What to wear for a Northern Lights Arctic photography trip

Be ready for the Arctic cold

Heading north to chase the Arctic Northern Lights? Or planning to explore snowy Arctic landscapes by day? Either way, it will be cold, and the weather can change quickly. The secret to enjoying it is simple: wear the right gear.

As Alfred Wainwright once said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” He was right—being prepared makes all the difference.

Norway’s coast is warmer than you might expect thanks to the Gulf Stream. But don’t be fooled—you’ll still need layers. In autumn, expect around 3°C in the day and about -2°C at night. In winter, daytime is often around -3°C, dropping to -7°C or colder after sunset.

With the right kit, you can sit under the stars for hours, waiting for the aurora to appear. I’ve done it at -15°C—cold, yes, but never unbearable. And a flask of hot chocolate always helps.

Pack smart, dress in layers, and you’ll spend your trip soaking up Arctic magic—not shivering through it.

The layering system

For an Arctic Northern Lights holiday, the most important thing to remember is the layering system.

• A base layer keeps moisture off your skin.
• A mid-layer traps heat and insulates your body.
• An outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow.

Layering helps you stay warm without overheating. It also lets you adjust to changing conditions by adding or removing layers. On guided Arctic photography trips, style doesn’t matter. Comfort and function always come first.

The expedition standard

This is the best gear for warmth and comfort. It costs more but performs better.

• Merino wool long-sleeved base layer
• Wool jumper
• Merino wool long johns
• Padded weatherproof trousers (e.g. ski trousers)
• Wool socks
• Waterproof hiking or snow boots
• Thick wool hat with chin strap
• Extra beanie or snood in your pocket
• Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens
• Silk glove liners
• Disposable hand and foot warmers

The core essentials list

This option is more affordable but still effective. It focuses on layering with synthetic fabrics.

• Thermal long-sleeved base layer (man-made)
• Fleece mid-layer instead of wool
• Thermal long johns (man-made)
• Thermal socks (non-wool)*
• Waterproof hiking or snow boots
• Thick non-wool hat with chin strap
• Warm, waterproof gloves

*Wool is always better but more expensive. Make sure your boots have space for your feet to move. This allows a layer of warm air to form. You can double up on socks, but only if your boots are not too tight. Tight boots will make you feel colder.

Extra comfort for a Northern Lights trip

A few small items make a big difference:

• Moisturiser and lip balm to protect skin and lips
• Balaclava or weatherproof head gaiter (breathable if possible)
• Lambswool or performance insoles for extra warmth
• Always prioritise head and feet—they get cold first

If you get cold on tour

If you start to feel cold, even a little, say so straight away. Once you are cold, it is much harder to warm up again. If caught early, small steps can stop it becoming uncomfortable.

Pay attention to what your body tells you. No one else feels exactly what you do, so don’t be shy about speaking up.

Still have questions?

If you are unsure about clothing or packing for a Northern Lights trip, please get in touch. We’re happy to help you prepare so that your trip is comfortable, safe, and unforgettable.