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What to wear in Austria in Summer – Practical clothing tips
Austria’s stunning alpine churches and scenic hiking trails made me think modest, conservative clothes would be the safest choice. Being landlocked with no beaches, I assumed nothing too revealing or free-spirited would suit the local vibe.
With my mum as my travel buddy (and wardrobe boss) wanted me to dress classy. Thanks to all the online posts, I was also sure Austria wouldn’t get too hot.
So, for my two-week trip from late July to early August 2022, I confidently packed classy cool-weather outfits and just a few short dresses — in case I needed them.
Austria’s summer weather proved me wrong. The heat was so intense, I had to buy clothes locally — not exactly the souvenirs I had in mind.
This guide covers exactly what to wear in Austria summer for travellers, so you don’t make the same mistakes.
You’ll know what to wear in each city, at various occasions like opera, churches, and for hikes — staying comfortable and blending in.
Know Austria’s summer weather before you pack
How hot does it get in Austria in summer?
Austria gets hotter than most people expect! Cities see 20°C to 30°C in June, and by August, it can touch 35°C. Nights are cooler, but afternoons can get pretty sharp. In the mountains like Tirol, it’s cooler with some evening showers.
The biggest myth about Austria among travel community is that the summer weather is always mild here – wrong.
When I went on the Danube cruise in Wachau, I couldn’t miss sitting on the open deck to enjoy those beautiful vineyard views.
But my mum found the sun too strong to handle for long. Tirol and other mountain regions stay cooler, and there’s often a bit of rain in the evenings.
When we were in Innsbruck, Tirol’s capital, in August, a quick shower made Maria-Theresien-Strabe feel even more charming.
Why understanding the weather helps you pack smart.
Knowing that summers in Austria can hit 35°C in cities, while mountainous Tirol stay cooler with some evening showers, helps you pack smarter.
Light cotton shorts, t-shirts, and loose dresses work well for the cities — perfect for your summer holiday wardrobe.
For Tirol or Carinthia’s glacial mountains, it’s smart to pack a few warmer layers since days and evenings can get quite chilly, and the weather often changes without warning — hese are your essential clothes for the mountains.
How do people dress in Austria?
What do locals wear during summer in Austria?
I have wandered in a few “non-touristy” areas of Austria across four of 9 provinces, so I got a real sense of local Austrian style – Their way of dressing to be modest and stylish. They go for more solid colours to wear with black, maroon, navy blue, white and beige shades.
Most older women wore knee-length skirts with a sleeved blouse, while men usually wore trousers with polo shirts and casuals.
When I generalise what Austrians wear, I mean the other regions except Vienna.
Trust me, Vienna is special.
It felt like Vienna was living in a separate world disconnected from its neighbouring states with its distinctive lifestyle, food and tradition. The “Hipped Urban” vibe is high.
What is the traditional dress in Austria?
Austrian traditional outfits are similar to German clothing. Women wear the Dirndl, a fitted bodice with a knee or full-length skirt, layered with a decorative apron. Men wear Lederhosen, knee-length leather shorts often paired with braces.
Like how tourists wear Kimonos in Japan casually, I rarely saw embracing traditional Austrian outfits. Of course, it won’t be wrong if you wear it as a foreigner, but it may be odd!
Austrians themselves don’t wear them regularly. You’ll only spot them occasionally, mostly at themed restaurants or with tour guides.
During my two-week trip, I saw women in Dirndl probably just four times — it’s rare outside special events.
Can you wear Hijab in Austria?
Muslim women can wear a hijab (scarf on the head) in Austria, but covering the face fully with a veil or burqa is banned, similar to many other European countries.
Austria is home to Muslim refugees. So, surely you’ll see plenty of women in hijab in Vienna.
Even if you just pass Zell am See by train, you’ll probably see more women in hijab than Austrian women. It’s a favourite holiday spot for Arab travellers
Is makeup common in Austria?
Austrian women keep their makeup mostly natural and subtle, or sometimes wear no makeup at all — except in Vienna.
Outside Vienna, I hardly saw anyone with bold makeup or bright lipsticks, unlike what I noticed in Turkey or Iran. So, I recommend keeping it light instead of flashy.
