Traveling to Norway in summer and wondering what to wear? I know how overwhelming packing for Norway can be… In this guide, you can find our experience-based tips on what to wear and what to pack for Norway in summer. Find out!
Packing for any trip to the Nordics somehow always stresses me out. Packing for an active summer vacation in Norway is simply not as straightforward as packing for a beach destination.
So when we had to pack our bags for the two-week road trip in Norway in August, I was wondering what to wear in Norway in summer and how to pack light, yet be ready for all types of weather.
As we kept checking the ever-changing weather forecast, we realized that we would need clothes for pretty much all seasons for this summer trip to Norway. There was rain with temperatures of 6-12°C (42-54°F) in one place and sunshine with temperatures over 24°C (75°F) in another…
Our experience with the weather during a recent 2-week trip to Northern Norway and Lofoten Islands was exactly the same. We went from wearing t-shirts and shorts one day to sweaters, jackets, long pants, and even gloves literally a day later…
So here is a complete packing list for Norway in summer based on our experience during several trips. You may get lucky and you’ll have warm and sunny weather the whole time in Norway in summer, but I wouldn’t count on it too much. It’s better to travel well prepared so that you can enjoy everything that Norway has to offer no matter the weather. Find out!
Good to know: This is not a packing guide for fashionista’s looking for a cool Scandinavian look for their summer trip to Norway. This is a packing list for active travelers who plan to explore Norway beyond Oslo, see the fjords, visit the charming towns and villages, and do some hiking.
If you are visiting Norway on a cruise, this packing list will work as well, but you may want to pack a few nice outfits for dinner.
What to Wear in Norway in Summer
Here are just a few items of clothing that you really should consider packing for Norway in summer months (June, July, and August)
1. Layers of T-shirts and sweaters. The best way to travel light and be prepared for all kinds of weather in Norway is to layer your clothes. We had several days, especially along the fjords in Flam and when hiking to Pulpit Rock, when we started out with 3 layers, went to 1, and then back to 3 or even 4 again.
This is what we packed: T-shirts, several light tops with long sleeves, a light fleece jacket (with a zipper, so it’s easier to layer), and a thin fleece pullover. Why fleece? Because it’s warm, light to pack, and it dries quickly. We also took a few simple shirts and blouses to wear at dinner.
2. Rain jacket. Make sure you always have a rain jacket with you in Norway! Sometimes, the rain comes completely unexpected and you can get soaking wet in no time.
Before our trip, we were wondering whether a light rain jacket would be sufficient or if we needed a warmer insulated jacket in summer months. Despite the rain and the wind and rather cold temperatures, we were ok with the light jackets (sometimes in combination with two fleece sweaters underneath).
This is what we packed: a light rain jacket like this and this for the children. These are our favorite rain jackets and we have been using them on every trip for years. As the kids grow out of one, we immediately buy a new one. They’re worth every cent.
3. Jeans, shorts, and hiking pants. Depending on what you plan to see and do in Norway, you should pack some smart pants or jeans and hiking pants for outdoor activities. I’d definitely take shorts because when the sun is shining it feels really hot, even though the temperatures are not as high.
This is what we packed: casual pants, jeans, and hiking pants. On one of our summer trips to Norway, we never actually needed shorts because we were extremely unlucky with the weather (it was an exceptionally bad couple of weeks, the locals told us). But I’d definitely pack shorts as well. Normally, Norwegian summers are warm enough to wear shorts. We wore shorts and T-shirts on various occasions when we visited the Lofoten Islands in July.
4. Sneakers and waterproof hiking shoes. What kind of shoes to pack for Norway depends highly on what you plan to do. In general, light sneakers or walking shoes are best for sightseeing. However, if you plan to go hiking, you really need good hiking boots.
Most hiking trails (Pulpit Rock, Florli 4444, almost all of the hikes in Lofoten, etc.) are very wet, so ideally you wear waterproof hiking boots. I don’t think you really need sandals in Norway, but water shoes might come in handy if you are planning to go kayaking.
