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I’ve messed up with the holiday I’ve booked

286 replies

SoEasyToFallInLove · 15/10/2025 07:24

I had a week of annual leave to use before April. I did some research and booked a week to be split between Oslo and Copenhagen at the end of February/beginning of March. Everything I had found said that temperatures at this time were around -5° to 2°C. I figured I could cope with that.

I’ve now found a lot of discussion online that says that last year it was regularly -30° in Oslo in February. It’s a bit luck of the draw but apparently it can stay below freezing until the end of March.

What do I do? I’ve paid for everything and it’s non refundable but if it’s that cold I’ll literally just be sat in a hotel room all day. Do I go and hope for the best or just cancel and use my leave another way?

OP posts:
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AdventureTime01 · 17/10/2025 06:32

I don't understand why you've came onto MN to absolutely disregard any helpful advice you've been given. Perhaps you have booked the wrong holiday if your funds are so tight. You should have spent more time looking for a holiday that fitted your budget instead of shooting everyone down. You do you and be cold and miserable, but don't post here looking for sympathy!!

pollymere · 17/10/2025 00:56

I took DH to Copenhagen for Valentine's. As the plane landed, the snow was falling and he announced he hadn't brought a coat 😂.

He was actually fine. We had some lovely sunny days and in the sun felt warm as it does in the UK in March. I just wore a regular coat with gloves and a scarf. The museums etc were warm and inviting. And we loved visiting the Carlesburg brewery. We also visited the Cemetery.

I think you're panicking a bit about extreme cold. Where I live in the UK can regularly get below freezing but it usually starts warming up by March.

Lasnailinthecoffin · 16/10/2025 23:43

SoEasyToFallInLove · 15/10/2025 07:38

im looking around for a coat but obviously don’t want something I can’t use again in the UK!

I'm going to Tromso in Norway in February to stay with family. I just came back from a lovely autumn break and obviously it will be much colder. I have enjoyed buying things from Trespass and Mountain Warehouse online as both have sales, plus extra reductions at the moment.

I bought merino wool thermal underwear in Norway and have just bought ski trousers, base layers, waterproof hiking boots, walking poles and a down coat! I think that I can make use of everything except the ski trousers in the UK and if I enjoy it, I will return next year too.

FunMustard · 16/10/2025 21:33

Sorry what I didn't say there was that as Montreal is a city with regular snow, as I imagine both Oslo and Copenhagen are, I suspect unless you're looking to venture out of the city you'll probably be fine with what you can get here.

FunMustard · 16/10/2025 21:32

I spent six months in Montreal many years ago - I took a Primark parka and wore layers and it was absolutely fine.

I will say it's a much dryer cold than here, and I've got no idea about Oslo and Copenhagen - but honestly, I think you'll be fine. Take some nice warm socks and some thermals, and make some plans for what you want to do.

WinnerwinnerGinfordinner · 16/10/2025 19:43

I've been to Norway in Feb. Started off in Oslo but went up to Lillehammer. The snows was waist deep at times. Also been to Iceland in Feb again very cold. Decent clothes and you'll be fine. Norway was stunning in the winter (I've been at Easter too still lovely but the snow was special).
Ski jacket, ski trousers, ski boots, thermals, good socks and a good hat and you'll be right as rain. There's no such thing as bad weather only bad clothes

AspiringMinimalist · 16/10/2025 19:34

Perfect time of year for Korketrekkeren! Definitely wear thermals and get a very decent coat / layers. And waterproof trousers if you do go for tobogganing. We went to Oslo in Jan for this and exploring and had a lovely weekend ❤️

Galatine · 16/10/2025 18:54

Oslo and Copenhagen are beautiful cities. Just get yourself some decent outdoor clothing from a quality brand, (not fashion wear), and a pair of goretex walking shoes to wear with warm socks. You will have a great time! Don’t miss a walk around the Vineland Sculpture Park in Oslo.

Yourcatisnotsorry · 16/10/2025 18:52

We were in Finnish Lapland last February which is considerably more northern than Oslo and it was between -5 and +3. There is lots to do in Copenhagen indoors so I think you’ll be fine (and tivoli is rubbish anyway).

canyouseemyhousefromhere · 16/10/2025 18:39

SoEasyToFallInLove · 15/10/2025 07:45

I’m definitely going to get thermals - I’m looking at the Uniqlo heattech range.

