Packing list for −30 °C and the polar night – also with kids

Contents

How cold does it really get?
Clothing: the layering principle
Clothing checklist (per person)
Extras for children
For the aurora night outside
Tech
Documents and health
What you can rent
What you do not need
Common mistakes
Tick-off checklist (short version)
Frequently asked questions

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In short: Pack by the layering principle: a base layer of merino or synthetic fabric, an insulating mid layer and a windproof outer layer. Add mittens, warm boots with room for your toes, a hat, a neck gaiter and microspikes for icy paths. Many tour operators lend thermal overalls and boots – ask about children’s sizes in advance. What matters is not just the temperature but wind, moisture and how long you stand still. As of October 2026.

How cold does it really get?

Region	Typical daytime values Dec–Feb	Cold spells	Character
Tromsø, Lofoten (coast)	about −6 to +2 °C	rarely below −15 °C	Damp, windy, often sleet
Alta, Finnmarksvidda	−5 to −20 °C	−30 °C possible	Dry cold, clearer
Rovaniemi, Levi	−5 to −15 °C	−25 to −35 °C possible	Dry cold, calm in the forest
Saariselkä, Inari	−8 to −20 °C	below −30 °C possible	Very cold, dry
Iceland (south)	about −3 to +3 °C	rarely very cold, but stormy	Wet-cold, very windy

On the coast, wind and damp often make it feel colder than the thermometer says. Inland the air is dry, but temperatures are much lower.

Clothing: the layering principle

Base layer: long underwear of merino wool or synthetic fabric – no cotton, which stays damp and chills you.
Mid layer: fleece, wool jumper or a thin down/synthetic jacket.
Outer layer: a windproof, warm winter jacket and snow or ski trousers.

Two thinner mid layers beat one very thick one: you can take one off while walking and put it back on while waiting for the aurora. For long nights outside, a big down or synthetic parka that goes over everything works well.

Clothing checklist (per person)

2–3 sets of long thermal underwear
2 fleece or wool jumpers
Winter jacket, snow/ski trousers
Mittens plus thin liner gloves (for operating a camera)
A hat that covers your ears; neck gaiter or balaclava
Wool socks (several pairs), boots with some room for the toes
Microspikes for pavements and car parks
Comfortable clothes and slippers for the accommodation
Swimwear (sauna, geothermal baths)

Extras for children

One-piece snowsuit or jacket plus bib trousers
Spare gloves and socks (they get wet)
Balaclava instead of a scarf (safer, does not slip)
A sledge or carrier for toddlers; pushchairs are impractical in snow
Small rituals against the cold: a thermos with a warm drink, snacks, warmers in pockets
Reflectors on jacket and snowsuit – essential near roads in the dark

More on children and cold: Planning Lapland with kids – season, places, activities, clothing.

For the aurora night outside

While waiting for the aurora you barely move – the coldest situation of the whole trip.

One more layer than for a hike, plus the big parka
A sit pad or foam mat so you do not sit on snow or rock
A thermos with hot tea or cocoa
Warmers in gloves and boots
A head torch with red light so you do not ruin your night vision
A hi-vis vest if you are near roads

How to decide when it is worth going out: Understanding the aurora forecast – Kp index, Bz and clouds.

Tech

Phone, charging cable, power bank (in hand luggage; check your airline’s rules – some ban using them on board)
Head torch with red light
Camera, spare batteries, tripod – see Photographing the northern lights with phone and camera – settings that work
No plug adapter needed in Scandinavia if you come from continental Europe (type C/F); Iceland also uses type C/F – UK travellers need an adapter
Offline maps on your phone in case coverage is weak in remote areas

Documents and health

Passport or ID card (children need their own document)
European Health Insurance Card, travel insurance
Original driving licence (rental car, snowmobile)
Lip balm, rich cold-protection cream, sunglasses (snow glare in late winter)
Personal medication, plasters, blister plasters
Moisturiser – heating and cold dry out the skin

What you can rent

Many tour operators in Lapland and northern Norway provide thermal overalls, boots, mittens and hats for their excursions. That saves luggage – but only for the duration of the tour. For evenings outside and walks around town you still need your own warm clothing. In Rovaniemi, Levi and Tromsø there are also rental shops offering complete winter sets for several days – ask about prices and children’s sizes.

What you do not need

Cotton hoodies and jeans as your main clothing – they get damp and cold
Tight boots – even if lined, toes freeze without room
An umbrella – useless in coastal wind
Lots of evening outfits – in Lapland evenings are cosy and warm

Common mistakes

Gloves instead of mittens: fingered gloves get cold fast at −20 °C.
Sweating while walking: if you stop while sweaty, you freeze. Remove layers in time.
Feet packed too tightly: two thick socks in a snug boot cut off circulation.
Unprotected face: in wind and on snowmobiles or husky sleds, cheeks and nose are most at risk.
Relying only on rental gear: it usually only covers the tour.

Tick-off checklist (short version)

☐ Merino/synthetic base layer
☐ 2 mid layers
☐ Windproof jacket and trousers
☐ Mittens + liner gloves
☐ Hat, neck gaiter/balaclava
☐ Wool socks, warm boots, microspikes
☐ Warmers, thermos
☐ Head torch, power bank
☐ Documents, health card, driving licence

Frequently asked questions

TipIs a ski jacket enough for Lapland?

For moving around, yes; for long waits at −20 °C and below, often not. Combine it with warm mid layers or rent a thermal overall for tours.

TipWhich boots for −30 °C?

Insulated winter boots with a thick sole and enough room for wool socks and warm insoles. Tight boots mean cold feet.

TipDo you need microspikes?

In towns like Tromsø and on icy car parks microspikes are very useful. They are light and fit in any jacket pocket.

TimingWhat should I wear for the polar night on the coast?

A waterproof, windproof outer layer and warm mid layers – the coast is rarely extremely cold, but often wet and windy. More on the region: Tromsø in winter – polar night, northern lights, trips and practical tips.