Clothing in Copenhagen in May
 

We are making a 16-day transatlantic cruise from New Orleans to Copenhagen starting in mid-April. After arriving in Copenhagen, we'll spend a week there and then go on to Berlin, Brussels, and Paris for three more weeks. Any suggestions on clothing I'll need in Copenhagen? I expect the weather to be cool but am unsure about whether I'll need a winter coat vs. allweather coat vs. light jacket, gloves, cap, etc. I'm hoping that it will be warm enough in Paris for only a light wrap in the evening, but don't want to freeze in Denmark and Germany!

We were in Copenhagen in June and although it was rainy, it was not freezing. I would think a mid weight jacket would be fine. That is all that I needed. You will need one on the cruise also, as it can get quite chilly just being outside on the ship. I brought silk long underwear and gloves also, just in case. They don't take up much room and they really cut the cold.

A winter coat would definitely be overkill. (Southern Scandinavia is not nearly as cold as one would expect - all of coastal europe is warmed by the gulf stream.)

I would bring a rain jacket with hood and a couple of light sweaters as well as long and short-sleeve tops. Also a couple of pair of waterproofed walking shows and a sturdy folding umbrella.

However, you may find the trip across the Atlantic to be colder than Copenhagen.

Caveat: If you are used to NO temps - which are close to tropical - you may want a couple of heavier sweaters. (I find the weather in NO unbearably hot except in Jan/FEb.)

I've been to Copenhagen throughout the year, the weather can be unpredictable. I've been in September when the temps have been 30C and again during August when I could have done with a warm coat. If it rains it doesn't usually rain for days on end, one day can be rain and the next can be a nice sunny day. Copenhagen gets rather windy sometimes and with the rain can make it feel cold. Agree with the others that a winter coat is too much for May, but be prepared with layers for the unpredictable climate.

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I'll be sure to bring umbrella and allweather coat and clothes for layering.

I, too, am going to Scandinavia in May. I generally travel in walking shoes, slacks, simple shirts and sweaters. Will I be able to buy a Nordic sweater if need be?