What to wear and how to pack for Tallinn

Winter in Estonia usually brings cold winds and snow. The temperatures can vary between +5 and –25 °C but are mostly sub-zero. The streets can be slippery, and the frost will try to take a bite of your nose. But you don’t need to worry if you are properly prepared and wear enough layers.  

In sub-zero degree weather, wearing several insulating layers below your winter coat will ensure the heat won’t escape and you stay warm.  If it’s a few degrees above 0 °C, then there’s no point in suffocating yourself. Keep to a few layers, with one being an insulated and waterproof winter coat.  

Insulated and waterproof boots are always a must in Estonia during winter. Not only do they keep you warm and dry, but the soles are also usually made for slippery surfaces and should keep you upright. 

Here’s what you should pack for winter vacation in Tallinn:

Base layer

• a long-sleeved thermal or merino wool undershirt  
• thermal or merino wool tights or long johns 
• woollen socks 

Middle layer

• a blouse or a shirt 
• jeans or (woollen) trousers 
• a sweater or a warm cardigan 

Outer layer

• a thick wool coat, a puffer jacket or a warm and insulated waterproof parka 
• a woollen hat or a beanie 
• Woollen mittens 
• a woollen scarf 
• snow boots or lined trekking boots 

Accessories

• a reflector – compulsory to have on during dark autumn and winter months! 
• an umbrella 
• sunglasses – for sunny days when the snow reflects light 

Layers in total: 3-4

For tips about winter activities, take a look at our article How to enjoy winter like a local in Tallinn. 

Spring usually arrives in Estonia in April. So, if you’re visiting Tallinn in March, be prepared for winter weather.  

The temperatures in spring can be anything between +5 °C and +17 °C, with weather becoming gradually warmer. The weather is usually changeable with a chilly breeze from the sea. It’s good to be prepared for both cooler and warmer temperatures, so wear layers that are easy to add or take off. Make sure you have something wind and waterproof, just in case. 

Here’s what you should pack for spring vacation in Tallinn:

Base layer

• a t-shirt or top 
• tights 

Middle layer

• a blouse or a shirt 
• jeans or trousers 
• a dress or a skirt 
• a cardigan or a hoodie 

Outer layer

• a coat or a parka 
• a scarf 
• boots or rain boots 

Accessories

• an umbrella 
• sunglasses 

Layers in total: 2-3

The temperature in the summer can range between 18-30 °C. June usually starts out cooler, July and August tend to be warmest. Still, Estonian summers are temperate with temperatures rarely exceeding 30 °C. In Tallinn, the sea breeze may sometimes bring chilly air to the city, so it’s nice to have something to throw over your shoulders every now and then. 

Here’s what you should pack for summer vacation in Tallinn:

Base layer

•  a t-shirt or top

Middle layer

• a blouse or a shirt 
• jeans or trousers 
• shorts 
• a summer dress or a skirt 
• a hoodie or a light cardigan 

Outer layer

• a jacket 
• a cap or a summer hat 
• sneakers, sandals, or loafers 

Accessiories

• an umbrella
• sunglasses
• sunscreen

Layers in total: 1-2

Autumns in Estonia are colourful and pretty but can also be cloudy and rainy. So, take your raincoat with you if you have one! And as always – layers are your friends!

The season brings increasingly cool weather and shorter days. The beginning of September might be a little extension of summer, with temperatures between 16-21 °C, but most of autumn will be between 5-15°C, with cooler weather taking hold in the latter half of the season. The end of November might even bring snow and temperatures can go down to -10°C! 

Here’s what you should pack for autumn vacation in Tallinn:

Base layer

• a t-shirt or top
• tights

Middle layer

• a blouse or a shirt
• jeans or trousers
• a dress or a  skirt
• a cardigan or a hoodie

Outer layer

• a (rain)coat
• a scarf
• gloves
• a hat
• boots, sneakers, loafers, rain boots

Accessories

• an umbrella
• a reflector

Layers in total: 2-3

Avoid wearing high heels in the Old Town. Unless you have excellent balance and ankles of steel, traversing the cobble-stoned streets of Tallinn’s Old Town will be a challenge. We recommend flat shoes or wedges.

When it’s dark, wear a reflector! In late autumn and winter the days get short, and the nights become dark and cosy, which means standing out is not just a fashion choice, it’s a safety precaution. Reflective accessories and clothing, which make it easier for cars, buses, and cyclists to spot you, are compulsory during the winter months and not having one can lead to a fine.

Be mindful of the wind. Tallinn is a seaside city, which means there’s always a breeze in the air. Tallinners are used to checking the wind direction and speed before going out, because it can affect how temperatures feel. For example, a cold breeze from the north means the air will feel colder than the weather report might show. A wind-proof jacket will be your friend in every season.

 When in doubt, do what the locals do. A quick glance out the window in the morning will give you a pretty good sign of how to dress for the day. And if you’re inspired by the street style in Tallinn, local design shops will have lots of trendy clothes and accessories that are popular among Estonians.