The four seasons of Denmark
The climate in Denmark is oceanic. Winters are longer, not so cold for a northern European country, but very (very) humid; summers are very mild and have maximum sunshine.
In winter, temperatures hover around 0°C in January and February, and rarely exceed 4°C during the day. Of course, like everywhere else, beyond the average temperatures, the weather can vary depending on the meteorological situation. If westerly winds prevail, the thermometer may slightly exceed 0°C, even at night, which generates precipitation in the form of rain. But if the Russian-Siberian high pressure system is at its peak, the temperature drops sharply below zero, to about -20°C in the worst moments. These icy episodes can last a few days but they do not last as long as in Sweden or Finland. Another Danish particularity is that the days are very short: the sun drags a little and only rises around 8:30 am to set... around 3:30 pm! We understand better the passion of the Danes for hot drinks, big coffee consumers, and the tradition of the comforting hygge!
On the Faroe Islands, the climate becomes milder with the passage of the Gulf Stream. This can be surprising in these latitudes. It freezes on average 30 to 40 days a year and it snows 20 to 30 days. Only the highlands, that is to say 80% of the territory, have an arctic climate. There, the wind blows strongly and the humidity level is around 90%! Good to know: it rains on this archipelago 300 days a year..
When spring comes, it is the return to life after a long winter. The landscape is transformed even if the temperatures remain cool and hardly exceed 11°C in April or 16°C in May. It is a great opportunity to discover the cherry blossoms, an overwhelming Danish hanami in different places, such as the Bispebjerg cemetery in Copenhagen or Fredens Torv in Aahrus. It is with an amplified joy that we see June coming, when the air really gets milder and the sky takes on beautiful blue hues. As for the sun, it invites itself for a longer period of time and stays above the horizon once midnight has come. The darkness lasts hardly more than 3 or 4 hours, just enough time to lower one's eyelids to rest from the dazzling return of the light! The white nights in Copenhagen take place from June 4 to July 9 approximately. During these months, one forgets one's rain gear because the rainfall is the lowest of the whole year. And one finds the pleasure to ride one's bicycle in all freedom..
What about summer? This season is eagerly awaited by all. In August, temperatures are rather mild, 22°C in Copenhagen and in the main cities (Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, etc.), but they can cool down to around 13°C as soon as night falls, especially along the coast. One finds a little bit of the French Breton climate! After having calmed down during spring, the rains come back in July and August. However, beware of the hot air currents coming from the South which can bring a few days of scorching heat, usually no more than two or three days. It is rare for the temperature to reach 30°C, but record highs of around 33/34°C are becoming more and more frequent. Warm air but cold water. Denmark is not the place to go for a swim in the sea without apprehension! The water temperature, which is 3°C in January, painfully reaches 18°C in August. If you don't want to go for a dip, you can enjoy beautiful walks along the sandy beaches of Søndervig (West Jutland) or Hestehoved on the island of Lolland, or on the giant dunes of Råbjerg Mile near Skagen, in North Jutland.
As soon as autumn arrives, the sky becomes greyer and the sun becomes scarcer. Temperatures rise to 12°C during the day and drop to 6°C at night. During the first days of September, the temperature is still acceptable, and the forests and parks are adorned with the beautiful shimmering colors of fall. Even if a shower wets your nature trail, the sun is never far away. It comes back to brighten up your trip, that's the principle of the oceanic climate... In autumn, the countdown to warmer days has begun. Chimney fires crackle in the hearth of the houses, tales and legends are told and Halloween marks the spirits. Festivals follow one another before plunging back into the night..
On the other hand, the key word for the climate of the Faroe Islands, in spring as well as in summer, remains the word... cool! Indeed, temperatures rise very slowly: in May, the maximum is 9°C, in July 14°C with sometimes a peak at 18°C. You should also know that in the highlands, at altitude, snowfalls can occur, even in summer. Fortunately, the sky is clear and the air is full of oxygen. And it seems that from the top of Slættaratindur (880 meters above sea level), you can see the Icelandic glacier Vatnajökull!
What to put in your suitcase?
An answer like "a little of everything" will frustrate the most organized! However, it is better to plan for both the chic and the comfortable. In Denmark, moms have a habit of repeating to their children, " Der findes ikke dårligt vejr, kun dårlig påklædning." Translate as: "There is no bad weather, there are only bad outfits!" And this is very true!
In winter, bring warm and waterproof clothes (fleece, down, rain hat, hat, gloves, scarf, long johns...) and good comfortable shoes or rubber boots. Choose insulating clothing made of natural fibers (cotton or wool), mixed with synthetic to absorb body moisture. Do the onion by layering your clothes, which will make you more comfortable and help you shed the excess once inside a museum or a hot department store. Avoid heels and trendy sneakers: the road is often paved, it can be slippery and your feet will quickly get sore and wet. Don't forget a raincoat, a breathable windbreaker or a rain cape suitable for urban hiking or cycling. An umbrella can be useful except in case of gusts! Finally, pamper your skin: lip balm and moisturizing creams will instill a very hygge softness.
In summer, discover yourself! Flowery dresses, shorts, sandals or flip-flops, caps and sunglasses are welcome. Nevertheless, always have mid-season clothes in your suitcase. You need to be able to cover up or uncover yourself depending on the moment. T-shirts yes, but also long pants, a light jacket and a sweater!
But throughout the year, the essentials of a Danish wardrobe remain: the umbrella or raincoat in addition to your bikini, because for a spa or sauna, it is better. Finally, a dressy outfit is always a good idea for an evening at the opera or a dinner in a good gastro!
Finally, a very smart tip: always bring a change of clothes and a towel in your car, so you can continue your day of excursions without spoiling your happiness of staying in Denmark. Being well equipped means having a good stay!
