Ultimate Female Packing List for Berlin (Spring or Fall)

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Visiting Berlin in the spring or fall is a great way to see the city with fewer crowds. But it also means dealing with more variation in weather, which can pose a packing challenge.

Spring and fall in Berlin can be warm and sunny or cold and rainy, so it’s best to come prepared when planning what to wear. And you can almost always count on wind in spring or fall.

Berlin is a city of all types of people from businessmen in suits to hipsters in ironic T-shirts and people covered in tattoos sporting green hair. Because of this, I don’t feel like you need to dress in a certain style to fit in.

In fact, one of the reasons I like Berlin so much is that I can simply be myself. So if you like wearing dresses, wear dresses, but if you’re a jeans and T-shirt girl, that’s fine too.

• Want more tips for planning a trip to Germany? Check out our Girl’s Guide to Germany.

Female Packing List for Berlin in Spring or Fall

Clothing & What to Wear

Dress in a way that makes you comfortable, and keep in mind what types of activities you want to do. Bring something appropriate for a club if you want to check out the nightlife, or pack a few nicer outfits if you want to explore the more posh side of town.

Always check the weather as it gets close to your departure date. If your trip to Berlin is in March or November, there’s always a chance it could end up snowing. Early spring and late fall can often feel like winter, especially if you’re used to warmer climates. While September is still relatively warm. 

If you prefer dresses or skirts, pack one or two and consider reducing the number of T-shirts. In this case, I’d also pack a cardigan for layering and tights.

• 1-2 pairs of jeans or other pants
• 5 T-shirts (switch one of these out with a blouse if you know you’re going to a nice restaurant for dinner)
• 2 long-sleeved shirts
• 1 light-weight jacket, bonus points if it doubles as a light rain jacket
• 1 warm scarf – depends on the exact time of your visit, but if it’s 7°C (45°F) and windy, you’ll be glad to have it. You may even want a pair of gloves if you’re prone to getting cold.
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• 2 bras

Layers are key here since the weather can be all over the place in spring and fall. With the right choices, you should easily be able to travel with only a carry-on.

Shoes to Wear in Berlin

I can’t stress this enough. Just be yourself. This isn’t one of the European cities where you’ll be shunned for wearing sneakers. I wear sneakers every day. If you want to walk around in 4-inch heels, just be aware of the cobblestones. You could probably walk around in fuzzy bunny slippers and no one would blink.

• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes, these could be boots or sneakers
• 1 pair of cute shoes like ballet flats or sandals if your wardrobe requires them
• 1 pair of flip-flops if you’re staying in a hostel

Toiletries

There really isn’t anything out of the ordinary here. Pack your normal toiletries and you should be fine. If you need something while you’re there, you can find it at almost any drug or grocery store.

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap/shower gel
• Make-up
• Moisturizer
• Lip balm
• Lotion
• Razor
• Deodorant
• Solid perfume
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Prescription medications

Accessories

Accessories are an easy way to dress up an outfit without adding much to your luggage. What you bring will depend on how you like to dress.

• Jewelry – nothing expensive
• A fun scarf
• Sunglasses – just in case you get lucky and visit on a sunny day
• A travel umbrella – because really, it’s much more likely to rain
• Day pack, small backpack, or purse

Electronics

• Camera
• Smartphone
• E-reader
• European plug adapter
• Chargers, cords, and batteries

I also suggest downloading the VBB app on your phone (free and works in English) or using the BVG website to easily check transport routes. If you don’t have a data plan that works in Germany, plan your route while you’re on WiFi. The transport system is really extensive in Berlin.

The Weather in Berlin in Spring and Fall

Here at HPL, we love to be prepared, and we know you do too. Planning for the weather helps you decide what to wear, so we’ve included the weather conditions for Spring and Fall.

Spring

Spring in Berlin technically falls in March, April, and May but the weather can vary between the three months. It’s probably a little bit different to Spain in Spring.

Although it might not be that warm in March, with the average low temperature still at 0°C (32°F), the cold winds and night frosts of winter are most likely a thing of the past. The average high is 8°C (46°F) and on average there are 8 days of rain.

In April weather starts to warm up as the amount of daylight hours increases. The temperature will often reach 16°C (61°F) in the afternoon. The average temperature range is 4°C (39°F) to 13°C (55°F) and there are 9 days of rain on average.

In May, while it is warmer, it may still be a bit cool in the evenings with the daily range between 8°C (46°F) and 19°C (66°F) and the average days of rain being 9. 

From June you’re in full-on summer!

Fall

Fall in Berlin is in September, October, and November. September is warmer and as you head towards December, the weather cools down.

September is a warmer month with the temperature ranging between 10°C and 19°C (50°F and 66°F). Similarly to spring, there are 9 rainy days on average. What to wear in Berlin in September should definitely account for the occasional wet weather.

From October, the rain starts to pick up with light drizzles being common (you’re going to be happy you packed your umbrella in your suitcase). The temperature ranges between 6°C (43°F) and 13°C (55°F).

November is even colder with the temperature ranging between 2°C (36°F) and 7°C (45°F). The closer you get to December, the more fog and rain there will be with the average days of rainfall in November being 10.

Short on Time? Top Things to Do, See, and Eat in Berlin

If you only have a short amount of time in the city, there are some sites you don’t want to miss! The HPL team has put together a must-see travel guide for a day in Berlin.

Top Attractions

East Side Gallery: What was once the Berlin Wall is now the longest open-air art gallery in the world on the banks of the Spree River in Friedrichshain. 

Holocaust Memorial: Also known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. According to Berlin’s official travel website, it is a place of contemplation, remembrance, and warning.

Brandenburg Gate: Within walking distance of the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most famous landmark and a symbol of peace and unity.

Berlin TV Tower: As the highest point in the city, you’ll see some breathtaking views of Berlin. Book ahead if this is something you know you want to do.

Berlin Wall Memorial: This outdoor exhibition runs along both sides of Bernauer Strasse. 

Oktoberfest: While the most popular Oktoberfest is in Munich, if you’re traveling to Berlin in October, there will definitely be a festival for you to check out.

Food

Kreuzberg is one of Berlin’s most popular neighborhoods. You’ll find plenty of tasty and inexpensive food along Skalitzer Strasse.

You can also opt for something typical of Berlin like Currywurst (a mix of pork sausages and curry powder, often served with fries or bread rolls), German meatballs (made from veal and served with a white sauce and capers), or Eisbein (a ham hock commonly served on a bed of sauerkraut).

Nightlife

Laid-back option: 

In late spring and early fall, it will probably still be light out after dinner. Grab a drink from a Späti (a convenience store that stays open late) and relax in one of Berlin’s many parks. Tempelhof Park used to be an airport; it still has its runways, taxiways, and terminal buildings.

Experience Berlin’s bars and pubs: 

To experience Berlin’s bars, check out the Alternative Berlin Pub Crawl. They’ll take you to three or more bars in some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Other companies to consider include Sandeman’s New Europe Berlin Pub Crawl and the Original Berlin Pub Crawl.

• See all packing list posts here.

Have you been to Berlin in the Spring or Fall? Would you recommend it? Are there any travel necessities you would add to this female packing list for Berlin?