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Rain can be a nuisance when you travel if you’re not prepared. Don’t let rain ruin your trip. Here are some packing tips and outfit ideas to help you make the most of the weather – rain or shine!
Rainy Day Outfits
Table Of Contents
I like to be prepared for all types of weather, but sometimes when you choose to travel somewhere during the country’s rainy season, you need to be even more prepared for the weather when planning your travel capsule wardrobe.
Rain can be a nuisance if you haven’t prepared for it. However, if you have the essential items, it will just be part of the trip, not a deal-breaker.
Here are a few tips on how to ensure rain will never ruin your trip:
- Rain Jackets for Women
- Waterproof Trench Coats for Women
- Best Travel Umbrella Recommended by Readers
- Cute Rain Boots for Women
- Sturdy Duck Boots for Women
- Womens Waterproof Leather Boots
The type of clothing you’ll need will depend on the day’s activities and how heavy the rain will be. Here are some top tips and outfit ideas some drizzle or a downpour will just be any other travel adventure!
Repel Windproof Double Vented Travel Umbrella
Should I pack an umbrella?
When we think of a rainy day outfit, we often envision an umbrella. However, if rain is not on the horizon, don’t bring one. However, if you’re traveling to a temperate climate in the spring, the probability of it raining is higher, so bringing a compact travel umbrella is suggested but not necessary as you can always buy one in your destination if needed. If you’re looking for suggestions, read this best travel umbrellas post!
Always, always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
Tip: I’ve never packed an umbrella when traveling to Europe because I know they’ll be cheaply sold at any tourist location by people on the street looking to make a buck.
Blondo Danika Waterproof Boot Ankle Rain Boots
What type of shoes should I bring?
Whether or not to pack rain boots is always one of the biggest dilemmas when planning your rainy day outfit while traveling.
Generally speaking, don’t pack rain boots unless you can get multiple uses out of them. However, if you feel you need them, stick to ankle rubber rain boots as they’re easier to manage. Take a look at the best rain boots for 10 options that might work for you!
Sperry Saltwater Waterproof Duck Boot
There may be an odd trip where you might be outdoors a lot. For example, if you are staying at a farm, planning to visit the countryside, or hiking in a forest, women’s duck boots can protect against mud or manure. Check out this post for a full list of waterproof duck boots!
Blondo Women’s Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie
However, if you’re traveling to a city and just want to be prepared for the possibility of rain, waterproof leather boots such as the ones shown above are a great all-weather shoe. They’ll go with all your outfits and can be worn in various settings. The Blondo Villa Waterproof Boot is so popular among readers and the TFG Editor-in-Chief, we did a video review on them and a post.
Watch this video review on the Blondo Villa Waterproof boot!
Packing a functional yet versatile style can help you avoid the need to pack an additional pair of boots just for rain (aka rain boots).
Check out more of the best waterproof boots for travel.
Eddie Bauer Girl On The Go Waterproof Trench | Sizes XS-3X
What type of coat should I bring?
Planning what to wear on rainy days doesn’t mean you need a utilitarian look. You just need to plan the right clothing based on your itinerary. There are a few outerwear options you could wear in the rain: a raincoat, a regular coat with a hood, or a poncho.
Columbia Arcadia II Jacket | Sizes XS-3XL Plus
If you’ll be doing a pastime such as hiking or have several outdoor activities planned, we suggest a lightweight foldable rain jacket that you can put over other layers.
Cole Haan Trench Coat With Hood | Sizes XS-XL
If you’re visiting a city and spending more time sightseeing indoors, aboard a coach, or using taxis to get to and from destinations, opt for a waterproof classic trench coat with a hood or another spring jacket—review this article for more timeless trenches!
SaphiRose Hooded Zip Up Poncho
If you aren’t expecting much rain, but want to be prepared, a cheap, packable poncho that you can throw into your bag is an option as well. It’s an often-forgotten must to add to your list for rainy day outfits.
Read this post for stylish travel raincoats for women!
Zella Live in Leggings | Sizes XS-XXL
What clothing should I wear?
