Dressing for a trip to Norway: What to Wear in any Season.
Norwegians like to dress warmly for the winter and cooler in the summer months.
In warmer weather, women wear loose-fitting clothing, and men wear shorts and flip flops.
It is never a surprise to see people wearing bathing suits or wet swimsuits on their way home from a beach outing!
How do I dress in Norway?
The first rule of thumb is to pack layers. You can never have enough layers while you travel in Norway or when winter arrives!
Always bring at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair for the evening, as well as some hiking boots if you plan on doing any hikes.
There are 4 Season countries in Norway, and each has its own feel to it.
What to wear in Norway for Summer:
In the warm summer months, you can not expect a significant temperature change from night today as there isn’t usually an enormous difference.
Lightweight clothes are acceptable, although loose-fitting layers are preferred over singlets and T-shirts.
It is possible to swim in the fjords during the summer, so bring your bathing suit and a towel!
Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen, either!
What to wear in Norway for Winter:
As Norway gets colder in the winter months, you will want a warm coat and boots.
Choose waterproof clothes for the winter months and thermal underwear, gloves, and hats for extra warmth. It is not uncommon to get snowed in at your destination during this time, too, so having extra food supplies like bread, milk, and eggs is always a good idea.
Winter can be freezing in Norway, so be sure to pack a warm sweater, fleece, and warm socks!
The coldest months tend to be January and February, but temperatures can drop throughout the year.
What to wear in Norway for Spring & Fall:
In autumn and spring, Norwegians tend to wear a lot of layers when it gets cold outside. At the beginning of fall, Norwegian temperatures may still reach 20 degrees Celsius.
But by October, you will probably need a sweater or jacket. By November and December, many Norwegians wear thick winter jackets even though they are indoors or taking a walk in their neighborhood.
Norwegians love to wear thick sweaters and jackets, but they still look elegant because of their fashionable design.
If you are planning on visiting Norway during this time, here is a list of what you should pack for your trip (or buy before your departure).
- Long-Sleeved T-shirts
- Long Pants/Skirts
- Casual Jackets (or if you are planning on doing activities, bring your sports jackets)
- Beanies and Hats (to keep your head warm if the weather gets colder)
What to wear to the airport:
Pack light and pack early; it can take a long time to get through security at Oslo Airport – Gardemoen (OSL)!
Wear comfortable walking shoes, some layers, and always carry your passport with you!
Be sure to pack a sweater or extra layer as the airport is kept quite cold (think air conditioning). It can sometimes feel chilly even when it’s warm outside because of how excellent the building is.
Don’t forget your camera, and be sure to play around with the time difference! You’ll find that time is much different in Norway than it is back home. Most people arrive 2 hours before a flight. If you land on time, this will not be an issue, but it can put you in a rush if you’re late!
What do Norwegians Wear?
Norwegians wear what is comfortable for the weather. You will see that even in the summer, Norwegians like to cover up with layers, especially those living around the fjords, where the difference from day to night is not as dramatic.
The winters can get very cold, so be sure that you dress warmly and bring warm socks, a hat, gloves, waterproof clothes, and thermal underwear. Norwegians tend to wear waterproof clothing even when it’s not raining, as the moisture in the air (from all of that snow) can make you very wet. Even if it’s sunny outside, you can get chilled easily!
What clothing items are best suited for the other seasons in Norway.
The summer months are typically warm and, at times, can be pretty hot.
Norway is a 4 season country with severe cold, snow, and ice arriving in winter.
As mentioned before, Norwegians do not like to wear T-shirts or short sleeves during most of the year. This is because they have experienced so much rain and drizzle in their weather. You will rarely find a Norwegian wearing short during the colder months, only those that live near the coast.
The typical Norwegian wardrobe consists of sweaters and layers, which have proved extremely popular with international travelers who come to Norway for business reasons or vacation purposes.
If you are traveling toward Oslo from North America, you may find you have to pack a few extra layers. Norway has some of the most giant mountains in Europe, which means that it can be pretty cold at times.
During certain parts of the year, it is also possible to see snow, especially for those who live on the higher elevations. Be sure to check out what time of year you are going to Norway. It is also essential to know that it can rain and snow at the same time!
Many Norwegians love to get out into nature as this is when the beautiful colors of the leaves change.
Why you should always pack layers when traveling abroad, no matter where you’re going or what time of year it is.
The weather in Norway can change drastically, and it is essential to be prepared for any type of weather condition.
It is also necessary not to judge the temperature by what you see when you arrive at the airport. Some things that you can do to ensure that your trip isn’t ruined include:
- Bring a sweater or extra layer to wear when you get off the plane.
- Pack layers, even if it is summer. Be sure to check out your hotel’s location and see if you will be able to walk around with shorts or something very light on, like a short sleeve shirt. If not, then definitely pack those extra layers!
- Do not judge the temperatures by how you see them outside.
- Remember to bring warm socks as it can be cold indoors, even in the summer.
- Don’t forget your rain boots, an umbrella, and a good raincoat if possible!
Some of Norway’s most visited areas include Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, and Tromso.
It is recommended that you plan your trip in advance to be aware of the weather conditions and how the temperature will impact your clothing choices.
Also, consider what activities you want to do while on vacation. Remember, there is a lot to see and experience in Norway!
Tips and tricks on how to stay warm in Norway without spending too much money on clothes or gear:
1) Fill Your Suitcase With Layers:
For those traveling during the colder months, plan to have at least 3 or 4 layers. Wool sweaters and thermal underwear are great for keeping you warm. Investing in a good pair of waterproof hiking boots can be another way to keep your feet dry and warm.
2) Buy Secondhand Clothing:
If you are like me and don’t really care about brand new clothing, this is your chance to save a buck or two. Don’t be afraid to look around for some secondhand clothing stores that might be in your area while still staying within budget. You can find a lot of great deals online or even in a thrift store.
3) Travel By Public Transport:
This is something that I always recommend when living abroad, as you will get to see more and learn about the culture. However, you may find yourself having to walk further than you usually would if you were to drive everywhere. Just remember, walking is a great way to warm up and exercise!
4) Get Out There:
Activities such as hiking, skating, or skiing are all great ways to get outside in the winter. If you go into it knowing that there may be snow, you will learn how to pack accordingly and find yourself having a blast!
5) Stay Inside Warm:
When you return from your adventure, remember that the temperatures can still be cold and quickly cause you to get sick if you aren’t appropriately dressed. Plan a nice warm bath with some essential oils, or take advantage of a sauna.
This is great for warming up and getting rid of any sweat accumulated from your adventure.
6) Use Technology To Your Advantage:
It is incredible how much technology has advanced in recent years. If you will be far away from home, having a mobile hot spot can really keep you connected and let people know where to find you in case of an emergency. Using a good VPN (a virtual private network) is also essential to keep sensitive information secure and encrypted in public places like internet cafes or hotels.
7) Get Creative:
Trying new things can be fun, so don’t feel like you have to stick with your old tried and tested ways of staying warm. If you are in a place that has snow, try making some of your own gear or even getting lessons on how to ski or snowboard.
After all, one of the reasons for traveling is to explore new places and find out what it really takes to “survive” there! If you have any other helpful tips or tricks, please share them in the comments below!
