, one of my favorite travel tips to share is to pack a collapsible tote bag in your suitcase, and then use it as your second cary-on item on the way home.

I always bring this Tumi Weekender and fill it with all the fragile, valuable pieces I pick up on my travels!

14. Lightweight Sweater

I always am sure to have one lighter weight knit in my suitcase for cooler evenings – particularly if you’ll be dining near the water.

This one is great for throwing over your shoulders or topping with shorts. So much so I own it in three different striped color ways (sized up to a L). I also often bring the solid colorway in ivory.

La Ligne makes some of my favorite sweaters, I especially love their stripes (use code MEGHAND10 for 10% off your first order!) 

Dress seen above is this one by Jenni Kayne in a size L. I own it in three colors (use code MEGHANDONO10 for 10% off your order at Jenni Kayne).

Packing List For Europe in Summer

You can pin the image below or download and save the packing list graphic to your phone as you prepare for your trip.

A Chic Summer Europe Capsule Packing List

If you’d like to be more minimalist, here’s where I would start with a capsule packing list of sorts for your trip to Europe in Summer:

• 3 dresses (linen + versatile silhouettes)
• 2 bottoms (linen pants + denim shorts)
• 3 tops (tees + elevated tank)
• 2 shoes (sneakers + sandals)
• 1 layering piece
• 1 swim + cover-up
• accessories

Be sure to shop the items in the shoppable widgets below for great ideas of what to pack for Europe in summer.

What Not to Pack for Europe in Summer

While I’m dolling out advice, here’s what I would absolutely not pack for Europe in summer.

• Heavy denim (too hot)
• Heels (cobblestones)
• Overpacking any basics you can buy there should you feel you’re missing out
• Bulky water bottles
• Athleisure-heavy outfits 

What to Wear on the Plane to Europe in Summer

Curious what to wear on the plane to Europe in summer? Think:

• breathable layers
• oversized blazer or sweater
• comfortable trousers
• sneakers
• large tote

My guide What to Wear on a Long Flight has a lot of my favorite pieces to wear on the plane and handy outfit inspiration.

Summer in Europe Packing List

Pin this image for later and shop the pictured styles HERE.

Summer in Italy Packing List

Pin this image for later and shop the pictured styles HERE.

 

Shop More Items to Pack for Summer in Europe

 

Heading to France or England? Request to book En Route to Rêverie and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip the best one yet.

Europe Summer Packing FAQs

How many outfits do I need for a summer trip to Europe?

For most trips, I aim for 7–10 days of outfits that can mix and match easily rather than packing something entirely different for each day.

A few dresses, a couple of versatile bottoms and a rotation of tops will take you far when styled thoughtfully. I always remind myself that I’ll likely re-wear pieces and that’s perfectly normal especially when traveling.

If you’re planning to shop (which I always am), leave a bit of room in your suitcase, too or bring a good collapsible tote you can fill with your shopping haul.

Related: 18 Things I’d Absolutely Pack for a EuroSummer Trip

Can I wear sneakers in Europe?

Yes and I highly recommend them. In fact, they’re often the most practical shoe you can pack for Europe in the summer.

Between cobblestone streets, long walking days and uneven terrain, a comfortable pair of sneakers will serve you far better than most other options. I personally stick to clean, minimal white sneakers that can be styled with everything from dresses to trousers so they still feel polished.

Is Europe dressy in the summer?

This really depends on where you are, but generally speaking, Europeans tend to look a bit more put together — even in casual settings.

That doesn’t mean you need to be overly dressed up, but I’d recommend leaning into elevated basics over anything overly sporty. Think linen, structured silhouettes and simple, chic accessories rather than athleisure or overly casual pieces.

Even a simple outfit can feel intentional with the right styling.

Do I need a jacket for Europe in the summer?

Yes — and this is something people often underestimate.

Even during the height of summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in places like Paris or London. I always bring at least one light layer — a sweater, lightweight jacket or even a blazer — that I can throw on when temperatures drop or when I’m indoors somewhere with strong air conditioning.

Do people wear shorts in Europe?

You’ll definitely see shorts, especially in warmer destinations like the South of France or Italy, but they tend to be styled a bit more intentionally.

If you’re packing shorts, I’d opt for tailored or more polished styles rather than anything too casual or athletic. (This pair is great. I recommend sizing up.)

That said, I personally find myself reaching for dresses or linen trousers more often — they feel a bit more versatile and in line with the overall aesthetic in many European cities.

What shoes should I avoid bringing to Europe?

If there’s one thing I’d leave at home, it’s impractical footwear.

Heels and anything without proper support can quickly become uncomfortable on cobblestones and long walking days. I’d also skip overly delicate shoes that won’t hold up well to city wear.

Instead, focus on a small rotation of comfortable, versatile shoes you can rely on — your feet will thank you. Don’t miss my What Shoes to Pack for Europe Guide.

You May Also Like:

• All Meghan’s Travel Essentials.
• What to Pack for A Trip To Europe.
• Everything I Pack in My Carry On.

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