EVELYSS / Guides / Travel & Everyday

What to Wear to Lapland in December (Layers, Boots and What's Usually Provided)

“Lapland isn't a fashion trip, but you can still look good in it. Get the layers right underneath, keep the outer suit simple, and save your style for the parts that show: a great knit hat, a neck tube in a colour that suits you, and a cosy outfit for dinner.”Her take

How cold is Lapland in December?

Very. In Rovaniemi, where most UK trips go, December daytime highs average around minus 6°C and nights around minus 12°C to minus 15°C, and cold snaps can drop below minus 20°C. Near the Arctic Circle the sun is up for only about two to four hours a day in December, and further north it doesn't rise at all around midwinter, so you'll have a few hours of blue twilight and long dark evenings, which feel colder than the number suggests.

Indoors is the opposite: hotels, restaurants and cabins are kept very warm. That's why layers work better than one huge coat. You need to take things off quickly when you go inside, or you'll overheat and then get chilled when you go back out.

The three-layer system

Every layer has a job. Get these right and the outer layer can be simple.

• Base layer: long-sleeved thermal top and full-length thermal leggings in merino wool or a synthetic thermal fabric. Avoid cotton; it holds sweat and makes you cold.
• Mid layer: a fleece or wool jumper and fleece or wool trousers. On the coldest days, add a second thin layer, such as a merino top under a fleece.
• Outer layer: an insulated, windproof snowsuit or a ski jacket and salopettes. This is the layer operators most often lend.
• Feet: thin liner socks under thick wool or ski socks, and insulated snow boots with room to wiggle your toes. Tight boots are cold boots.
• Hands, head and neck: thin liner gloves under warm mittens, a hat that covers your ears, and a fleece or wool neck tube you can pull up over your nose.

What do Lapland tour operators usually provide?

Many UK package holidays to Lapland lend thermal outer suits, snow boots, mittens and sometimes balaclavas for the whole stay, and on some excursions, such as snowmobiling or husky rides, you may be asked to wear the provided suit. What's included varies, so check your booking confirmation or call the operator before you buy expensive outerwear.

Even when outer clothing is provided, you'll still need your own base layers, mid layers, socks, liner gloves, hat and neck tube. It's also worth bringing your own warm boots for the airport and the first evening, before the kit is handed out.

What to wear on the plane and for arrival

Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to save suitcase space: your warmest boots, a thermal base layer under a comfortable jumper and trousers, and your winter coat. You'll step off the plane into serious cold, often before you've been given any kit, so have your hat, gloves and neck tube in your hand luggage, not in the hold.

Planes and airports are warm, so wear a light top under your jumper and take layers off once seated. A big tote that can hold your coat on board is useful.

What to wear in the evenings

Indoors is warm and relaxed. A soft knit jumper or a knitted dress with thick tights, comfortable jeans or wool trousers and warm, grippy shoes or slipper boots are all you need. Restaurants in Lapland are generally casual, so smart-casual is the most you'll need.

Bring a pair of shoes or boots with good grip for walking short distances between buildings on icy paths. If you're going out to look for the Northern Lights, you'll be standing still for a long time, so wear every layer, including the full outer suit, and bring hand warmers.

Lapland packing list for a short December trip

This covers three or four nights for one adult. Adjust for children, who get cold faster and need checking often.

• 2 to 3 sets of thermal base layers (top and leggings)
• 2 fleece or wool mid-layer tops and 1 pair of fleece trousers
• 2 pairs of thick wool socks per day and liner socks
• Hat, neck tube, liner gloves and a pair of warm mittens (in case kit isn't provided)
• Insulated, waterproof boots for travel and evenings
• 1 or 2 casual indoor outfits, plus swimwear for any sauna
• Lip balm, a rich moisturiser and hand cream for the dry cold

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Thermal, fleece, insulated outer, two pairs of socks, mittens over liners, check what the operator lends, and keep your hat in your hand luggage.

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