Norway Travel Weather

May - June

Note: until mid-June.

A breath of spring brings the first rays of sunshine and bearable temperatures. The southern and western coasts are the warmest. In Oslo and Bergen, the bar of the mercury reaches 10°C - 15°C, the further north and inland, the colder it gets (between 4°C - 9°C). The coldest is in Spitsbergen, from -5°C to 2°C. Snow still lies in the Scandinavian Mountains, and frosts are the order of the day. Across the country, days are becoming warmer and brighter. Nature is awakening to life, everything is turning green and spring flowers are appearing.

The spring period is a good time to travel to Norway, however, the weather is not ideal and one should expect difficulties. Going on mountain hikes, you will encounter traffic difficulties, many trails and huts are not open until late June or early July, and smaller mountain roads may be impassable due to snow. Ferries and buses run much less frequently than in high season. Some campsites and campgrounds may still be closed, as may some tourist attractions.

In the spring, visit the fjords, where water from melted snow flows down from cascading waterfalls surrounded by blooming flowers, creating impressive views.

June - August

Note: mid-June to mid-August.

The peak tourist season in Norway is the best time to visit all regions. The days are the longest and warmest of the year, and you can count on sunny but changeable weather. Temperatures oscillate between 15°C - 20°C, and in some regions there are warmer days with temperatures around 25°C (including Oslo). In contrast, the mountains and the far north are a few degrees cooler. Inland is the warmest, while on the coast you can count on refreshment from a cool breeze blowing off the sea.

In the summer around the Arctic Circle, the regions north of the city of Bodø, there is the phenomenon of polar days ("white nights"), when the sun does not set for 24 hours and even at night it is bright. Polar days can be enjoyed at the North Cape (from May 14 to July 29), in Tromsø (from May 20 to July 22), in the Lofoten Islands (from May 28 to June 14), among others. This is a very good time for hiking, biking and mountain trekking. Exceptional light in the late evening or early morning creates unforgettable views in the mountains. Good weather also encourages boat cruises, canoeing and the use of ferries, which run through the most spectacular fjords. Tourist facilities such as campgrounds, guesthouses and campgrounds are besieged by tourists, and tourist attractions such as museums and galleries operate extended hours then.

Summer is the best time to organize a trip to Spitsbergen (Svalbard archipelago). The western and southwestern parts are then under the influence of warm sea currents. The temperature reaches 2°C - 8°C, as a result of which the snow melts and the waters among the coasts are free of ice, thus making cruises possible. In Longyearbyen, the polar day lasts from April 20 to August 20.

August - October

Note: as of mid-August.

Officially, the tourist season ends on August 15. After that, admittedly, it is cooler, and the number of rainy days increases, but it is still a good time to travel to Norway. In autumn, the weather tends to be more capricious, once the sun, other times rain and strong winds. Days gradually become shorter, dusk already falls in the early afternoon, and the closer we get to winter, the lower the temperatures. The pillar of the mercury drops to 3°C - 9°C, and frosts can occur at night.

Nature in its autumnal appearance, taking on a variety of colors, can be admired while hiking in the forests. This is an ideal time for fishing, picking berries and mushrooms. It is also possible to organize a tour of the country linked to visits to major attractions. However, it is important to remember that not only the possibility of thunderstorms and rainfall can complicate your trip, but also other restrictions that occur during this period. Many tourist attractions may be closed or open for shorter periods. The same is true of accommodation facilities, with many guesthouses, campgrounds and campgrounds accepting tourists only during the season. Bus and ferry transportation is also limited.

Frosts, clouds and strong winds are returning to Spitsbergen. This is not the best time to visit this region of Norway.

November - April

The period from November to April is outside the tourist season. Visiting Norway during this time can cause some problems. Temperature drops and snowfall can cause traffic difficulties, many places are inaccessible to tourists, mountain hiking trails and local roads are sometimes impassable. Access to accommodation is limited (some guesthouses operate only during the season), also many tourist attractions are closed or operate for shorter periods.

In general, only mountainous areas attract more tourists. Winter is the best season for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The country is famous for its modern lifts, well-prepared slopes, and trails suitable for cross-country skiers. Some ski slopes are open as early as October and operate even until May. A good time to go skiing is from March to April, as it is then longer clear and temperatures are already higher.

Around the Arctic Circle (north of latitude 66°33'39" and north of the city of Bodø) there is the phenomenon of polar nights (the sun does not appear on the horizon for 24 hours a day). Depending on the location of the region, the length of polar nights varies, for example, in Tromsø it lasts from late November to about January 20, and in Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) from October 28 to February 14. During this time, natural illumination is provided by the moon and stars, as well as the aurora borealis that appears in the sky. The best places to observe the aurora borealis are considered to be the Lofoten Islands, the area around the cities of Tromsø, Alta or Kirkenes, and all of northern Norway, up to the North Cape.