There's no Such Thing as Bad Weather: Why the Nordics go Outside Anyway

Autumn in Norway can be beautiful warm sunny weather and a continuation of summer. OR! it can be rainy and wet and a bit soggy underfoot. Much of Norway is actually quite wet and boggy and it's so green because we get quite a bit of rain. But rain does not mean that nature is any less beautiful. It simply offers a different kind of beauty, one that reveals itself if you’re willing to step outside. When the rain falls, colours become more saturated—the green of moss deepens, the red of berries seems brighter, and the air feels rich and clean. Forests take on a quiet stillness except for the steady patter of raindrops on leaves, and streams and waterfalls come alive, rushing with new energy. It’s a softer, more contemplative kind of beauty than the sunny days, but every bit as lovely to experience.

The Norwegian Way of Rain

What always strikes me is how many Norwegians are outside in the rain. Back in England, a rainy day often meant staying indoors, grumbling about the weather (a very British occupation!!) and waiting for the skies to clear. Here in Norway, the number of people outdoors seems to be exactly the same whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring. Families head out on hikes, joggers continue their evening runs, and children play just as enthusiastically in the school playground.

From the looks on people’s faces, I sometimes wonder if they enjoy it more when it rains. There is joy in the way kids splash through puddles in their waterproof trousers and boots, chasing each other through the little streams that suddenly appear. Adults, in waterproof coats, are completely unfazed by the drizzle. No one hurries to escape it. The rain is simply accepted as part of life. Once you let go of the built-in worry that rain should keep you indoors, it becomes strangely liberating.

Dressing the Nordic Way

And that is the biggest part of getting outside like you're Nordic especially when the weather is a little unpredictable - it's all about the way we dress. Nordic people are raised to dress properly outside and have an outfit for every occasion and I am not talking about social occasions. I am talking about being outside. Friluftsliv is such an integral part of life here that the right outfit is crucial. It's more than feeling right though. It's about being comfortable and relaxed and enjoying the act of getting outside into nature and not worrying about whether our feet are going to be wet and cold, or is that coat warm enough. We have to stop fussing about appearances and embrace the outdoors. We can look stylish and also be dressed right for the weather.

Norwegians grow up with this principle. They have a saying that translates roughly to: There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. It’s not about fashion or appearances; it’s about practicality, comfort, and freedom. To enjoy friluftsliv—that love of life outdoors—you have to be able to move easily and stay dry and warm. That means having the right gear for every season.

It isn’t about looking rugged or sporty. In fact, what I’ve noticed is that once you stop fussing about appearances, you feel far more at ease. If your shoes are waterproof and your coat keeps you warm, then you can actually enjoy the experience of being outside without constantly worrying whether your feet are soaked or your coat is too thin. Ironically, when you’re dressed right for the conditions, you often end up looking stylish in that effortless Nordic way—practical, confident, and comfortable.

Tips for Staying Warm and Dry

If you’re curious about embracing the outdoors in autumn—or want to feel a little more Nordic—here are a few simple tips that make all the difference:

• Wear wool as a base layer. Woollen underwear or thermals are essential when the weather turns cold. Unlike cotton, wool keeps you warm even when it’s damp, and it regulates body temperature beautifully. Just don't get it wet!

• Always take a waterproof coat. Even if the day begins with blue skies, autumn weather can change quickly. A lightweight but reliable rain jacket means you can keep walking, cycling, or exploring without having to run for shelter. It will also double as a windproofing layer for those unexpected breezes.

• Invest in good shoes. Wet, cold feet can ruin any outing. Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy wellies keep your feet warm and dry, making it much easier to enjoy being outside for longer.

• Layer your clothing. The Norwegian way is all about layers. Start with wool close to your skin, add a warm insulating layer like fleece, and finish with a waterproof shell. That way, you can adjust as the weather changes.

• Don’t forget accessories. A woollen hat, gloves, and a good scarf are small items that make a huge difference in keeping you comfortable.

• Pack a thermos. This isn’t clothing, but it is very Nordic. A hot drink outdoors—whether coffee, tea, or cocoa—turns even the rainiest walk into something cosy and enjoyable. I never take a trip out into nature without mine. It forces me to stop, slow down and actually look around.

Finding Beauty in All Weather

Living in Norway has completely changed my relationship with rain. Where once I saw it as an obstacle, I now see it as an invitation to experience nature in a different mood. The damp air, the sparkle of raindrops on branches, the smell of wet earth—it all feels grounding and refreshing. Rain reminds me that nature has many faces, and all of them are worth embracing.

Autumn here is not just about crisp sunny hikes through fiery forests; it’s also about the soft patter of rain on your hood, the laughter of children jumping in puddles, and the satisfaction of returning home with rosy cheeks and damp boots. Both sides of the season have their own beauty, and both are equally worth experiencing.

So next time the skies open up, instead of retreating indoors, try stepping outside with the right clothes and an open mind. You might discover, as I have, that rain isn’t something to endure—it’s something to enjoy.

You'll find more in my NEW BOOK Friluftsliv: How to love the outdoors like you're Nordic coming out 23 September!