The cold weather in Glasgow has the ability to catch all of us by surprise, especially after a deceivingly warm Autumn or if you've woken up to a particularly blue, sunny sky. While I'm Irish, and should be used to the cold, sudden drops in temperature a change towards dull, dreary weather can be challenging to adapt to, however keeping yourself wrapped up in layers and maintaining healthy habits are so important to keep us feeling cosy, calm and well-equipped for winter air. 

While for those used to chilly climates, Scotland's winter might not seem overly cold in comparison, it's good to remember that the weather can be a little bit unpredictable, so layering up and remembering your umbrella before you run to the library or class can be a lifesaver. Ducking into cosy cafes, exhibitions or gift shops can be the perfect solution to avoiding the wind or chill outside and can help you to appreciate the festive season when the weather turns in December. 

Keeping cosy out and about 

A crucial step to acclimatising to the colder climate involves wrapping up - cultivating a wardrobe that's suitable in keeping the chilly air and winds at bay while you about your day-to-day routine. 

Good base layers can make the difference in keeping you comfortable in the cold - Primark, Decathlon, Mountain Warehouse and Marks & Speceners' clothing ranges all offer great options across a variety of budgets for long sleeve tops and bottoms designed specifically to lock in heat. These items are great for wearing under t-shirts, jeans or jumpers as an extra layer of warmth that should help you acclimate to chilly Glasgow.

On top of your base layers, warm mid and outer layers are the next step: think woolly jumpers, comfy fleeces and hoodies, and then a good quality coat or puffer jacket to zip up as your outer layer. Down-jackets including the North Face, Patagonia, Napapirjri are great for wrapping up warm, and a water-resistent jacket is worth it considering the likelihood of rain during Autumn / Winter in Glasgow. 

Lastly, your accessoriers are the cherry on top: hats and gloves, or fluffy ear muffs, are perfect for keeping your head and hands warm. A woolly snood, scarf or balaclava might be worth considering, along with some winter-proof boots or trainers to allow you to get around the city without having cold feet, or slipping on icy pavements!

Feeling 'Hygge' at home

'Hygge' is a Danish word that embodies the concept of cosiness, warmth and enjoying your space and the good things in life - very applicable to maximising your enjoyment of Scottish winter! Cosiness isn't just about wrapping up while you're outside your flat or accommodation, it's applicable to your living space: warm and comfortable pyjamas or loungewear, fluffy socks and a warm blanket are great additions to creating a comfy and enjoyable environment to relax in.

Another way to embrace 'hygge' in Glasgow might be adding warmth to your living space in other ways: warm-toned lamps and fairy-lights are great for this, along with candles or wax burners, and throw blankets to snuggle up to your sofa.

Given lots of Glasgow's apartment buildings are traditional tenement buildngs that be a bit chilly, throw blankets and cosy clothing can be your best friend, while in winter-time Lidl often offers a good selection of heated blankets and hot water bottles to help keep you warm and comfortable. 

Looking after yourself and your friends

Sometimes in wintertime, we want to hibernate indoors, curl into a blanket or sofa and ignore the outside world. However, while the temperatures might not be the most appealing, the benefits of getting out and about are well worth bundling up in layers to go for a walk, head to class or meet friends for a coffee or mulled wine. 

Ensuring you are active for around 30 minutes a day can generate lot of benefits for your physical and mental health - trying a new fitness class with a friend or getting in routine with the gym or running can be so valuable to beat any 'winter blues' and to keep your spirits high. Accompanying this, a fulfilling and nutritious diet is also great to make sure you're cosy and well-nourished: soups, ramen, curries and stews are wholesome winter staples. Baking winter treats with friends is another great activity to keep yourself and friends connected in the festive season while making your favourite sweet treats.

As winter means we likely aren't receing enough sun exposure for mainting healthy vitamin D levels, vitamins or supplements from Boots or Holland and Barrett can boost your immunity and regulate your mood to keep your good inside and out, ensuring you're receiving your daily recommended vitamins. 

Adapting to the season

While the weather might initially cast a shadow or winter in Glasgow, embracing the cosiness, branching out by trying new foods or drinks or along with festive experiences, such as the Christmas markets, or special events in museums and theatres, are just a small selection of the diverse seasonal activities to ensure you get the most out of the cosy season in Scotland. If you're feeling adventurous, taking day trips to destinations like Loch Lomond, Edinburgh, St Andrews or further afield, might be the perfect to catch a glimpse of other stunning winter landscapes, great for a mood boost, social activity or photo opportunity! 

Don't be scared of the cold - cosy layers, a good attitude and keeping active will have winter fly by, and spring defrost in no time!

First published: 21 January 2025

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