We never really missed rain boots in Norway, but we sure were glad we had waterproof hiking boots.
This is what we packed: one pair of light walking shoes/sneakers for everyday use and one pair of waterproof hiking boots each for hiking. These hiking boots are our favorites and they are perfect for Norway in summer!
5. Buff. Mainland Norway is not as cold in summer as e.g. Iceland or the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. So normally you don’t really need gloves, shawls, and winter hats. However, a buff is extremely handy to have and we did use it quite a few times during the trip, especially during fjord cruises.
This is what we packed: BUFF original.
6. Sunhat and sunglasses. Sun can be really harsh in Norway in summer so don’t forget sun protection. Those few moments when it was sunny during our trip, it felt really warm.
What to Pack for Norway in Summer
These are the travel essentials that will make your Norway summer trip more comfortable.
1. Sleep mask. If there is one thing you have to take to the Nordics in summer, it’s a sleep mask. It might be less important in August, but it’s a must in May, June, and the beginning of July. The days are endless and the midnight sun makes it impossible to sleep, especially because many accommodations don’t have black-out curtains.
2. Swimsuit and a quick-drying towel. There are many places where you can swim in Norway (weather permitting), so it’s always handy to have your swimwear with you. A quick-drying travel towel is nice to have too.
3. Day backpack. A light day backpack is very handy in order to carry all those extra layers of clothes you may or may not need during the day. Don’t forget a rain cover – we used it quite a few times on all our summer trips in Norway.
4. Reusable water bottle. Tap water is safe to drink in Norway, so don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle. Not only is it good for the environment, but it will save you quite some money as well.
5. European electrical adapter. Just as the majority of continental Europe, Norway has 220-volt electricity and uses type C/E/F electricity plugs.
6. Mosquito spray. I read that Scandinavia is a real mosquito paradise in summer. We encountered some mosquitoes in Norway, but nothing really significant (I guess it highly depends on where exactly you go and how the weather is). In any case, it’s a good idea to pack a good mosquito spray when visiting Norway in summer months.
7. Sunscreen lotion. As I said, even if it’s not very warm, the sun can be really harsh in Norway in summer, so a good sunscreen lotion with a high SPF factor is a must.
8. Face lotion and lip balm. We have a Facebook travel group for traveling to Iceland and Scandinavian countries and every time somebody asks what people wish they packed to the Nordics, people mention face lotion, moisturizing cream, and a good lip balm. The air is very dry in the Nordics and moisturizers are really essential in any season.
9. Portable charger (power bank). A portable charger has become a real must-have travel necessity for us. Also in Norway, we used it daily. We use our smartphones all the time (as GPS with Google Maps/Waze, as a camera, video camera, etc.) and they are usually empty long before we reach our hotel for the night.
10. Camera gear. Unless you use your smartphone for pictures, don’t forget your camera gear, including extra batteries and plenty of memory cards. Everything is so expensive in Norway, so better bring all you need from home.
LEARN MORE: How Expensive is Norway (with Price Examples)
11. Umbrella. Usually, we never pack an umbrella when traveling, but we could have definitely used one a few times in Norway. If you have a good rain jacket and plan to stay outside the cities most of the time, then you don’t really need an umbrella. But in town (and especially one like Bergen where it rains 230 days a year) a good windproof travel umbrella can be really useful.
12. Hiking poles. If you are planning on doing lots of hiking in Norway, hiking poles might be good to have. Most popular hiking trails are quite strenuous with lots of steep descents and trekking poles make it so much easier on your knees. We each have a pair of lightweight foldable trekking poles. They’re so compact and easy to pack that we now take them for all trips where we plan to do any hiking.
So, these are our tips for what to wear and what to pack when traveling to Norway in summer. If you are planning a trip, you may want to check our other articles for many different destinations in Norway. Take a look below!
More tips for visiting Norway:
- Summer itineraries:
- Lofoten:
- Cruises:
- Stavanger:
- Flam:
- Tromso:
- Svalbard:
- For more inspiration, see our Norway Travel Guide.
