Adjusting to a different climate as an expat

Starting life in a new country often involves adapting to a new climate, shaping how you plan your days and approach everyday tasks.

Whether it’s updating your wardrobe, restructuring your daily routine, or prioritising your health, there’s plenty of ways you can embrace this change confidently and make the most of life abroad.

Continue reading for some practical tips about adjusting to a different climate to help you settle into your home comfortably.

Research the local climate

Researching the local climate before your move abroad is a smart way to step into this adventure fully prepared.

Start by looking at the country’s average temperatures throughout the year, which are usually readily available online. These sources can give you access to a range of other data too, such as average rainfall or humidity levels, helping you decide what to pack and even what time of year you’d like to move.

Then check whether the country experiences any extreme weather conditions so you’re able to anticipate any challenges and adapt smoother to your new environment. From monsoons to tornadoes, tropical cyclones to sandstorms, conditions can shift dramatically with the region and season.

Also consider the effect that seasonal light changes can have on your chosen destination. For example, in countries closer to the arctic region like Finland, you can see as little as six hours of sunlight in the winter. But in locations including Brazil and Ecuador, which are nearer to the equator, you can see 12 hours of daylight regardless of the time of year.

Prioritise your health

Be mindful of how the climate may affect your health, and give yourself some space to adjust gradually. If you have existing health conditions or concerns, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor to discuss potential effects and any necessary precautions.

In hotter climates, the risk of ailments such as heat exhaustion and dehydration increases, while colder regions carry a higher risk of conditions like hypothermia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

But temperature is just one factor that can affect your health in a new climate. Other potential health concerns to be aware of include higher rates of infectious diseases and poor air quality.

Incorporating healthy habits into your daily life can help you during the adjustment period, such as eating a well-balanced diet and doing regular exercise. In addition, ensure you always drink plenty of fluids and carry water with you, particularly important when moving to a hot country.

To access quality healthcare abroad with confidence, you could think about purchasing international health cover. With this, you can access leading private medical facilities around the world within your chosen are of cover, and have the freedom to decide where you’re treated and who by.

Modify your wardrobe

Adapting your wardrobe might be necessary when moving to a different climate, requiring you to buy new clothing if yours aren’t suitable.

Choosing pieces you’re comfortable with is important, but the clothing you’ll need will depend on the destination’s climate. Warm, insulated clothing is essential in colder climates, while breathable fabrics are key in hotter conditions.

Also keep in mind the activities you enjoy and how they may be influenced by the climate, making sure you choose gear that’s appropriate for your pursuits, whether that’s hiking, skiing, or swimming.

After you’ve decided what clothing you’re bringing with you, it’s time to deal with your other items. For instance, you could put some in storage to wear on visits back home and donate or sell others that you no longer wish to keep.

Check out our ultimate moving abroad checklist for some guidance to assist you in get organised for this adventure.

Adapt your routine

It’s useful to remember that a change in climate can impact your everyday habits, requiring tweaks your routine to better suit your new environment.

Adapting your sleeping patterns to suit your new climate can make the adjustment easier and allow you to create a healthy routine. This might involve going to bed earlier to align with cooler evening temperatures or taking short naps in the afternoon to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

How you exercise could also look slightly different to accommodate this lifestyle change. This can include adjusting the time of day you work out or the type of activity you do so it’s easier to stay consistent with your fitness routine.

Bear in mind that if you’re relocating with a pet, it can take them some time to adapt to a new climate as well. Gradually exposing them the outdoors and making changes to their diet or grooming can help with this.

Consider your living environment

Your living environment is another consideration when adapting to a new climate, as it can greatly influence your comfort.

A building’s location plays a key role in how it’s affected by the local climate, where elements like wind, temperature variations, and proximity to water can all shape your overall living experience.

Pay attention to the wildlife around your home too, which can vary significantly depending on the climate. In hotter regions, where insects like mosquitoes and cockroaches are common, measures like installing screens and keeping rubbish covered can help reduce the risk of an infestation.