July in Denmark is actually the long-lost cousin of October. After an encouraging June with days of warmth and cloudless skies it is an unfortunate reality that the next month is a cold, wet and bitter 31 day battle where we all learn the importance of “a summer coat”.
Although we all witness this on an annual basis, optimistic residents of Denmark often insist on staying in the country at this time. On paper it makes sense: it’s the middle of summer, surely it will be nice weather. The reality: 16° and raining.
So when my wife and I broke tradition this year and booked a holiday outside Denmark in July some friends were outraged.
“Why would you leave Denmark?!” they cried “It’s the summer!” To which all I could say was: “Exactly, and because we want a summer, we’re leaving.”
Two parents, two kids, three hours and one plane later we were in the glorious nation of España at an island that is more British than Spanish: Mallorca.
It’s essentially a colony of Great Britain. Ever since the British discovered that there was a place close by which actually achieves summer weather they’ve been swarming in their thousands. Nearly four million British people went to Spain in 2023 and this year, I was one of them.
Having had June in Denmark the contrast to a July in the Mediterranean was very sharp. I immediately abandoned every jacket and pair of long trousers to the depths of my suitcase. Suddenly it was hot, my feet were always in flip-flops and as a ginger I was constantly secluded under an umbrella. Back in Denmark, another story.
There are of course warm days in Denmark, but one should never get too comfortable. Because at some point you look out the window on a summer morning and think: okay, today I leave without a jacket.
Next thing you know it’s the late afternoon and you’re outside on some grass with friends as a cloud will pass in front of the sun. Suddenly an Arctic wind will throw the Aperol Spritz from your fingers and the temperature will drop so violently your nipples rip holes in your t-shirt.
I highly recommend everyone enjoys June and August in Denmark but is sure to book a holiday south for July.
Oh, and when you’re back, always bring a summer coat.
