I keep looking at the weather for the Scandinavian countries we'll be visiting starting next week. The forecasts through mid-September are for temps in the 50's and 60's, intermittent rain most days, and winds averaging 4-15 mph. Add these factors together, and the "feel temp" will be lower than actual.
Since we live in Houston, TX, and are still sweltering in the upper 90's, it hard for me to figure out what to "layers" to pack.
On past RS trips, I either packed clothes that were too warm, or not warm enough. So, any suggestions would be helpful.
Posted by
Arcadia, CA
642 posts
Hi Grace, I went on the tour in May of this year and the temps were mid 50’s with intermittent rain. I live in LA, so not as hot as you but still used to warm temps. My packing was easy. I had three long sleeve lightweight smartwool tops that I rotated. (As long as you rotate, the wool doesn’t get stinky, and you can sink wash and they dry overnight). Then I had a Patagonia R1 Air hoody, and a nano puff parka, plus a longer rain jacket. I had bought a pair of Fjallraven winter stretch abisko pants that had a very light lining, and were water resistant. So with a combination of layers depending on the chill and the wind, I was cozy the entire time. Also thin wool liner gloves and a wool hat. I took some short sleeve Woolx tops, but never wore them but we never had 60’s. I wore jeans on the days that no rain was forecast. I never really wore the nicer set of clothes I brought for dinners out. One pair of shoes (waterproof tennies) is all I needed. I enjoyed the hotels with the heated bathroom floors as they helped dry my wool socks that I washed in the sink! I did bring a mini umbrella. You will love that tour, it was one of my favorites! Who is your guide?
Posted by
529 posts
We were on a Norway Fiord cruise in late August last year. We in OH have had a hot humid 90 degree summer…but now more seasonable. Houston is one of the most humid hottest places I ever experienced!
We liked Norway west coast so much we are doing a 2wk Scandinavian/Baltic cruise in 3 wks. All new places for us!
Bergen was the rainiest day for us last Aug. Not unusual they say!! Temps were in the 50’s…and range of 60’s. Beautiful though and walkable. (Beware of slippery brick walkways!) When sun shining not bad temps at all. I always bring and wear layers. I have a long thin rubberized raincoat w hood. Good for rain and wind. Under it I wear a wool sweater or my fleece. I am someone that heats up and cools down…so off and on. I bring several scarves, a knitted cap and my brimmed rain hat. Umbrellas nice but dont do so well in wind! A vest we both find is helpful. Gloves ….and I am fine. I see some wearing their winter thermal packable coats too…but still too warm for me. Winter yes. My husband the same layered gear as me. Enjoy!
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7734 posts
The key is layers. The tour only visits the southern parts of Scandinavia if I'm not mistaken, so expect temperatures around 10-20° during the day, maybe a bit higher. Single digit temperatures is not uncommon in the evenings. And expect rain, especially in Bergen. The Norwegian coast is probably the rainiest parts of the Europe.
A good light wind- and waterproof jacket is almost essential. Add layers beneath depending on temperature. Fjällräven was mentioned and they make very good clothes.
Posted by
OP
Houston
27 posts
Thanks for all the suggestions. REI thanks you too!