I was going to take my regatta walking shoes and pair them with thermal wool socks. They’re waterproof and sturdy, and really well broken in, but I’m guessing those won’t be enough?

I was also planning to layer (of course), and get a thin light down coat to go underneath my long M&S raincoat. Again is this just a stupid idea?

When my son & his gf went last November they bought thermals from sports direct, reasonable prices and were very effective.

Jumpers4goalposts · 16/10/2025 18:21

Been to Lapland in January it was fine the whole country is set up for being that cold. Just lots of layers. I wore walking boots and two pairs of themaL socks M&S it was fine.

HandmadeNanna · 16/10/2025 18:03

SoEasyToFallInLove · 15/10/2025 07:24

I had a week of annual leave to use before April. I did some research and booked a week to be split between Oslo and Copenhagen at the end of February/beginning of March. Everything I had found said that temperatures at this time were around -5° to 2°C. I figured I could cope with that.

I’ve now found a lot of discussion online that says that last year it was regularly -30° in Oslo in February. It’s a bit luck of the draw but apparently it can stay below freezing until the end of March.

What do I do? I’ve paid for everything and it’s non refundable but if it’s that cold I’ll literally just be sat in a hotel room all day. Do I go and hope for the best or just cancel and use my leave another way?

I had a holiday in Oslo same time of year. It is cold, but not the sort that creeps through you. Just make sure you have thermals and a good pair of walking boots which you can wear with an extra pair of socks during the day. No ballet pumps or trainers. Be comfortable and warm. Don't be daft about "looking good".

MzHz · 16/10/2025 12:50

I’ve been to Oslo a few times for work in February, once it was -19c which I’m not going to pretend wasn’t brutally cold

like Tourette’s level cold when the hotel doors open.

otherwise it’s just cold, but manageable - you need a decent coat, hat, gloves and scarf. Decent boots with a tread as there still could be ice and snow about

notacooldad · 16/10/2025 11:27

OP we're getting away from your original question - cancel or stick to plan.
The original question has been answered so many times, there's nothing more to add.
In summary the answers were:
1 Its not going to be -30°C in the city
2 You don't need to spend £900 on ski wear
3 You don't need ski wear
4 wear your purple puffer jacket, it doesn't matter if it makes you look big.
5 ok you dont want to wear that, have a look on Vinted
6 Buy a coat on Vinted and resell it
7 Buy a coat from Vinted
8 Have a look on Vinted for a warm coat
9 Here is a coat on Vinted
10, Layers, you will get too hot once in a building
11 Have a look on Vinted.

Idontpostmuch · 16/10/2025 10:36

OP we're getting away from your original question - cancel or stick to plan. It must now be obvious that we think you should stick with it. Now make your own decision. Constantly arguing about clothes won't help.

Idontpostmuch · 16/10/2025 10:31

IngenTing · 16/10/2025 07:01

I live here in Norway. You'll be fine in Oslo, it doesn't get that cold in February. Where I live, we have temperatures that can drop to the minus thirties, but only for a few weeks in January and this is mostly at night. I live in the mountains in one of the coldest places here.
A little tip - take decent water proof shoes/ boots. Oslo might have snow, but it's a busy city, the snow will be wet and slushy and often in a big pile where you need to cross the road. The snow ploughs drive it, but you get mounds at the side of the road.

Layers are your friend, it can be cold out. Hat, buff, gloves are a necessity, but you will need to take them on and off if you going in and out of shops etc as everywhere inside is really warm.

Jeans can be actually be very cold, so if you're going to wear them, put an underlays on as well. You really won't need to be walking around in ski gear in Oslo in February though!

Honestly, some good quality jumpers, a few merino vests (they actually might be cheaper to buy here from Cubus) and some cord trousers would be perfect with a coat. Good water proof boots are a must though!

The fjord might be still frozen in February depending on the winter we have, so you might be able to do an an ice bath followed by a sauna.

Bring a good amount of spending money, it's expensive here at the moment, even the cheaper restaurants like Egons will cost you about 1500kr for a dinner for two and maybe two drinks. Egons do however do a pizza buffet for about 175kr an adult.

Feel free to PM me, I've lived here a long time.