What to wear in Austrian cities for summer sightseeing
Vienna
Vienna’s fashion is fun, bold, and completely free-spirited. From bralettes with cutoff shorts to ripped jeans with witty t-shirts — Anything goes as long as it is comfortable for 30°C to 35°C
The city’s youthful, creative vibe lets you wear what you want without judgement. Whether you love bright hair, bold tattoos, or just comfy casuals – Vienna’s fashion scene is super hipster.
I’ve never seen so many tattooed people in one place — from pierced tongues to neon pink hair and half-shaved heads, Vienna embraces it all.
Nobody stares, nobody judges — even if you’re in booty shorts. My mother who was in indian saree was also never stared or looked down.
Conservative to super chic, you can wear anything that you are comfortable with in Austria’s capital city and that is why I loved it.
Sakzburg
The most beautiful city in the whole of Austria- Salzburg leans a bit more conservative, so knee-length dresses, cap-sleeved tops, and capris work better than booty shorts.
Because Salzburg is the only place in Austria where I saw several church processions, dressing a bit more conservatively makes sense.
Many walking trails lead past beautiful cathedrals, and you’ll likely want to step inside for a look.
Some traditional cafés in Salzburg may not have a dress code, but you’ll notice visitors are usually dressed smartly. On top of that, Salzburg’s squares often host music festivals — both formal performances and spontaneous ones.
The way you dress in Vienna won’t work as well here. For Salzburg summer, go for colourful, stylish clothes — think knee-length dresses, cap-sleeved tops, and all in light, breathable cotton to stay comfortable while fitting in with the local vibe.
Innsbruck summer
What you wear for Tirol’s capital Innsbruck in summer is only a little similar to what works in Salzburg — modest, stylish outfits, with extra warm layer of shrug / shawls that keeps you warm enough during evening passing showers. Denims work best in Innsbruck summer.
Because Innsbruck and other places in Tirol is cooler than most regions, and you’ll often get evening showers.
You definitely don’t need thermals or heavy woollen layers for Innsbruck summer, but a warm lightweight jacket and a scarf are perfect for staying comfortable.
What to wear in Wachau Valley
Wachau Valley is all about walking, hopping on and off the Wachaubahn, and cycling along the Danube River, so comfy activewear works best.
Pack leggings with shirts or jogging shorts for the heat. Carry a light shrug if you plan to dine at a vineyard’s Heuriger or visit beautiful abbeys and cathedrals.
What to wear while sightseeing in Austria
Is there a dress code for cathedrals in Austria?
There’s no strict dress code for cathedrals or churches in most cities here. I saw people wearing all kinds of outfits, even casual summer clothes. No one was asked to cover up or leave for wearing something revealing.
In smaller towns, like at Maria Plain, churches often have more locals coming to pray rather than tourists. Out of respect, it’s better to wear covered clothing — avoid sleeveless tops and shorts in such places.
Dress code for State Opera and Mozart concerts
There’s no strict dress code for the Vienna State Opera or other formal events.But most people show up in smart casual or formal outfits.
A blazer for men, dress, or something elegant helps you blend in since locals treat opera nights as something special.
Opera isn’t just a show — it’s a big part of Austria’s history. For centuries, it’s been a fancy cultural event where people dress up to show respect for the performers and the occasion.
The day I attended the Schönbrunn opera, I had spent the whole day sightseeing in a bohemian dress. I just threw on a semi-formal jacket, and it worked fine.
My mum wore a gorgeous Indian saree, and honestly, she got more compliments than I did — even the receptionist loved it!
What to wear during train journeys
Most Austrian trains are air-conditioned, so they can get quite chilly even in summer. For longer journeys, it’s best to wear full-length trousers and a full-sleeve shirt.
If you prefer shorts, carry a wraparound skirt or shawl to cover up if you get cold — you’ll want to stay comfortable while enjoying those stunning alpine meadows passing by.
What to wear for lake swims and sunbathing in Austria
Pack a bikini or swimsuit if you’re planning to swim or sunbathe in Austrian lakes and rivers – it is absolutely for tourists to wear swimsuits and enjoy the summer.
The beautiful lakes here, like Hallstatt and the turquoise Wolfgangsee, are perfect for a summer dip.
I even took a refreshing swim in the Danube near Dürnstein and sunbathed for an hour right by the shore – Not a stare or restriction on any kind of bathing suit.
