If you are traveling to Norway for the first time, you may be wondering what to wear. Norway has become a popular tourist attraction since American television discovered the country, culture, and cuisine a few years ago. So what should you pack when you visit us? The answer is not so obvious.
Smart pack – just enough to keep you warm and dry
You can always tell when people are seasoned travelers. They seem to have little luggage, they fly through airports knowing each terminal, they always look fresh and have a garment for every occasion. The inexperienced seem to have a lot of luggage and nothing to wear.
The trick to knowing what to wear in Norway is to choose clothes that keep you dry and warm. You may be freezing on the outside of your snow gear, but you don’t want to swim in your own sweat. For this reason, it is more effective to insist on natural fibers. Cotton and wool are always the best, and they will help your body regulate better under all those layers when you need to stay warm.
First, understand the weather
Norway exhibits various climates. It’s actually quite temperate on the west coast, thanks to the North Atlantic current of the Gulf Stream. This means places like Bergen rarely see snow in winter and have an average January and February high temperature of about 4 ° C (39 ° F) but about 17.5 ° C (63.5 ° F) in June, July, and August. The temperature remains fairly temperate wherever the Gulf Stream passes along the west coast, including on the far north islands, and most of the ports on the west coast remain ice-free in winter.
The areas in the far north without the Gulf Stream warming coastal waters are definitely cold, even in summer, and downright cold in winter.
In the same way, the further you go inland, the further you will be from the effect of the Gulf Stream. This means that it is colder and snowier in Oslo on the east coast, even though Oslo is a bit south of Bergen. Meanwhile, Oslo is colder than Bergen in winter, but slightly warmer in summer, with an average maximum of about -1.5 ° C (29 ° F) in winter and an average maximum temperature in June, July and August of approximately 21 ° C (70 ° F) in June, July and August.
What should you wear?
It’s actually quite easy if you know the weather and the type of weather (Norway has eight types). This Nordic country is cold, even during the summer months, there is a lot of rain and snow, and when there is a lot of snow, everyone should think about protecting their skin and eyes from the sun’s rays that are reflected off the snow, which increases its effect
What to wear when the weather is warmer
Even in summer, you’ll need long sleeves and a light jacket to keep you warm on the west coast and in more populated areas like Bergen and Norway. Boots are always a must when traveling in any country, whether you are there just to shop or planning to climb snowy mountains. Softer soled boots are highly recommended because cold weather can cause the soles to stiffen. Boots are always the best type of footwear for any trip to the extreme climate of northern Norway. They protect your feet from damage and keep your feet warm.
In southern Norway and cities like Oslo, you can be a bit more flexible and bring closed, waterproof shoes. Most people with destinations in the city will need something they can wear for a casual setting, and something a little more trendy for dining and a night out.
Briefly, in summer and fall, “be prepared to add or remove an outer layer such as a T-shirt, as well as long pants, a sweatshirt or sweater, a jacket or raincoat, and possibly an umbrella,” depending on where you are going, according to Climates to Travel. a world climate guide.
“It can be helpful to bring a windbreaker and a raincoat for wind and rain, especially along the coast and for a ferry trip through the fjords,” says Climates to Travel. “In inland areas like Oslo and along the southern coast, temperatures are generally mild, but a sweater for the night is still advisable.”
For the northern islands like Jan Mayen and Svalbard: “Warm clothes, jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat, raincoat.”
What to wear when it’s colder
You will never forgive yourself if you don’t bring thermal underwear when you travel to Norway during winter. Summer in the most populated areas, it is not necessary. But winter is a different story. It’s pretty easy to tell when someone is wearing thermal underwear in winter; they are the ones having fun outdoors. Again, think about the clothes that you can layer, the things that you can wear under and over other clothes. Jackets that can be turned inside out are another great way to add a piece to your wardrobe without adding weight to your luggage.
It is also extremely helpful to know that multiple thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than a thick sweater.
For winter in Oslo and the inland and northern areas, wear “very warm clothes,… long thermal underwear, fleece, a down jacket, hat, gloves, scarf. For the [relatively warm] west coast: a sweater, down jacket, hat, raincoat or umbrella, ”says Climates to Travel.
Protect your skin from the sun
No matter where you go, UV rays can be just as damaging to your skin, eyes, and brain when the sky looks dark. Sunglasses and sunscreen are minimum requirements for Norway, especially in the mountains, which can be sunnier than cities. The Norwegians say that mountains can be more dangerous because they are closer to the sun and the rays are therefore stronger and more damaging. You also need to be careful of heatstroke caused by UV rays. To protect against this, you should always pack a protective hat as well.