I smiled at your ski gear remark. I'm Scottish, and some yrs ago was on a train heading north, and sitting next to an English tourist. It was 10 degrees in Glasgow, where she was headed. She informed me that she'd packed full ski gear. Confused, I pointed out that there was no skiing yet at any of the Scottish ski centres, on account of there having been no snow. She told me it was just to keep warm. From time to time I come across someone who thinks they'll be in the arctic as soon as they cross the border. In reality, in the west, you'll just be washed away.

YourPeppyAmberTraybake · 16/10/2025 10:18

MimiGC · 16/10/2025 10:16

My only cold holiday experience was several years ago-St Petersburg in February- and I loved it. You do need to wrap up with several layers and not worry about what you look like. I dressed for warmth, not fashion. My only difficulty was getting the layers off quickly enough when I went inside. It was boiling every where indoors. I wore snow boots with a couple of pairs of thick socks. I still slipped on the ice a lot though and was amazed to see some Russian women wearing stilettos in the snow and ice and they never seemed to fall.

St Petersburg in February sounds amazing, I went one August and remember thinking I’d love to see it with snow.

MimiGC · 16/10/2025 10:16

My only cold holiday experience was several years ago-St Petersburg in February- and I loved it. You do need to wrap up with several layers and not worry about what you look like. I dressed for warmth, not fashion. My only difficulty was getting the layers off quickly enough when I went inside. It was boiling every where indoors. I wore snow boots with a couple of pairs of thick socks. I still slipped on the ice a lot though and was amazed to see some Russian women wearing stilettos in the snow and ice and they never seemed to fall.

notacooldad · 16/10/2025 09:58

Give me Oslo any day over Lanzagrotty.

There are plenty of places in Lanzarote that are beautiful and quiet once you get away from the the hub of sports and Irish bars and the English breakfast places, which i have to agree is awful.

Saying that I adore Oslo as well!

APTPT · 16/10/2025 09:11

Give me Oslo any day over Lanzagrotty.

SharpFox · 16/10/2025 08:17

You defo could've got a week in canaries in Feb for the same amount you've paid for Oslo! Anyway, I hope u enjoy yourself.

IngenTing · 16/10/2025 07:01

I live here in Norway. You'll be fine in Oslo, it doesn't get that cold in February. Where I live, we have temperatures that can drop to the minus thirties, but only for a few weeks in January and this is mostly at night. I live in the mountains in one of the coldest places here.
A little tip - take decent water proof shoes/ boots. Oslo might have snow, but it's a busy city, the snow will be wet and slushy and often in a big pile where you need to cross the road. The snow ploughs drive it, but you get mounds at the side of the road.

Layers are your friend, it can be cold out. Hat, buff, gloves are a necessity, but you will need to take them on and off if you going in and out of shops etc as everywhere inside is really warm.

Jeans can be actually be very cold, so if you're going to wear them, put an underlays on as well. You really won't need to be walking around in ski gear in Oslo in February though!

Honestly, some good quality jumpers, a few merino vests (they actually might be cheaper to buy here from Cubus) and some cord trousers would be perfect with a coat. Good water proof boots are a must though!

The fjord might be still frozen in February depending on the winter we have, so you might be able to do an an ice bath followed by a sauna.

Bring a good amount of spending money, it's expensive here at the moment, even the cheaper restaurants like Egons will cost you about 1500kr for a dinner for two and maybe two drinks. Egons do however do a pizza buffet for about 175kr an adult.

Feel free to PM me, I've lived here a long time.

APTPT · 16/10/2025 06:37

I love Northern climes in the winter and used to adore visiting Russia and Ukraine in the winter months. Everything is beautiful in the snow. Hopefully you get proper steady cold and no mini thaw. You should be able to get a good coat from a proper out door shop before you go. If not, once you're there you can upgrade whatever you have

GiveMeCoffeeandTV · 16/10/2025 06:33

It won’t be -30 degrees Celsius!

Local weather and climate
In winter, the average temperature in Norway is -6.8 degrees Celsius, but the local conditions may vary quite a lot. Around Oslo, snowfall is common and the average winter temperatures are just below zero.

source:
https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/seasons-climate/winter/

Winter in Norway

Discover a true winter wonderland!

https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/seasons-climate/winter/

Lurkingforalaugh · 15/10/2025 22:53

You definitely had a choice of your destination 🤦🏻‍♀️