What to wear in Vienna in March: Complete Guide

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Wondering what to wear in Vienna in March? No worries, we got you covered. Vienna is pleasant in March and spring months for outdoor activities and sightseeing! Although, it is a little crisp, and a little rainy on some days, as long as you dress warm you can walk about the inner districts and the historical center of Vienna!

In this post, we are sharing our Vienna packing list for spring, plus checklists and travel tips so that you are safe and ready to take off! 

Prior to our trip to Vienna in March, we researched everything and did a great job in packing right and in safeguarding our belongings. In March, although the weather is a little unpredictable, it being a crossover month; you can still have a great time exploring the city (as we did!). 

What to wear in Vienna in March: Vienna Packing List for early spring

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March is considered a transition month in Vienna – where days are a little on the cooler side, especially at the beginning of the month. But towards the end, it starts to show signs of bright spring days, with Easter festivities. 

You can expect rains in Vienna in March, about 7-10 days on average, and slightly cold weather temperature is possible.

Vienna March Weather Snapshot

• Average Temperature (Low) – 2 degrees Celsius (36 F) 
• Average Temperature (High) – 10 degrees Celsius (50 F)
• Rain in Vienna – It rains for at least 7-10 days in Vienna. During our trip to the city, we were caught in rains, mainly showers, and some gloomy days. On some days, skies cleared pretty quickly allowing us to continue our activities after a brief halt 
• Vienna in March Weather in a nutshell – Vienna in March is neither hot nor too cold. The temperatures are definitely cooler, but there is no snow. Temperatures are mostly in the single digits, but the rains make it colder. It is a crossover month, where temperatures are slowly changing to warmer spring days! 

Spring temperatures in Vienna in April and May, 

MUST BUY FOR VIENNA: Vienna City Card (transport & sightseeing) | Vienna Pass (sightseeing)

Dress code and vibe in Vienna

Locals in Vienna dress in a very formal way, and they look stylish and very put together. You can pack smart casual or business casuals for sightseeing and eating out. 

Ladies are seen wearing nice fitted pants, or dresses in one color (monochrome) without too many prints, and a war of colors. You will see that dark and neutral colors are popular. Men wear comfortable polo shirts and well-fitted pants. 

So avoid wearing anything that is too casual, baggy, or ill-fitted when wandering the streets of Vienna. Nothing screams tourist, than a huge logo on a hoodie, and a fanny pack (belt bags are chic!)

When visiting religious sites, be mindful of dress codes (like no sleeveless tops or shorts, wear knee-length dresses, etc). 

So here is what to pack for Vienna in March, 

Carry on luggage or backpack for Vienna: Packing list

We like to travel with our 45 litre backpack to Europe and carried the same for Austria. If you are planning a Central Europe itinerary for 2 weeks, then we recommend packing light for your trip. Use a carry-on and only pack items that you will really need and use during your visit. 

Avoid overpacking, and carrying too many expensive items. 

We traveled to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest using our backpack and we were able to carry a variety of outfits, one pair of comfortable walking shoes, accessories, a lightweight jacket, camera gear, and cosmetics. And we used packing cubes to organize everything. 

We love our Pacsafe Venturesafe 45 L, which is made of anti-theft and slash-proof material. This was super handy when we went traveling from one country to the next and used public transportation, changed hotels, etc.  

Because the temperatures in March were rainy and little damp, you must carry a waterproof or water-resistant backpack. Make sure your carry-on luggage and purses are waterproof as well. 

Our top backpack picks: Pacsafe Venturesafe 45 L | Osprey Backpack 40 L

Tops: Blouses, and shirts

Carry 2-3 tops and blouses with you, depending on the duration of the trip. We recommend carrying full sleeve tops so that you are not cold. This way you can layer on with an outerwear or rain jacket. 

If you are like me, who wants to look pretty on camera, then pack cute flowy blouses. You can wear denim, or linen pants and then pair them up with a nice flowy top or blouse. 

Choose 1-2 neutral colors (like beige, white, etc) or black. Also, pack chic tops for clubbing or fancy dinners in the evening – like a black halter neck, tube top, etc. 

Avoid logos, graphics, and loud colors and prints.

For men: Semi-formal shirts, monochrome polo shirts

Bottoms: Jeans, and pants

Carry dark wash or black jeans, preferably skinny or straight cut to pair up with your pretty tops. And yes it is perfectly fine to wear denim. 

A great way to make your outfit stand out is by pairing dark wash or black jeans with any color top.

I take my American Eagle jeggings with me everywhere, and they are very comfy to wear all day long. Plus you get an updated look every time thanks to wearing designer belts. 

For men: Dark-colored jeans, semi-formal pants

Dresses

You can wear nice warm dresses, paired with stockings. Dresses are not only easy to carry, but they look graceful and elegant.

Carry midi or knee-length dresses, avoid long flowy ones as the weather is usually gloomy, and rainy for most times of the month. 

Little Black Dress is also handy, for any event like a show at the Vienna State Opera, or fancy dining out. 