When deciding what to wear on a rainy day, leggings, or dresses worn over tights are always a good option. Leggings, and especially tights, dry quickly because they tend to have porous material.
Karen Kane A-Line Jersey Dress | Size XS-XL
Make sure to avoid cotton leggings or trousers and stick to synthetic fabrics for dresses. Jeans aren’t the best option for rain either; their thick fabric holds moisture against your skin and takes longer to dry.
Take a look at the top leggings for travel!
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Volume Building Waterproof Mascara
What make-up should I wear?
Even with an umbrella and the right jacket, you can’t avoid the wind blowing some water into your face. So, deciding what to wear on a rainy day also includes makeup!
Obviously, waterproof mascara is a given if you do plan to wear makeup. Tinted moisturizer is also great option because it tends to soak into your skin more than foundation which rests on the surface. This will also help avoid brown streaks dripping your face. Additionally, an all-over color stick will work better than just powdered blushes or eyeshadows.
Our readers shared their favorites for the best waterproof mascara!
Color sticks make great travel products in general! Along with working well in the rain, they are multi-functional and pass through security easily. Make sure to bring them along with you on your next adventure, rain or shine.
Search for more waterproof travel beauty products such as eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, mascara, and more that can help you look and feel good in the rain!
Cole Haan Double Breasted Packable Rain Jacket | Sizes XS-3X
(Model Demonstrating Packing Method)
Will the rain ruin my trip?
Of course not! Getting caught in the rain doesn’t have to put a damper on your trip. In fact, make the most of it. Purchase a brightly-colored umbrella that will stand out even in the drabbest weather or bring a lightweight raincoat is a more practical solution.
You can roll it up when you don’t need it, as demonstrated above, or store it in the bag you’re carrying. Some of those moments have been my most treasured travel photographs. Enjoy a hot bath at night, if the rain made you chilly.
Experiencing a traditional rainstorm in places such as England is all part of the cultural experience. Just make sure you carefully plan what to wear on a rainy day and bring the right gear.
Tip: Try to plan your itinerary according to the rain. For example, save museum visits and other indoor activities for rainy days and make the most of the sunshine when you can.
What to Wear on Rainy Days Outfit Ideas
Below are some examples of specific capsule wardrobe ideas for mild to heavy rain:
T-Shirt | Socks | Bag | Bra | Pants | Rain Jacket | Boots
Rainy Day Outfits: Hiking or Exploring
A quality rain jacket, good hiking boots and a waterproof bag will be good to have with you. A bra made with synthetic material is also good to help you dry faster. (Rain and sweat! Double bonus.)
If you’re going to be outside hiking or exploring, you’ll definitely want to wear moisture-wicking pants and socks. Having a good pair of socks that keep your feet dry, and not swampy is key. Your feet will already sweat while you hike, additional moisture can increase the likeliness of developing blisters. Make sure to purchase socks with a wool blend.
Trekking in torrential rain or snow? Pack waterproof pants and a plastic poncho as well.
Trench | Lipstick | Tights | Dress | Bag | Earrings | Boots
Rainy Day Outfits: Light Rain
If you’re walking to and from destinations in light rain, a good trench coat will help to keep your outfit and hair dry.
Tights and a dress are a good option, especially if you don’t want to wear hiking pants around a city. Tights are also made of synthetic material that dry fast.
For an outfit that will take you from rain to ritzy, wear leather boots that are waterproof and style-forward. Leather boots will keep your feet dry, and will be able to withstand mud as you encounter it. You can use a water resistant spray to help keep water out and protect your shoes.
Pair with black tights and a dress that can work for both day and night. Finish it off with a waterproof trench coat and a compact umbrella that can easily fit in your purse.
You can easily roll up your rain coat into a packing cube without any issues until you need it.
Longsleeve | Leggings | Umbrella | Bag | Boots
Jeans are OK for light rain although we don’t recommend wearing them for heavy rainy days or when you’re outside in the rain for extended periods of time. Opt for leggings instead. (Wearing wet clothes in cold temperatures can cause hypothermia.) Learn about how to choose the best fabrics for travel.