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Amy
Monday 6th of May 2024
I see you have bug repellant on the packing list. Mosquitoes love me, I seem to attract them more than most. We are going to Northern Norway - Tromso, Senja, Vesteralen and Lofoten the end of June, beginning of July. Did you experience mosquitoes or ticks on your 2 week summer trip? I'm hoping the wind will keep them away on the steep hikes, but in the towns and Lofotyr Viking Museum?
Jurga
Monday 6th of May 2024
Hi Amy, mosquitoes love me too but it's usually not too bad in Northern Norway. That said, a lot depends on the weather and the specific place you are visiting, so I would always pack a spray (or mosquito-repellent bracelets if that's easier to pack). We haven't seen any ticks. I think it shouldn't be a problem this high in the north unless you go camping or spend lots of time in the forests. Enjoy your trip!
Sharon Discorfano
Saturday 23rd of December 2023
Trip booked for 2 June 6th. We are older so we will be centraled in Bergen. We will opt for pre booked guidedshorter day trips. More of a culture,food trip. Museums parks, people etc. Again, we have booked hotel in Bergen Maybe you would have suggestions for some day trips and not expensive places in Bergen for meals
Jurga
Monday 25th of December 2023
Hi Sharon, for day trips, take a look at Bergen tours on GetYourGuide - there's a bit of everything and for various budgets. If you have a car, you can visit some places on your own. The most popular location that you could visit nearby is Flam. If you go without a tour, here you can read about the best things to do in Flam. As for where to eat, there are so many options, including the Fish Market in the center. But that area is very touristy so not the cheapest. There are some nice options a bit further from the water, in the shopping streets, e.g. Daily Pot or Siam Ratree Thai Restaurant. Egon is a popular restaurant chain in Norway with a big choice of reasonably priced food. Overall, Asian restaurants tend to be much cheaper than Norwegian. Hope this helps. Have a great trip.
Nise
Saturday 8th of July 2023
Such a useful list, including things I wouldn't have thought to pack. We're off in a couple of weeks Bergan to Kirkenes on a rail and sea package. We're really looking forward to it so thanks for all the great information you've provided.
Jurga
Saturday 8th of July 2023
Glad to help. Have a great time in Norway!
Rita
Saturday 30th of July 2022
I’d like to suggest smart wool tee shirts ( men and women)- in long and short sleeve , even tanks. Excellent layering pieces and are perfect for all temperatures! Thank you for your well described list !
Jurga
Saturday 30th of July 2022
Hi Rita, yes, indeed, (merino) wool shirts and t-shirts can be great for layering and easy to wash/dry when traveling too.
shazia Faridi
Saturday 23rd of July 2022
Thank you for this wonderful blog. Do you recommend packing a base layer (top and bottom) for an August trip? We are planning to do the Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjerag hike? Not sure if I can get away with exercise leggings. I am planning to travel in a carry on with 3 long sleeve and 4 half sleeve t-shirts, 2 savannah trail hiking pants from REI, 2 leggings, windproof jacket, waterproof hiking shoes, sneakers and keens. Please advise :)
Shazia Faridi
Saturday 30th of July 2022
@Jurga, thank you for your valuable advice. Your list is super helpful and we are planning to travel in carry ons and a backpack 😀
Jurga
Monday 25th of July 2022
Hi Shazia, normally, you don't need any base layers in the summer, but a merino t-shirt can be helpful if it's really cold. A waterproof jacket is really advisable too. In general, you'll use t-shirts much more than long-sleeve shirts. It's much easier to layer and adjust to the weather if it gets really warm. You just never know what kind of weather you'll get. We're just back from Northern Norway and we had sunny days where we could wear t-shirts and shorts and it was too warm, but most of the time, we had temperatures of around 10-12°C (50-55F) and often rain too. We wore our hiking pants and sweaters/ rain jackets almost every day. We also wore our hiking boots pretty much during the entire trip except to go to a restaurant for dinner or when we spent the whole day in town. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!