Comfortable walking shoes and/or boots

A pair of comfortable walking shoes are a must for Vienna. You will be walking a lot – from city centres, and markets, to palaces and gardens. Take the Schonbrunn Palace for example. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has multiple spots, and a beautiful garden with fountains – so you will need walking shoes. 

You will also find a lot of cobblestone lanes in the old town area of the Imperial City, whilst exploring the Hofburg Palace and museums.  

Hiking boots are a good option. Opt for one color (black or white) to pair with your pants and dresses. If you must carry an extra pair, then you can add wedge heels or lightweight sneakers. (my favorite in white)

Booties are also an option for Vienna in March, particularly ankle-length boots!

Avoid heavy winter boots with thick rubber soles, as snow is rare. 

For men: Wear leather shoes for dressier events. For more casual trips, loafers are great. If you must wear sneakers or running shoes – wear one color (like black or white shoes).

A light cardigan, denim, or faux leather jacket

A light cardigan is handy all year round – when it rains or, in the evenings. When I am traveling for more than one week in Europe, I usually carry both a cardigan and a denim jacket. 

It is very easy to pair a faux leather jacket with a top and jeans, or a dress!

Waterproof jacket or trench coat

During March, there is a possibility of rain, especially if you are visiting Vienna for a few days. Do carry a trench coat or waterproof jacket as part of your capsule wardrobe. 

Waterproof jackets are packable, and they are a Europe packing list staple item. Again be mindful of the length and ensure it matches well with the outfits that you are wearing (dresses vs pants).

Here is my favorite windproof and waterproof jacket. Buy it here

For dresses, I prefer trench coats. They come with water-resistant material and they protect you from light showers. Check options on Amazon here

Warm socks

Warm socks are important to pair up with your walking shoes. Try these thermal socks available for both women and men. 

If you prefer something lightweight, here is a pair of merino wool socks that are worth buying

Scarf for any time of day or in-flight

A bright scarf can instantly brighten up an outfit while keeping you warm. I always carry a scarf and use it as a photo prop and cover-up. 

I recommend wearing it when you are traveling/flying to save space inside the carry-on bag. 

Here are my top picks: Infinity Scarf | Vinyasa Scarf Rulu

Warm hat (beret) 

Okay, this is my favorite item to pack for Vienna or anywhere really. A wide brim hat, a warm toque, or a beret is not only functional but also adds a little cuteness and fun factor to your photos.

For crossover months, a beret is a nice option – it is warm, adds a fun element, and is easily packable! 

Sunglasses

Don’t forget to add your sunglasses to your packing list in Vienna. I had my Rayban Aviators with me throughout my trip.

Reusable water bottle

Carry a reusable water bottle to bring water with you on the go – on guided tours, road trips, and sightseeing. 

Packing cubes

We always use packing cubes to organize our clothing and other items into our 45 litre backpack. Highly recommend it. 

What to pack for Vienna: Electronics 

When packing for your trip to Vienna, add the following electronic items, 

• Phone: We always travel with our iPhones, and you should too! 
• Sim card: Optional
• Charger: A multi-port charging cable is a life changer. Here is a favorite pick from Amazon – so affordable and durable. 
• Power Bank: Pack a power bank to pair with your multi-charging cable to charge your electronics on the go. Buy yours here
• Adaptor: In Vienna, you will need to use a  power adaptor with round pins, especially if you are from North America. We carry our universal adaptor with us on our trip overseas. Buy it here
• Camera gear: To capture all the amazing moments in Vienna, don’t forget your camera. We had our Sony mirrorless camera. We recently upgraded to Sony 7iii, check it out here 
• Selfie stick, tripod (click to view favorite full length tripod)

What to pack for Vienna in March: Toiletries & medications 

• Moisturizer: I have been using my moisturizer from BodyShop for years – just love it. Click to view my favorite moisturiser
• Suncreen: Highly recommend carrying sunscreen with an SPF of 25 and above, preferably waterproof.
• Lipstick/balm and light make-up
• Travel size perfume
• Deodorant wipes
• Shampoo/conditioner 
• Toothpaste, toothbrush
• Hand sanitizer
• Medications

If you miss any items, you can easily purchase them in Vienna in department stores. 

Checklist for travel to Vienna: Essential Documents

Vienna is the capital city of Austria, an European Union country. We have summarized essential documents and checklists for travel to Vienna below,

• Tourist Visa: US and Canadian passport holders can travel to Austria and stay there visa-free for 90 days. Do make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after entry into the country. For those who require a tourist visa to enter European Union member countries, you must apply for the Schengen Visa prior to your trip 
• Currency: Official currency of Austria is Euros. Do carry some cash for tipping, coffee and snacks, and souvenir shopping!
• Sightseeing: Don’t forget to buy a Vienna Pass for sightseeing
• Transportation: Trains and public transportation are reliable and efficient. During our visit, we bought a Vienna City Card for discounts and free transportation rides. 
• Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to protect your trip to Vienna. In today’s changing times, it is equally important to insure your trip from cancellations, baggage delay, and medical emergencies. Worlds Nomads is a great choice to cover your travel plans. You can apply for a quote for free here

Vienna Travel Tips

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We have detailed guides on Vienna, which we think you will find useful,

• Vienna in a day
• 2 days in Vienna itinerary
• 4 day Vienna itinerary
• Where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors

Vienna is walkable. Once you arrive at a particular neighborhood you can explore attractions on foot, like the Inner district. So here you will need good walking shoes and waterproof clothing, in case it rains. 

