Summer Styling In Austria: Packing For July

Planning a trip to Austria in July? You're in for a treat! The Austrian summer is warm and beautiful, with temperatures reaching the high 20s to low 30s °C. But what should you pack for this mountain-forest-city blend adventure? Well, it depends on your activities and destinations. For hiking, comfortable shoes and breathable clothing are a must, with layers for the varying temperatures. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg call for modest and stylish attire, with locals favouring dark and solid colours, and a more formal or smart-casual look. Don't forget to pack a swimsuit for those stunning lakes! Now, let's dive into the specifics of what to wear...

Hiking attire

When hiking in Austria in July, it is important to be prepared for the weather and the terrain. The summer months in Austria can be much hotter than expected, with temperatures reaching 35°C in some regions, and the evenings can be cooler. The weather in the mountains is cooler, with some evening showers, and the sun is strong at higher altitudes.

For hiking attire, comfort and suitability for the conditions are key. It is recommended to wear hiking shorts or quick-dry trousers that can be turned into shorts, paired with a t-shirt or athletic top. Some sources suggest that regular activewear is sufficient for hiking in Austria, while others recommend specialist hiking clothing. It is important to avoid jeans as they are too hot for summer. It is also a good idea to take an extra layer, such as a sweater or a lightweight windproof/waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains, and it can get chilly at higher altitudes.

Good walking shoes are essential for hiking in Austria. Trail runners with good grip are sufficient for most hikes, unless you are planning to cross glaciers or traverse very rocky terrain, in which case hiking boots are recommended. It is important to ensure your footwear is comfortable and has proper support, as you will likely be covering a lot of ground on foot.

Other items to consider for your hiking attire include:

• Hiking poles, especially if you plan to hike at high elevations on rocky terrain
• A headlamp, in case you are hiking in low-light conditions
• A sun protection hat and sunglasses to shield your face from the sun
• A refillable water bottle, as many trails have freshwater fountains
• A first aid kit, including plasters/band-aids for blisters

City sightseeing

When sightseeing in Austrian cities during July, it's important to be prepared for warm weather, with temperatures reaching the high 20s to low 30s °C. It's best to opt for lightweight and breathable clothing, such as cotton and linen, to stay comfortable in the heat.

For women, sundresses, blouses with skirts, and knee-length or midi dresses are good options. While women in Austria generally avoid wearing shorts in the city, cotton shorts can be suitable for sightseeing and visiting vineyards. Wide-leg jeans are also a popular choice for women in Austrian cities, and they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It's worth noting that showing too much skin is generally frowned upon in Austrian culture, so it's best to avoid revealing clothing.

For men, a light button-down shirt with well-fitting pants or lightweight trousers is a good choice. Men in Austria rarely wear shorts, even in the summer, so it's best to opt for smarter pants.

When visiting cultural spots or attending events, such as the opera, it's important to dress up rather than down. A semi-formal jacket can be a good layer to have for these occasions. Additionally, it's always a good idea to carry a light cardigan, sweater, or light jacket, as the evenings can be cooler, and there may be afternoon thunderstorms.

Comfortable and stylish flat shoes are essential for walking on cobblestone streets. Sneakers are not commonly worn by Austrians, so it's best to opt for other shoe choices. A pair of trendy, lightweight, and comfortable sneakers can be a good choice for exploring the city, especially if they have ample support and a flexible, rugged outsole.

A small, foldable umbrella and a lightweight backpack or shoulder bag are also recommended for sightseeing, allowing you to carry essentials and stay prepared for changing weather.

Visiting churches

When visiting churches in Austria during July, it is recommended to dress modestly and conservatively. While there is no strict dress code for cathedrals or churches in most Austrian cities, you may want to opt for stylish yet modest clothing choices.

For women, knee-length dresses, cap-sleeved tops, and capris are ideal for visiting churches in Austria. You can also pair blouses with skirts, but it is recommended to avoid showing too much cleavage as the local culture can be quite conservative. Stylish and comfortable sundresses or midi skirts are also great options for exploring cities and visiting churches. Avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing, as this can be frowned upon in the local culture.

For men, a light button-down or collared shirt with well-fitting pants is a good choice. A pair of dark jeans or trousers can also work, but it is generally recommended to avoid shorts. A lightweight jacket or sweater can be useful for the cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.

In terms of footwear, comfortable and stylish flat shoes are ideal for walking on charming cobblestone streets. Sneakers are not considered the best choice by some, while others suggest trendy and lightweight sneakers for exploring the cities. It is recommended to choose shoes with ample support and flexible yet rugged outsoles.

Additionally, it is always a good idea to carry a light jacket or a scarf, as the weather in Austria can vary, and you may experience evening showers or cooler temperatures in certain regions.

Opera/shows/orchestral performances

When attending an opera, show, or orchestral performance in Austria during July, it is important to consider the specific type of event and venue. While there may not be a strict dress code for some performances, particularly in the standing areas, dressing up is generally recommended to blend in with the locals and show respect for the occasion.

For men, a safe option is a pair of decent trousers with shoes or trainers, and a shirt with a collar. A sports jacket or blazer can also be a good choice to elevate the outfit. It is best to avoid ties, as well as clothing with big brand names or logos. As for women, a pretty gown, an elegant dress, or a blouse with a skirt are good options. Sundresses are also common during the summer, but it is important to avoid showing too much skin or cleavage, as locals may frown upon revealing outfits.

It is worth noting that the temperature in July can be quite warm, with temperatures reaching 20°C to 30°C in cities. However, it is a good idea to carry a light cardigan or pullover sweater for the evenings, as it can get cooler, especially in mountainous regions like Tirol. Additionally, don't forget to pack a pair of comfortable and practical shoes, as well as sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright summer sun.

If you are attending a premiere or a one-off event, you may want to dress up even more. The Opernball opera ball, for example, has its own set of expectations and a more formal dress code. Similarly, if you plan to attend any shows or performances in smaller towns or churches, it is respectful to dress more conservatively, avoiding sleeveless tops and shorts.

Swimming

In addition to swimwear, there are a few other items you may want to consider packing for your summer trip to Austria. The weather in July can vary, so it's a good idea to bring a mix of warm and cool clothing. Temperatures can reach the high 70s to 80s °F (high 20s to low 30s °C), but it can also get cooler in the evenings, and there may be the occasional thunderstorm. It's recommended to bring a lightweight jacket or sweater, as well as a light raincoat or umbrella.

When packing for other activities, consider the following:

• Austrians tend to dress quite formally and stylishly, so very smart-casual or smart business-oriented clothing is a good choice for sightseeing and dining out. Dark and solid colours are generally more popular.
• For hiking, bring comfortable clothing such as t-shirts and hiking shorts. A pair of hiking pants can also be useful, especially for glacier walks or guided hikes. Don't forget good walking shoes or hiking boots, and consider bringing a lightweight windbreaker or jacket for higher elevations.
• If you plan to visit cities, remember that Austrian women generally don't wear shorts in urban areas, even during the summer. Instead, pack stylish and comfortable outfits like sundresses, maxi skirts, or classy knee-length dresses.
• Don't forget to pack comfortable and stylish flat shoes with good support and a flexible outsole for walking on charming but tough cobblestone streets.

Frequently asked questions