What to wear in Lofoten
Lofoten is rarely as cold as its latitude suggests, but it is often wet, and the weather turns quickly. Waterproof outer layers matter more here than heavy polar gear, and many tours lend you the rest.
The Store norske leksikon describes Lofoten's coastal climate as making winters mild and summers fairly cool. In numbers, that means the long-term average at Svolvær airport stays between −0.4 °C and +1.5 °C from December to March, and July, the warmest month, averages 13.3 °C. A tour operator writing on the Visit Lofoten site warns that the weather changes rapidly and asks winter guests to bring warm clothes. Plan your packing around both facts: moderate temperatures, fast changes and a lot of water.
Rain is the bigger issue
Lofoten is wet. Leknes airport averages about 1,600 mm of precipitation a year, and the Kongsmarka station near Svolvær about 2,350 mm. December is the wettest month at Leknes with 274 mm, June and July the driest with around 40 mm. Going by these figures, a fully waterproof jacket and trousers will help you more on most days than an extra-thick down coat. The same jacket keeps the wind out on ferries and exposed beaches.
Packing for winter
Average temperatures near freezing hide the cold days. In January 2025 the daily mean at Svolvær airport fell to −5.3 °C, and on 17 January 2024 the station measured −10 °C. Standing still on an aurora evening or out on the water, you will feel that. Aurora operators ask guests to bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves and warm shoes, and at least one tour leaves the head torch to you.
A layered setup works well: warm underlayers, a fleece or light down mid-layer and the waterproof shell on top. Add a spare pair of gloves, since wet gloves stop keeping you warm. For snow and icy paths, bring warm, waterproof winter boots. The snowshoe tour from Svolvær lists thermal boots as not included.
Some winter activities come with their own clothing. On the sea eagle RIB from Svolvær the crew hands out warm suits, gloves, hats, balaclavas and goggles or helmets. Winter kayak trips put you in a dry suit; one operator asks for warm, comfortable clothes underneath and extra clothes, gloves and thick socks for afterwards. The guided winter hike to Ryten provides snowshoes, microspikes and poles, and its operator recommends travel insurance that covers activities lost to bad weather.
Packing for summer
Summer days can be warm. Svolvær airport recorded 26 °C on 21 July 2024 and 24.8 °C on 3 August 2025. But the averages for June and July are 10 to 13 °C, and the islands are exposed to the sea. Bring light layers, the rain jacket, a warm top for the evenings and sturdy shoes for trails. Under the midnight sun the light stays bright all night, so sunglasses and sunscreen belong in the bag. Summer kayak operators also ask for a change of clothes.
On the water
On the water, what you need depends on the boat. The hybrid-electric Trollfjord cruise from Svolvær has warm indoor lounges, so ordinary warm clothes and a windproof layer for time on deck are enough. Open boats are different: on the open-boat eagle safari from Svolvær you get a life jacket, goggles, a cap and gloves, but your own clothing has to keep you warm for the rest, so wear more layers than you think you need. The four-hour fishing cruise from Svolvær hands out rain gear and life vests, so a waterproof jacket of your own is less critical there.
Summer kayaking in the Reinefjord does not include a dry suit. Operators ask for warm and comfortable clothes, water and ideally a waterproof camera; after the paddle the activity centre in Hamnøy offers a warm drink. If you get cold easily, a thin wool or fleece layer and a spare top in a dry bag make the evening more comfortable.
On aurora evenings by minibus, at least one operator supplies thermal suits but not winter footwear, so boots remain your job. The hunt stops at viewpoints along the way, so expect to stand outside in the cold for a while.
A short checklist
- Waterproof jacket and trousers, in every season
- Warm hat, gloves and a spare pair for winter
- Waterproof boots with good grip; winter boots for snow
- Warm mid-layer for boat trips and evenings
- Head torch from autumn to spring, sunglasses in summer
The best time to visit page lists temperatures, rain and daylight for every month.