A compact travel umbrella will block a drizzle, and can be stowed in your day bag when not in use. Don’t be afraid to pick up a brightly-colored umbrella. Especially if the day is cloudy, it can really brighten up your photographs.
However, if you opt to skip the umbrella a light hooded jacket will usually work just fine. Wool blend socks are key to keeping your feet dry.
Poncho | Dress | Crossbody | Earrings | Tights | Boots
Rainy Day Outfits: Outdoor Sightseeing in All-day Rain
Choose one of these travel rain coats for women that fall below your hips. Alternatively, I recommend a durable poncho that keeps your whole body dry, but also gives you some breathability and flexibility.
Believe it or not, a dress and wool-blend tights, and a small leather bag (which is also waterproof) is any easy to wear outfit in the rain. Your clothing can dry easier, too.
Choose clothing you wear comfortably under your poncho or rain jacket. For heavy rain, we recommend a sturdy umbrella (a compact option from home or wait to purchase one abroad if needed).
While you don’t have to pack rain boots for most trips abroad, a pair of waterproof boots like one of these is definitely encouraged. You’ll see that there are many stylish options to choose from!
Now, would be a good time to use your water-proof camera, like a GoPro, to take photographs. Brightly colored lipstick and dangle earrings make a fun way to make you feel flirty, even in the pouring rain and cloudy weather!
Here are some tips on how to weather-proof your makeup!
What tips can you share to prepare for rain when traveling? Share and comment below!
For more seasonal packing tips, please read:
- How to Pack for Trips with Different Weather
- Transition through the Seasons with Weather-friendly Clothing
- The Secret to Packing Light in Cold Weather
- Waterproof Boots for Winter
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Author Bio: Nina Thomas is constantly looking for a beautiful view and a good adventure. Her travel highlights include horseback riding in the Ecuadorian Andes, hiking on top of Mount Etna in Sicily, and sheep-gazing in the Cotswolds. For more practical travel tips and ideas from a Central Ohio Girl, check out Traveling with Nina or follow her on Twitter.
Thanks for the tips. I’m looking forward to using my Columbia rain jacket in Italy starting next week! Still debating whether to bring an umbrella.
Have the most incredible time in Italy Jacquie!
Love all the recommendations for jackets. I never travel without one. Sad my Patagonia jacket has to go to the great travel heaven in the sky, but this gives me a lot of new options.
I love all the recommendations provided by Travel Fashion Girl. I bought the Columbia Arcadia lightweight rain jacket and it has proved invaluable! In Alaska in cooler weather, I layered under the jacket, so I was warm but dry too. In warmer climates, the jacket doesn’t make you sweat in the rain. The jacket is great to take on a trip because it is so light and takes up no space in your suitcase. I like that it comes in many colors too!
I thing that the booties will be great for my Amsterdam trip in March. But one of the many things I have learned her on Travel Fashion Girl is about the packing cubes with the Compass Rose style. To pack with a COO and have my clothes on hangers ready to hang and my other items in the Compass Rose packing cubes allow me to be efficient and organized!
Happy for all of the suggestions! Definitely need to look at some of the footwear
Thank you for this article. You never think it will rain on your vacation, but you want to be prepared just in case. Having a comfortable pair of waterproof cute boots is key along with a nice light but still stylish raincoat.
Very nice suggestions, though Impersonally, prefer a hooded jacket to an umbrella. I like having my hands free – photographs, handrails on slippery steps, and such.
We will be in Paris and Normandy in the spring, so knowing about the Blondo booties is particularly helpful! Thanks so much.
Heading to Alaska on a cruise and it is supposed to rain the entire trip. Thanks to your post, I am not concerned at all. Planning on having a great trip!
We are into month 4 of our road trip to Alaska and , although we aren’t traveling on commercial transportation, your tips and resources have proved invaluable as we travel in our van camper. And since parts of Alaska just had their wettest August to date, your rainy day advice was perfect
When I visit London, UK, I love to wear Oka-B ballet flats for times when it’s too hot for boots and when flip flops are not appropriate.
https://www.oka-b.com/collections/ballet-flats
I always travel with a pair of Oka-Bs, a stylish waterproof jacket, and a compact umbrella. Would not want to be caught wearing those tourist ponchos!!