That said, apart from a few male tourists casually walking back to their homestay shirtless from Hallstatt lake, I rarely saw anyone walking away from the lake or river areas still in their swimsuit.
Just remember, once you leave the water, cover up with a sarong, dress, or shirt — locals don’t usually wander far from the shore in swimwear.
What to wear for summer hiking in Austria
For hikes, wear a any regular activewear – T- shirts and athletic shorts – It’s perfect for the bus ride that takes you to hiking start point and also for hiking.
Every trail usually starts and ends at a hutcafes with a washroom, so hikers often freshen up and change back into city clothes before heading back.
Best footwear for hiking trails
Good walking shoes are essential for Austria — for both cities and hiking trails. You’ll walk a lot! Go for the softest, highest quality shoes you can find, with proper support.
My mum and I walked around 12 km daily in the cities and about 15 to 16 km on hiking days. My so-called best shoes barely survived — I even had to do a mini shoe surgery with glue from Spar, sitting at Innsbruck railway station while going to Munich.
Sun protection and must-have accessories for day hikes
The Austrian summer sun can be quite sharp, so pack 40SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
A refillable water bottle is a must too — many trails have freshwater fountains, so you can top up along the way and save money on bottled waters.
How do I not look like a tourist in Austria?
Honestly, Austria is so safe that it’s absolutely fine to look like a tourist. But if you want to blend in, avoid athletic suits and night pyjamas when walking around cities — even in Vienna.
Keep hiking clothes for the mountains, and leave the baseball caps, baggy jeans, and sleeveless tanks at hotel rooms.
That said, if you’re wearing your traditional dress, you don’t need to worry at all. Austrians are used to seeing people from all cultures, and I never once felt anyone being rude or racist.
In fact, I was a bit worried that my mum, wearing her Indian sarees and salwar kameez, might get some awkward looks.
But it was the opposite — she got so much positive attention! At least ten ladies asked for pictures with her, and once, at a Salzburg signal, a woman even ran up to us asking if my mum could teach her how to drape a saree.
Clothes to pack for Austrian Summer
FAQ
Where to buy affordable summer clothes in Austria?
H&M, C&A, and local stores in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are the cheapest options for summer clothes in Austria, but prices are higher than in Asia. Expect to pay at least €60 for cotton shorts at H&M in Salzburg.
How should I pack for Austria summer if visiting both cities and mountains?
Pack light layers, casual city outfits, and essential Austria mountain trip clothes like waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes. Mix and match pieces to save space.
How many clothes should I pack for a summer trip to Austria?
For a week, pack 4-5 tops, 2-3 bottoms, a dress or two, comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and accessories like a hat and sunglasses.
What not to pack for Austria in summer?
Skip heavy coats, formal heels, and excessive evening wear. Austria dress code for tourists is relaxed, so focus on practical, comfortable outfits.
Can I do laundry easily during my Austria summer trip?
Yes, most Austrian cities have cheaper laundrettes, and many hotels offer laundry services (but expensive), helping you pack light for Austria summer.
How to pack light for Austria summer without missing essentials?
Focus on versatile, weather-appropriate outfits like mix-and-match separates, 1-2 layers, and comfortable shoes. Plan for warm days and cooler evenings.
Conclusion
Dressing for summer in Austria is all about balancing comfort, style, and a touch of respect for local culture.
In the cities, go for modest, stylish outfits — knee-length dresses, cap-sleeved tops, or trousers with shirts work well.
That doesn’t mean you have to dress like you’re visiting your grandmother — think of it more as dressing to impress, but with a touch of respect for local culture.
Vienna lets you experiment more with edgy, modern styles, while places like Salzburg lean towards smart casual with a conservative touch.
For hikes and outdoor adventures, comfort comes first — think leggings, shorts, and t-shirts, with a light jacket for cooler spots.
If you’re visiting cathedrals, attending concerts, or dining at a vineyard Heuriger, having a shrug, scarf, or jacket handy helps you transition easily from casual to dressy.
The best advice? Pack smart, keep it comfortable, and add your own personal style.
Whether you dress trendy, traditional, or somewhere in between, Austria’s summer fashion vibe welcomes it all.— as long as you’re prepared for the mix of warm days, cool evenings, and the occasional passing shower.
Was this guide helpful for packing and choosing practical clothing for your Austria summer trip? Let me know in the comments below.
