March travel, Central Europe, how best to stay warm?

Check the climate history for that area and watch the weather forecast as you get close to departure to see what the temperatures will likely be. Then consider what you’d normally wear to be outside in that weather. Depending on where you live and your body’s condition and preferences that could vary a lot. Good luck!

And the umbrella is a liability.

I second to check climate tables but new ones (1991-2020). Link to example for Berlin climate table.

And use local weather services for looking up forecasts (example Berlin) - not the US companies. A good quality for Europe has Windy which allows also to switch between different forecast models.

Often mentioned onion principle is a good advice here because wearing multiple layers allow best possibility to adapt between the different requirements and to travel with acceptable luggage volume and weight. Protecting head, hands and feet from getting cold is always very important.

Jacket: most important is windproof, water-repellent and breathable. Something like a outdoors (Goretex or similar).

I was in Gdansk, Warsaw and Krakow the first two weeks of April 2024. The weather was changeable, going from chilly with drizzle to balmy, then back again. I would plan more for wet rather than cold. I had my waterproof ski parka for wet days - a fleece with removable layers would have been fine for dry days. Thermal underwear may be overkill, especially if you're spending time inside museums. A knit cap won't keep you dry - it will absorb moisture. A hood and a baseball cap to keep rain out of your eyes would be preferable.

I'm so cold-natured that I don't hesitate to wear merino-wool long johns under my slacks in the winter, even if I know I'll spend much of the day indoors. YMMV.

I love 97% (approx.) nylon slacks for their ability to shed water. They are not waterproof, but they help prevent getting soaked to the skin. An underlayer is additional protection and will also help on windy days. I don't find the nylon slacks very windproof.

I don't generally take a full-length raincoat to Europe, because it's such a pain to carry it around on the days I change hotels; such a coat wouldn't fit inside my usual 24" suitcase. For a trip to just 4 Central European cities in March (i.e., three hotel changes), I'd seriously consider dealing with a long raincoat rather than taking just my usual rain jacket. Cold weather is a lot more miserable if you're also wet.

I'd want something to cover my ears--at least an earband of some sort if opting for a baseball cap instead of a more typical winter hat.

I'm not as anti-umbrella as many others. You do have to be careful not to hit other people, but the sidewalks will not be as crowded in March as they are during warmer months.

the umbrella is a liability

Some context and elaboration would be useful.

I’ll be wearing thermal underwear, woolly socks, mixed-fiber slacks (NOT jeans), turtleneck sweater, knit cap, and knit gloves. Also carrying an umbrella.

LOL. End of March is often when we have our first mini heat waves in Poland with temperatures going over 20°C. T-shirt weather. I do not even own thermal underwear, woolly socks or caps. Most of this winter has been above 0 and it's been like that for some 30 years- winters are not what they used to be in my childhood. Simply check the forecast a few days before you go, not now. You can't predict March weather this much in advance. And btw, in spring, weather does not improve in a straight line, ie it's not necessarily getting warmer and warmer. April is actually often worse weather-wise than end March. End of Mrch- warm and sunny, April-cold and rainy

I brought a rain jacket and a fleece like Patagonia zippered top, along with a hat and gloves.

Wearing the rain jacket with the fleece top and tshirt underneath was enough to keep me warm with gloves and the hood. I did take my umbrella as well for the rainy calm days.

I used to pack an umbrella and carry it with me in Germany and France if it looked ominous, not wanting to get caught in a summer downpour. No more, having the umbrella when out and about is a liability.

Still, you do have to chance it with the weather so you don't caught out in the open if it starts pouring.

Consider carrying a cheap rain poncho in your day bag for the unexpected rain showers. It will cover you, your head and purse /daypack down to your knees. It is smaller than an umbrella. A rainproof windbreaker is still needed as the outer layer with a fleece, long sleeve shirt and maybe a short sleeve t-shirt. This gives 4 layers plus the potential use of the poncho. I carry cheap stretchy gloves, long neck scarf a la most Europeans and RS, and a small knit cap for extra warmth. Everything should be compatible to fit in a string bag/backpack when going into museums. We had snow in Plitvice sp? Park in Croatia on a May RS tour.

What shoe or boots are you wearing? Cold and wet feet will ruin your day.

Layers is good, but I think you may be more at risk for sweating than being cold if you were to wear all that at once, PLUS the necessary outer layer, which as recommended should be wind and waterproof and breathable. A hooded outer layer is good to keep your knit hat dry if/when it rains. Just as important is what you have on your feet.

I live in Central Europe and am currently in Warsaw for a short city break. It’s been a pretty mild winter and is definitely warming up already, so I would say that, unless you run really cold, you might find yourself uncomfortably hot if you opt for a hooded puffer jacket with all of your additional layers. I would suggest a fleece or a mid-weight wool coat over a puffer, and a hood is probably unnecessary if you’re wearing a hat.

I was anticipating it being a bit colder than it is in Warsaw, so I had packed an extra turtleneck to wear under my sweater, and I fear it will remain, unworn, in the bottom of my bag, along with my hat and umbrella. I’ve been perfectly comfortable with wool socks, mixed fiber pants, sweater + tank top, and my lightweight hooded wool blend coat. Definitely comes down to personal preference though, and you can always remove layers.

All the best for your trip! :)

the umbrella is a liability.

Maybe if you walk around with a giant golf umbrella.

I have this mini umbrella that has come in handy on many trips, from London to Switzerland.

https://davekny.com/products/the-davek-mini?srsltid=AfmBOorGpIzyY4VsGlQsopLkcYchU3ab01pWK_Aa3b6Q2had0ohaLnKT

As much as I love my raincoat, it does not protect my pants or shoes. If it's a pouring rain, i also like to use my umbrella.

I recommend this Shedrain: https://shedrain.com/collections/umbrellas/products/auto-open-jumbo-compact