Just ordered Girl on the Go raincoat–yay! I found Travel Fashion Girl (thank you, Alex) when trying to pack for a November trip to Frankfurt, Berlin and Paris. Yikes. Here I discovered a wealth of information about packing, but more than that, I discovered the efficiency of packing cubes, great suggestions for shoes and RFID-blocking purses, and so much more. I recommend this site to my travel-savvy friends who’ve yet to dive in.
Thanks for these ideas! I’m heading to Ireland this fall and I am sure we are going to have rainy weather. I am still looking for a plus size dress to add to my rainy day outfit.
Thanks for these great tips. My favourite times to travel are fall and spring, so generally always get some rain. Btw… one of my best purchases for travel recommended by TFG has been the Zella leggings; I love them so much
Hola Alex: Thx mucho for your invaluable tips and tests of products. After getting caught in a February monsoon on Oahu years ago, I never travel without my Eddie Bauer Girl on the Go trench. It has kept me dry in Taipei, L.A. and Vancouver, B.C.! Your Compass Rose packing cubes are my mainstay for packing and enjoying my travels. We are all blessed with your travel tips and insights. Bravo Alex Jimenez!!
I love to read all these posts! We have been to Portugal and Germany in the spring and early summer and it did rain in both places. Going to Ireland next May and expecting rain there too. I love my Eddie Bauer Charlie jacket, it saved me multiple times. Anatomie pants are also great for rainy weather. Thanks for all the help in planning my travel wardrobe! You have been so much help! I could not have done a capsule wardrobe without all your suggestions.
I wish I read this post earlier – got absolutely soaked in Cambridge, U.K.
This is great. We get so much rain in FL I will use these tips for daily living as well.
I’m short so I’m always afraid of poking someone accidentally while using one, so I’ve opted for a waterproof hooded trench coat instead. It worked out perfectly for my trip to Edinburgh-where the coat not only kept me dry from the rain, but added an extra layer of warmth on those windy rainy days (and evenings too)! My husband opted for the foldable rain jacket and although he liked it was compact and easy to stash in his backpack, he did admit he should have went with a waterproof trench coat like mine instead.
Thank you for the helpful suggestions! I came here looking for advice when packing for a trip to Florida – the forecast calls for 90-degree highs and rain/thunderstorms. Seems too hot for a rain jacket, but are umbrellas very effective in Miami, especially if it’s windy?
Speaking as a Floridian, it usually rains in the afternoon and it gets very hot and muggy. Best bet are waterproof shoes, with shorts and a top made out of quick-dry or synthetic fabric. I prefer a breathable rain jacket because it rarely rains vertically!
Great tips! Now if I could find the solution about frizzy hair on those rainy days!
Rainy days will happen, rainy trips will happen, being prepared is so important! I’ve traipsed all over Paris is pouring cold rain and have wonderful photos and memories of that trip. The wardrobe was critical! I have short, zippered, leather Ahnu boots that I sprayed with water proofing. Warm dry feet saved my trip! No umbrella, just an Eddie Bauer trench coat, scarf and a small towel in my backpack!
I always travel with my packable raincoat and a travel umbrella, it has saved me several times from being soaked as I came out of the airport in a downpour late. Always great to have stylish, lightweight rain gear to keep me and my camera dry. Rain or shine travel is always an adventure I’m up for. Safe travels to you all wherever your road may lead.
I have a few folding umbrellas from IKEA that are compact and lightweight for travel. Under $5, if I remember correctly. Uniqlo also makes a super lightweight pocketable parka that my family has been using for years. Requires extra waterproofing treatment, but really good for warm destinations.
I often travel solo with a capsule wardrobe and I will pair my outfits with one pair of shoes, my Ahnu boots. They are stylish, good for hiking and lots of walking and they are completely waterproof
Excellent suggestions! Love the red umbrella! Paris in November for my 4th visit, it always seems to be raining when I’m there.
