December Packing List for Berlin — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Heavy Winter CoatEssential

  A thick, insulated, and ideally waterproof winter coat is absolutely essential for Berlin's December average lows of 31°F and frequent winds, especially at Christmas markets.

• Thermal Base LayersEssential

  Long-sleeved thermal tops and bottoms are crucial for warmth, providing an important insulating layer for Berlin's consistently cold 31-38°F December temperatures.

• Warm SweatersEssential

  Wool or fleece sweaters are vital for layering over thermals, offering substantial warmth for Berlin's chilly December climate, where highs only reach 38°F.

• Thick Jeans/TrousersEssential

  Durable, warm trousers or fleece-lined jeans are necessary to protect against the cold when exploring Berlin's outdoor attractions in 31°F December weather.

• Warm ScarfEssential

  A substantial wool or cashmere scarf provides crucial neck and face protection from the biting winds around landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, where December temperatures average 31-38°F.

• Waterproof Winter BootsEssential

  Insulated and waterproof boots are indispensable for Berlin in December, protecting feet from the cold, slush, and potential snow given 11 days of precipitation.

• Wool SocksEssential

  Several pairs of warm wool or thermal socks are essential to keep feet comfortable and warm during long walks between Berlin's Christmas markets and Museum Island in 31-38°F weather.

• Insulated Waterproof BootsEssential

  Berlin's December Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) at Gendarmenmarkt are outdoors in 38°F weather with 11 rain days — insulated waterproof boots are a must.

• Warm HatEssential

  A wool or fleece hat that covers the ears is crucial to retain body heat in Berlin's December average lows of 31°F, especially when visiting exposed outdoor sites.

• Gloves or MittensEssential

  Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens are vital for protecting hands from the cold wind and snow/rain during Berlin's December visits to outdoor historical sites like the Berlin Wall Memorial.

• Small BackpackEssential

  A small backpack is practical for carrying extra layers, souvenirs, and essentials while exploring Berlin, moving between warm indoor shops and cold outdoor markets in December.

• Compact UmbrellaEssential

  With 11 days of precipitation, December is Berlin's rainiest month, making a compact umbrella essential for protection from rain, sleet, or light snow.

Clothing

• Heavy Winter CoatEssential

  A thick, insulated, and ideally waterproof winter coat is absolutely essential for Berlin's December average lows of 31°F and frequent winds, especially at Christmas markets.

• Thermal Base LayersEssential

  Long-sleeved thermal tops and bottoms are crucial for warmth, providing an important insulating layer for Berlin's consistently cold 31-38°F December temperatures.

• Warm SweatersEssential

  Wool or fleece sweaters are vital for layering over thermals, offering substantial warmth for Berlin's chilly December climate, where highs only reach 38°F.

• Thick Jeans/TrousersEssential

  Durable, warm trousers or fleece-lined jeans are necessary to protect against the cold when exploring Berlin's outdoor attractions in 31°F December weather.

• Warm ScarfEssential

  A substantial wool or cashmere scarf provides crucial neck and face protection from the biting winds around landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, where December temperatures average 31-38°F.

Footwear

• Waterproof Winter BootsEssential

  Insulated and waterproof boots are indispensable for Berlin in December, protecting feet from the cold, slush, and potential snow given 11 days of precipitation.

• Wool SocksEssential

  Several pairs of warm wool or thermal socks are essential to keep feet comfortable and warm during long walks between Berlin's Christmas markets and Museum Island in 31-38°F weather.

• Insulated Waterproof BootsEssential

  Berlin's December Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) at Gendarmenmarkt are outdoors in 38°F weather with 11 rain days — insulated waterproof boots are a must.

Accessories

• Warm HatEssential

  A wool or fleece hat that covers the ears is crucial to retain body heat in Berlin's December average lows of 31°F, especially when visiting exposed outdoor sites.

• Gloves or MittensEssential

  Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens are vital for protecting hands from the cold wind and snow/rain during Berlin's December visits to outdoor historical sites like the Berlin Wall Memorial.

• Small BackpackEssential

  A small backpack is practical for carrying extra layers, souvenirs, and essentials while exploring Berlin, moving between warm indoor shops and cold outdoor markets in December.

Gear

• Compact UmbrellaEssential

  With 11 days of precipitation, December is Berlin's rainiest month, making a compact umbrella essential for protection from rain, sleet, or light snow.

• Hand WarmersRecommended

  Berlin's December Christmas markets at Gendarmenmarkt and Charlottenburg Palace operate outdoors in 38°F weather — hand warmers make hours of market browsing comfortable.

• Compact UmbrellaRecommended

  11 rain days in Berlin's December — including drizzle at the outdoor holiday markets — make a compact umbrella a must-have in any day bag.