All tours side by side
Tours where the operator hands out the heavy gear, from warm suits on the eagle RIB to dry suits in a winter kayak and snowshoes with microspikes, plus aurora evenings where boots and warm layers are up to you.
| Tour | Format | Duration | Age | Rating | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea eagle RIB safari through RaftsundetGo2LofotenA RIB ride through Raftsundet to Trollfjord where the guides feed sea eagles near the boat, with wetsuit, balaclava, hat and goggles provided. | RIB boat, eagle feedingWarm suit, gloves, hat, balaclava, helmet or goggles, life jacket | 2 hoursGo2Lofoten office, Sjømannsgata 5, Svolvær | Ages 8+ | 4.9 (991 reviews) | From €114Free cancellationBook on GetYourGuide |
| Open-boat sea eagle trip to TrollfjordXXLofotenAn open boat from the Svolvær quayside through the Raftsundet strait into Trollfjord, with stories about the Trollfjord battle and the Viking Age along the way. | Open boatLife jacket, goggles, cap, gloves | 2 hoursQuayside, Svolvær | Ages 8+, min. 140 cm | 4.9 (669 reviews) | From €129Free cancellationBook on GetYourGuide |
| Icelandic horse ride over Hov beachHov GårdA guided beginner ride from the Hov Gård stable on Gimsøya along the Arctic beach to the fishing village of Hovsund, past Viking-age remains. | Horse ride, beginnersGuide, Icelandic horse, helmet, boots, rain gear | 1.5 hoursHov Gård stable, Gimsøya | Ages 8+, max. 95 kg | 4.8 (230 reviews) | From €145Free cancellationBook on GetYourGuide |
| Winter kayaking in Svolvær harbourXXLofotenAn instructor fits you with a dry suit at Svolvær harbour and leads a two-hour winter paddle in stable double kayaks, with stories about the town on the way. | Double kayak, dry suitKayak, dry suit, spray cover, life vest, guide | 2 hoursSvolvær harbour | Adults only | 4.9 (94 reviews) | From €124Free cancellationBook on GetYourGuide |
| Aurora chase with bonfire and photosRaido AdventuresHotel pickup in Svolvær, a guide-photographer who helps with camera settings, hot drinks and food, and a bonfire when the weather allows. | Small vehicle, guide photographerGuide photographer, warm drinks and food, photos | 5 hoursPickup at hotels and Torget, Svolvær | – | 4.9 (50 reviews) | From €158Free cancellationBook on GetYourGuide |
| Winter hike to Ryten with hot mealGuide to LofotenA five-hour winter hike with just over 500 metres of ascent to the Ryten viewpoint above Kvalvika, with pickup between Å and Ramberg, a hot meal and gear provided; October to April. | Mountain hike, max. 7Pickup, snowshoes, microspikes, poles, hot meal, drinks | 5-hour hikePickup between Å and Ramberg | Ages 12+ | 5.0 (18 reviews) | From €291Free cancellationBook on GetYourGuide |
| Minibus aurora hunt with thermal suitsBravo Travelling ASA heated minibus from the Svolvær port terminal follows the clearest skies, with thermal suits and warm drinks provided for groups of up to 20. | Minibus, max. 20Guide, thermal suits, warm drinks | 4 hoursSvolvær port terminal | – | 4.7 (17 reviews) | From €145Free cancellationBook on GetYourGuide |
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Questions travellers ask
How cold is Lofoten in winter?
The long-term average at Svolvær airport is close to 0 °C from December to March. Cold spells still bring −5 to −10 °C, and wet weather makes it feel colder.
Do I need special boots?
For winter walks and snowshoeing, yes: warm, waterproof boots. Several tours list thermal or winter footwear as something they do not provide, while the riding stable at Hov lends rubber boots.
What should I wear for a RIB boat trip?
Normal warm clothes underneath. On the sea eagle RIB trips from Svolvær the operator provides warm suits, gloves, hats and balaclavas.
Is it warm enough for shorts in summer?
Some days, yes. July averages 13.3 °C, and Svolvær airport measured 26 °C on 21 July 2024. Pack for cool and wet weather as well, since conditions change quickly.
What do I need for an aurora tour?
Warm clothing, a hat, gloves and warm shoes, as aurora operators ask. A head torch is worth packing, since some tours do not include one.
Where these facts come from
Dates, opening hours and rules change. We checked these pages in October 2026; the official source has the final word.
