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What to wear in Germany for two weeks in mid November

First trip to Germany for two Texas Gals. What would you suggest we pack for a winter trip for 9 days? I Don't want to take too much to travel comfortably but on the other hand, I want to be prepared.

Posted by
9156 posts

Jeans, blouses, sweater, decent coat, good walking shoes. It can be cold and rainy in Nov. Or it can be mild and rainy. I am an umbrella person, others like rain coats or ponchos.

Posted by
5697 posts

Check the weather forecast in late October. For mid-December to mid-January this Californian took wool pants, wool socks, down parka, cashmere pullover worn over silk shirt over sleeveless tank ( and stripped down to the tank in an overheated restaurant) Waterproof Clarks shoes and short boots. Raincoat plus down jacket for rainy, less-cold days. Knit hat and muffler.and gloves. Wore the parka when travelling.

Posted by
485 posts

I find that the cold is more 'biting' because we do so much more walking in Germany than here and are out in the elements more, not in our car from one mall-to bank-to restaurant, etc... like in the US. Bring a nice warm scarf for your neck and maybe even a hat to cover your ears.

Posted by
19240 posts

I've spent time in Germany in parts of Jan, Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, and Dec. I always pack the same things. Khaki slacks and golf shirts, and a medium weight sweater. The only difference is what i wear - a light summer jacket in warm weather or a down parka in cold weather. I also wear high topped boots in the winter and low leather shoes in the summer. I think one trip, in Dec. and Jan, I might have brought along thermal underwear. It was 14 years ago; I'm not sure I remember.

The trick is to dress in layers. I wear the sweater under the jacket on cool summer/fall days and under the parka on cold winter days.

Once, in Dec, I bought a knit hat over there. If you find you need something more, they do sell clothing over there. My partner found a really nice jacket, which she likes to wear on cold day here, at the Kaufhof in Marienplatz.

Posted by
1526 posts

Everyone has their own theories about keeping warm. I have visited Christmas Markets in Germany for 4 recent years, including a couple very cold years. I do not take a coat. If the weather turns mild, what do you do with a bulky coat?

As Lee said, I dress in layers. I take a light-weight, rain-resistant shell with a hood; a couple polar tech sweaters and a quilted shirt-jacket; and for very cold nights I have silk long underwear, which packs about like a pair of socks. With denim pants, a hat and these tops I have handled some very cold weather. I travel with an 18" roller bag and a day pack.

BTW, I take the same assortment for our April trips to Germany. Dressing in layers is very flexible. We buy cheap umbrellas there if it turns very wet.

Posted by
980 posts

Layers, layers, layers like everyone said.

For 9 days in Nov my wife would probably bring 2-3 quick drying long sleeve undershirts (something like this), 2 pairs of slacks, 2 pair of tights, one long skirt, two long sleeve blouses, 2 light sweaters, med jacket (she is partial to a classic women's trench coat), scarf, gloves, how ever much socks and underwear she feels she needs.

It probably won't be as cold as you imagine as this is not the dead of winter. If there does happen to be a freak cold snap while you are there you can always pop into a shop for another sweater.

DJ

Posted by
178 posts

The days are short and the sun is lower in the sky. SInce you are from Texas,I'm guessing that you will find it quite cool and damp. Layers are the way to go including some kind of windbreaker/rain jacket.

Posted by
503 posts

I wore silk underwear, bottoms and tops when we went to the Christmas markets a few years ago. Cuddleduds or similar brands. You'll appreciate them, especially the bottoms, when you're outside and the wind is blowing. I froze when wearing just jeans and it was windy and I'm from northeast Ohio and use to cold weather!!