Norway in December is a true winter wonderland. Snowy mountains, fjords, and chances to see the Northern Lights make this a magical time to visit. But with temps dropping well below freezing, smart packing is essential.
From Oslo’s cozy cafés to Tromsø’s arctic adventures, you’ll need thermal layers, waterproof boots, and lots of cold-weather accessories. The right gear makes all the difference between freezing and festive.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Norway in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- 🌨️ Oslo: -6°C to 1°C / 21°F to 34°F, snowy and cold
- 🌬️ Tromsø (Northern Norway): -9°C to -2°C / 16°F to 28°F, icy and dark
- 🌌 Limited daylight: 3–5 hours per day in the north
What to Pack for Norway in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Hard-shell suitcase 🧳 – Weatherproof and sturdy in snow.
- Day backpack (1) 🎒 – For layering gear and snacks.
- Packing cubes (5–6) 📦 – Organize thermals and woolens.
- Shoe bags (2) 👞 – Keep wet boots separate.
- Toiletry bag 💼 – Cold-weather skincare friendly.
- Document organizer 📁 – Passport, tickets, insurance.
- Compression laundry bag 🧺 – For bulky winter items.
- Luggage lock 🔐 – Secure your bag on trains/buses.
- Microfiber towel (1) 🧻 – Quick-drying for saunas or hostels.
- Neck pillow 💤 – For long Arctic flights.
- Sleep mask 😴 – Essential during polar nights.
👗 Clothes
- Thermal tops & bottoms (2–3 sets) 🔥 – The base of every outfit.
- Wool sweaters (2–3) 🧶 – Stylish and insulating.
- Insulated parka (1) 🧥 – Waterproof and windproof.
- Down jacket (optional backup) 🦆 – For layering or city use.
- Wool trousers or fleece-lined leggings (2) 👖 – Cozy + practical.
- Jeans or casual pants (1–2) 👖 – For indoor or drier days.
- Thermal skirt (1) 🧣 – Stylish option for city wear.
- Snow pants (1) ❄️ – Needed for Arctic tours or snow hikes.
- Sleepwear (1–2) 😴 – Warm and layered.
- Wool socks (6–8) 🧦 – High priority item!
- Underwear (7+) 🩲 – Breathable fabrics preferred.
- Bras (3) 👙 – Sports or thermal-friendly.
💆 Skincare
- Heavy moisturizer 💧 – Combat cold air dryness.
- Lip balm with SPF 💋 – Prevent painful chapping.
- Hydrating cleanser 🧴 – Gentle and non-stripping.
- Eye cream 👁️ – Prevent tight, itchy skin.
- Facial oil or serum 🌿 – Extra hydration boost.
- Body lotion 🧴 – Your legs will thank you.
💄 Makeup
- Moisturizing foundation 💄 – Avoid flaking makeup.
- Concealer 🎯 – Cover winter tiredness.
- Cream blush & highlighter 💡 – Won’t dry out skin.
- Waterproof mascara ❄️ – Snow safe.
- Tinted lip balm 💄 – Looks good, feels better.
💇 Hair Care
- Travel shampoo & conditioner 🧴 – For dry scalps.
- Leave-in conditioner 🌿 – Anti-static help.
- Dry shampoo 🌬️ – Cold = less hair washing.
- Hairbrush & ties 💇 – Bring detangling tools.
- Mini hair dryer (optional) 💨 – Some hotels lack them.
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Insulated waterproof boots (1) 🥾 – Vital for snow and ice.
- Wool-lined sneakers (1) 👟 – For dry urban outings.
- Thermal socks (multiple) 🧦 – Worth the space.
- Wool hat (1–2) 🎩 – Traps heat efficiently.
- Scarf or neck gaiter (1–2) 🧣 – Windproof options best.
- Thermal gloves (2 pairs) 🧤 – One waterproof, one wool.
- Hand warmers (4–6) 🔥 – Life-savers in the Arctic.
- Ear muffs or headband 🧏 – Protect ears from wind.
- Crossbody or backpack purse 🎒 – Keep hands free in snow.
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport & visa (if needed) 🛂
- Travel insurance (required for many tours) 📄
- Printed tickets, confirmation emails 🎟️
- Local currency & cards 💳
- Maps & emergency contacts 📞
🚑 First Aid
- Cold meds & cough drops 🤧 – Dry air is harsh.
- Band-aids & antiseptic 🩹 – Minor blisters/cuts.
- Pain relief meds 💊 – Headaches from cold or travel.
- Thermometer 🌡️ – Just in case.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Hand cream & sanitizer 🧴 – Winter combo essential.
- Toothbrush & paste 🪥 – Basic but essential.
- Feminine hygiene products 👛 – Pack ahead of rural trips.
- Razor, deodorant, wipes 🧼 – Personal care basics.
- Tissues (travel pack) 🧻 – Cold air = runny nose.
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + EU/Scandi plug adapter 📱
- Power bank 🔋 – Cold drains batteries faster.
- Camera 📸 – Capture fjords and auroras.
- Headlamp or flashlight 🔦 – Very little daylight up north.
- Offline maps & apps 🗺️ – Reception can be limited.
🎧 Entertainment
- Books/Kindle 📚 – Long winter nights to read.
- Downloaded shows/movies 🎬 – Cozy cabin evenings.
- Journaling gear ✍️ – Document your Arctic escape.
🎁 Extras
- Reusable thermos ☕ – Warm drinks on the go.
- Snacks 🍫 – Expensive convenience stores.
- Ice cleats or crampons 🧊 – For walking on ice.
- Eye mask + earplugs 💤 – Adjust to odd sleep cycles.
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer up 🧥 – Cold weather gear is bulky, but worth it.
- Book Northern Lights tours early 🌌
- Double check bus/train schedules 🚌 – Reduced in winter.
🛂 Visa Tips
- Schengen visa if required for your nationality 🛃
- Travel insurance proof is mandatory 🏥
- Keep hotel/tour confirmations ready 📄
⭐ Must-Haves
- Thermals 🔥
- Waterproof boots 🥾
- Insulated parka 🧥
- Wool accessories 🧣🧤
- Hand warmers 🔥
👍 Good-to-Have
- Ice cleats 🧊
- Travel thermos ☕
- Eye mask 😴
- Offline audiobooks 🎧
