What to pack for Europe in September
Ah, late September in Paris! Packing for Europe in the fall can be a bit tricky due to varying climates in different regions. My best advice is to pack layers. In September, the weather is generally mild. During my trip to Paris in late September, the weather was beautiful—mild, not too hot, and not cold. I found that short sleeves and a light jacket were all I needed.
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a casual vacationer, having the right travel packing list when going to Europe is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Additionally packing for the right season is crucial. From practical gadgets that make your travels more convenient to stylish accessories that add flair to your adventures, this article will guide you through the must-have items for any type of trip. My best advice is to be prepared for all types of weather but don’t overpack, sounds easy right? Pack light which means packing in light layers is key.
Below you will find my list of top travel items for traveling to Europe in early fall.
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Scarf or Shawl
For Women, a nice Scarf or Shawl is a great item to add to your packing list for Europe in September. They are lightweight and easy to pack and look great with any outfit. These are also great for planes if you get cold and fit nicely into your carry-on luggage.
Light Jacket
A lightweight jacket is important because you never know if the weather is going to change on you in September though when I was in Paris I only needed it once. The weather can dip as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit in September so be prepared. It was not at all that cold though when I was there. Amazon has some really cute lightweight jackets if you are looking!
Shirts – Short Sleeve, Light Sweater
During most of my time exploring museums and wandering the streets of Paris during the day in September, I opted for short-sleeve shirts. In the evenings, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt or light sweater provided a bit more coverage and could be layered for warmth. I discovered that my short sleeves also paired well with my light jacket. Having a variety of lightweight options was convenient, and I could easily fold them up in my packing cubes.
Lightweight pants, jeans, or capris
When selecting pants for a trip to Europe, especially in the diverse weather of September, it’s recommended to pack a variety of options for different situations. I opt for lightweight and breathable materials such as cotton or linen. I brought along cropped jeans, a favorite from J.Crew. While leggings aren’t as commonly seen in Europe as in the States, they are also a comfortable and viable option.
Good Comfy Walking Shoes
Comfortable and durable footwear is crucial for your packing list for Europe, whether you’re enduring a long flight or exploring miles of new terrain. I purchased a pair of Reef Shoes, which proved excellent. They easily slip on and off and are exceptionally lightweight, offering excellent arch support.
Portable Travel Umbrella
It only rained once on me while I was in Paris in September but an Umbrella was nice to have. You will do a lot of walking while in Europe and you don’t want the rain to catch you off guard while you are out and about and getting wet and be a real bummer!
European Power Converters
European power converters are essential for ensuring you can utilize your electronic devices when there. We bought one with a USB outlet so we can charge our phones while abroad. Most hotels had hair dryers, but I brought my flat iron so used it for that. It was an invaluable device that I almost overlooked on my Europe travel packing list.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes turned out to be a game-changer that I never knew I needed until I gave them a shot when packing for Europe. Opting for a carry-on when traveling in Europe proved to be the perfect choice, sparing me the hassle of checking bags and aligning with my minimalist approach as I hopped from one hotel to another. These cubes enabled me to streamline my packing and confronted me with the reality of overpacking (let’s admit it, I certainly overpacked), forcing me to minimize my belongings.
TSA Approved Travel Kits
Packing TSA-approved bathroom kits streamlines the security process, reduces stress, and ensures you have the essentials you need during your travels. This is a must for your packing list for Europe.
Portable Phone Charger
A portable phone charger is a must-have when traveling, especially in unfamiliar cities. It’s a reliable way to ensure your phone remains charged, allowing you to use navigation apps, communicate with others, and access important information. In addition to a portable charger, consider carrying a charging cable and perhaps a spare power bank if you expect to be away from power sources for extended periods. This extra preparation will help alleviate the fear of your phone running out of battery while exploring new places.
Neck Pillow
A neck pillow can indeed be invaluable for long flights, especially if you have trouble sleeping on planes. They provide much-needed neck and head support, making it more comfortable to rest during the flight. I wasn’t sure I’d need one when packing for Europe but I was glad to have it during the long flight.
Collapsible Water Bottle
For extended flights, collapsible water bottles prove incredibly useful. Nowadays, airports are equipped with water stations, allowing you to easily refill your bottle after passing through security. This not only saves money and reduces plastic waste associated with buying bottled water but also addresses the issue of the insufficient amount of water provided in those small cups on planes. I learned the hard way when I arrived in France feeling extremely dehydrated because I didn’t follow this simple tip. This is a tip for any trip and especially for packing for Europe with a long flight.
Compression Socks
For long flights and if you are older (like me) an essential for your packing list for Europe is compression socks. Compression socks offer significant benefits during extended flights when physical activity is limited, especially for individuals in their mid-forties and beyond, such as myself. The threat of blood clots is a genuine concern; my mother even experienced one after returning from Portugal. These specialized socks aid in improving leg circulation, mitigating swelling, and reducing the risk of blood clots.
