What to pack for Slovenia, depending on where you're going

What clothes to pack by area

In Ljubljana, July averages around 21.9 °C and January 0.4 °C, with about 1,383 mm of rain a year and September as the wettest month. On the coast, Portorož reaches 23.6 °C in July and gets less rain, about 973 mm. Postojna, by contrast, gets 1,466 mm and Rateče, near Kranjska Gora, 1,531 mm, while the high mountains are another world, with a July average of 7.4 °C on Kredarica. So even in summer I’d pack a rain jacket or folding umbrella and a light warm layer. In winter, proper cold-weather clothes, because January averages are below zero in the mountains.

For the caves

Postojna Cave stays at a constant 10 °C all year, and its own website recommends warm clothing and sports footwear. In high summer, the change as you walk in is striking. A fleece or a light jacket in your day bag is enough. More on the visit is in Postojna Cave.

For the mountains

If you’re walking, bring shoes with good grip, warm and waterproof layers and a map, printed or downloaded, as gov.uk advises, and if your route includes protected sections with cables and rungs, the same gov.uk advice calls for a harness and helmet. In the woods and near water, the Tourist Board recommends repellent against ticks and mosquitoes and a check afterwards. A power bank for your phone helps on long routes. Routes are in hiking in Slovenia.

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Documents and health

From the UK, a passport that meets the Schengen rules, plus a GHIC or EHIC and travel insurance, as gov.uk advises. It also suggests keeping a photocopy of the passport on you every day, since the police can ask for ID, and the Tourist Board recommends copying tickets and bookings before you leave too. The details are in Slovenia entry requirements and healthcare in Slovenia.

Small things that take no space

A refillable bottle, because you can drink straight from the tap and, in the summer heat, from the fountains found in plenty of towns. A sturdy lock if you’re hiring or bringing a bike. And a plug adapter, because Slovenia uses the European plug at 230 V and the Tourist Board lists Great Britain among the countries that need one; it’s explained in plugs in Slovenia. If you’re driving between November and March, remember that winter equipment is compulsory and the car must carry a warning triangle, hi-vis jacket and first-aid kit.

If you are short on time, see the best tours in Bled and pick one that fits your day.

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