There are parks and gardens as well where you can enjoy Vienna’s natural beauty.

If you are caught in rainy weather, plan to visit museums and exhibits inside the palaces.

Our favorite museums include  – Albertina, Leopold Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. A museum entry is included in the Vienna Pass, and it is located a short distance away from each other (part of the Museum Quarter).  

Another tip is that popular museums are best to visit in the morning hours (as soon as they open) or a few hours before closing – that way you will make use of the nice weather outside to explore other things. Or explore exhibits without large crowds.

Vienna State Opera is also a good visit when it rains outside! You can book a guided tour of the site or a concert.

Palaces like the Schonbrunn Palace or Belvedere are must visit in Vienna. These are big complexes with a mix of indoor and outdoor (garden) sightseeing. In March, you won’t be able to see colorful flowers, but the gardens will be open for viewing/stroll. 

March is off-season in Vienna and other parts of Austria, so huge crowds are rare, and restricted to some of the palaces only. We do recommend exercising caution when you navigate and walk through crowded quarters. 

For your travel documents, money, and small electronic items, we HIGHLY recommend using a crossbody bag and keeping the bag on you – tightly zipped. Do not leave the leave unattended, and opened. 

When you are out and about in Vienna, eating in a restaurant, or traveling in public transport don’t leave them on the next seat or chair arm – wear it, and keep it close to you!

Vienna’s historic center is pretty safe even in the evenings. In fact, for many nights it was quiet, and my husband and I enjoyed a nice coffee and meal in an outdoor cafe!

What not to bring to Vienna in March

You will find everything in Vienna for a comfortable trip, from personal essentials, and clothes to cosmetics, if you need to buy anything. Here are some of the things you should not bring to Vienna (based on our experience),

• Don’t bring a lot of cash. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere in Vienna. Carry only a nominal amount of cash (euros) for tips, coffee, etc. 
• Limit expensive items: As you are traveling and exploring Vienna and walking through crowded areas, avoid carrying too many expensive items like watches, jewelry, or electronic items. Carry only those things that you can use without grabbing any attention on the streets!
• Baggy clothes: Avoid packing baggy and loose clothes, opt for fitted ones! 

Things to do in Vienna in March

We enjoyed our time in Vienna in March – minus the crowds. Even though it rained for a few hours it was still fine to explore the gardens and walk the center, because we packed right! 

Because March is also ‘sort of’ an off-season, and when searching for flights from North America, you will most likely find affordable flights and accommodation. 

As far as festivals go, in March you can celebrate Women’s Day or St Patty Day. If Easter takes place in March, visiting Vienna will be perfect for that! 

Vienna also celebrates Foto Festivals, across the city – where it exhibits amazing captures from local photographers! 

The Argus Bike Festival is a two-day event showcasing bike-related exhibitors and is officially the inauguration of the bike season in Austria. This takes place towards the end of March

Other than the festivals, you must add these activities to your Vienna itinerary, 

• Hofburg Palace: Hofburg Imperial Palace is Vienna’s top attraction, and you must include a visit here. Get this skip-the-tickets here to explore the complex including the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection
• Don’t miss St Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben, and Belvedere Palace
• Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens: They are my absolute favorite in Vienna. Take 2-3 hours in visiting the complex, and then wander the gardens! Book your entry tickets here
• Giant Ferris Wheel Ride: Enjoy a romantic ride on the Giant Ferris wheel and soak in the city views. Book tickets here
• Cafes: Take the time to sit down at a cafe, and enjoy the ambiance of this imperial city!
• Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: Join a food tour here

Things to Consider When Packing for a Trip to Vienna

When it comes to travel packing, less is more. If you are traveling for 2-3 days in Vienna, then only pack what is needed. Here are some things to keep in mind, 

• Your activities in Vienna: Your Vienna packing list should reflect the activities and events/festivals that you are planning to do. Like, carry a nice black dress for the Opera House, fancy dinners, etc. Or comfortable clothing with a trench coat for sightseeing, etc.  
• Where are you going: Some people visit Vienna for its food or to hang out, some to shop, and many for sightseeing. Whatever your personal style is, pack accordingly. Ensure tickets are booked ahead of time, and your activities are planned!

Vienna Packing List: What to wear in Vienna in March

• 2-3 Tops: Blouses, shirts 
• 1-2 pants
• 1 dress
• 1 windproof – waterproof light jacket – Buy it here
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable shoes  
• Warm socks – Try these thermal socks available for both women and men
• A scarf
• Beret or warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Good Moisturizer, sunscreen, medicines, lip balm, etc. 
• Electronics like cameras, cell-phone, charging cables, universal adaptors, etc. 

So there you have it! We hope you found our Vienna packing list for March useful. 

Remember to pack light, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us below!

Happy Packing 🙂

Pin: What to wear in Vienna in March and April

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