I’ve purchased the Allbirds Trail Runner for our upcoming trip to Greece. Im particularly interested in how the thick/hiking boot type tread works on uneven/slick surfaces. I’ll let you know how it works out. I have been wearing them constantly to be certain they are comfortable
I love “Travel Fashion Girl”. Spent hours reading all the hints and comments. Everyone is so helpful with their great ideas and made several purchases based on readers advice.
Thank you for all the ideas for possible rain days. As someone who lives in the desert where it never rains, it is great to have ideas for how to deal with this unfamiliar water falling from the sky!
Love this post! We’re heading to France and Italy next week for about a month. Last year when we were in France I wasn’t super prepared for heavy rain. This post is SO helpful for getting organized for the rain ahead of time. There’s nothing worse than scrambling to find a good hooded raincoat when you’re already wet and chilly! Thanks!!
Love all these as I’m cruising the Rhine this October ! Due to the low water levels hoping for rain!,,, but want to stay dry and look good!
Travelfashiongirl.com is a real gem!,, love!
These are great ideas for rainy day clothing. I live on Vancouver Island where we get a lot of rain.
Thank you for this!
My two daughters and I got stuck in a mega rainstorm in Manhattan when we went last May. I had brought a rain jacket but they didn’t —and we were all wearing jeans. Luckily a street vendor was selling umbrellas for $8 each (probably triple what they were worth but not as much as I expected to pay!) that saved the day. Love these tips! Will definitely pack better next time we go anywhere with rain forecasted.
Hoping a little rain will fall in Ireland for our trip!
Love these ideas! Hope they come in handy for a future trip.
Rain is fine on vaca if you look cute😉
I am brand new to traveling abroad, and have loved reading through all of the posts gathering amazing ideas to help me prep for my first trip to a new place. Thank you for all the tips and ideas. I especially love and appreciate the links to be able to view and purchase goodies you’ve found to work well!
Thanks for this post. Hoping to head to Scotland next year. We’ve been told to plan for rain. Since we live in a desert, your reviews on rainy day products are extra helpful.
This is a great list! We love traveling to Ireland and I never even thought to try waterproof mascara while there.
The packable rain jacket is so smart! Feels like an item to keep tucked in my luggage for just about any trip, just in case.
Great tip to wear a dress with tights and a trench coat on a rainy day in the city.
I love the suggestion for the waterproof trench – definitely a must have.
I’ve got a stylish belted long waterproof black shell jacket from North Face. Kept out the rain brilliantly on a super wet day at Lake Como.
Sounds perfect!
A little rain is no excuse not to get out an explore! These outfits are great.
Thanks Bethaney!
That North Face poncho is so cute! It’s so hard to find aesthetically pleasing rain coats IMO.
That’s so true!
You definetely change my way of travel and pack!! Thank you for everything. You change my life!
it’s amazing how waterproof shoes can make all the difference, especially ones that won’t matter if you get them dirty so you can focus on making the most of your experience and not be bothered by your ruined or wet/dirty clothes.
Very true 🙂
it’s amazing how waterproof shoes can make all the difference, espescially ones that won’t matter if you get them dirty so you can focus on making the most of your experience and not be bothered by your ruined or wet/dirty clothes.
Comfortable shoes can make or break your travel experience and having dry feet is a must!
I’ve just fallen in love with that North Face poncho! I live in Scotland, so I’m used to lugging a waterproof and umbrella with me everywhere I go. Maybe I’ll try and mix things up with a poncho from now on (provided I can find it here in the UK, fingers crossed!)
Yay! Glad we gave you some new inspiration 🙂 Let us know if you find it!
I’d never thought about wearing tights on rainy adventures, I’ve always gone with jeans and paid the price by being cold and damp. Really great tip! I’ll definitely keep that in mind for my next rainy day adventure.
Thanks Kate!
Lovely outfits- I’d wear them all – rain or shine!
Thanks Danielle!