No one ever prepares you for the environmental shock of moving from a tropical environment to one with four seasons.
No one ever prepares you for the environmental shock of moving from a tropical environment to one with four seasons. Before moving to Bremen, I was used to dealing with two types of weather changes. It was either hot and dry or rainy and humid. During the “cold” rainy season, the most I’d have to do was wear a jacket and a thin sweater underneath. Nothing could have prepared me for how swift the weather changes in Bremen. Bremen follows a typical four-season cycle: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Winter and fall are the colder seasons, while spring and summer are the warmer seasons. Adapting to Bremen’s climate can be uncomfortable because of how extreme it can get, but it doesn’t have to be. With this student weather guide, adapting will come easily to you.
Seasonal Weather and Dressing Tips
If there’s one thing that happens in Bremen, no matter the season, it’s the fact that it rains. During the winter, especially in the fall, rainfall tends to be heavier and stronger. Strong winds also like to make their appearance during these two seasons. So, as a general rule of thumb, always carry an umbrella. You can find an affordable one at DM, Rossmann, and Woolworths. Make sure it’s one that’s sturdy unless you’re willing to fight a losing battle with the Bremen winds. However, if you’re unable to find a durable umbrella, you can always opt for a rain jacket. These can be found in general clothing and sports stores like Decathlon. Additionally, getting waterproof shoes is a must! These can be found at shoe stores like Foot Locker or Deichmann.
Dressing appropriately for each season will save you the headache of fighting a cold. Here’s how I’d dress for each season.
Winter: Layers! Layers! Layers! Thermal leggings and shirts are great during this period. You can stay warm without sacrificing the cute outfit. Gloves are perfect during this time, as your hands will freeze easily and lose their ability to function. To prevent colds, scarves are a great winter accessory. You can also mix and match it to fit your aesthetics.
Spring: Spring is by far the most confusing season to dress appropriately for. While it gets much warmer in the spring, it still rains and can get quite chilly. Always keep your umbrella with you, because even when it’s sunny, it can — and will—rain. For this season, I’d ditch the thermal leggings and shirts and opt for thin long-sleeved shirts. As for shoes, keep rocking your waterproof shoes.
Summer: If you come from a country with a tropical climate, don’t think of summer as a break from the cold. Summers in Bremen are much harsher. Dress lightly and opt for fabrics like cotton and linen to stay cool.
Fall: My favorite season overall because it gives you a break from the hellish summers without the brutal cold of winter. For fall, it’s best to wear sweaters and hoodies. Bring back your waterproof shoes from winter, because the rain is starting to pick up again.
Quick Tips for Everyday Comfort
Every day is different, and the temperature varies no matter what the season. One thing I learned was to plan my outfits for the weather by checking the weather app. If I'd known temperatures would be warmer, I’d dress lightly; when it was cooler, I’d layer up. In all seasons except summer, I’d carry a coat or a hoodie to stay warm in case it got cooler later on in the day.
Finding Seasonal Clothes
If you’re new to Bremen, here are some student-friendly places to buy cute and practical clothes for the seasons.
Primark: Here you’ll find affordable sweaters and coats for the winter. I’d also suggest buying your thermal leggings and shirts here. It’s a great place to shop when you’re on a budget.
H&M: I’d recommend H&M for higher-quality coats because they last longer. While they’re a bit pricier than Primark, it’s a good investment.
Additionally, you can buy winter clothes and shoes at your local grocery stores like Aldi or Lidl, but I recommend shopping at Primark or H&M because they offer a wider size range. If you want to shop more sustainably, thrift stores like Oxfam and the German Red Cross are your best bet. They’ll also be more affordable for students on a budget.
While the temperature changes in Bremen can be annoying and uncomfortable, dressing for it doesn’t have to be. By using a weather app and carrying your umbrella with you at all times, you can continue your day as usual. I hope this guide was useful to you, and the tips make adjusting to the weather in Bremen a little easier.
