Norway Climate

Climate of Norway

Norway, due to its considerable latitudinal extension, great variety of terrain and the influence of sea currents, is under the influence of several climatic zones.

The temperate oceanic climate covers the southern and western coast (Bergen, Trondheim), up to Trømso and the Lofoten archipelago. These areas are under the influence of the warm Gulf Stream (Gulf Stream), which makes the weather milder than one might expect. Winters are relatively light, usually not affected by severe frosts, with temperatures ranging from -4°C to 3°C. Summers, on the other hand, are humid and not too hot (about 15°C - 19°C), and hot days are generally absent. Areas further north are slightly colder and more snowy than those in the south of the country. Precipitation in winter is in the form of snow, while in other seasons it rains. It varies widely from region to region, ranging from 2,000 mm - 3,000 mm per year in the southwest (Bergen), to about 800 mm - 900 mm more north in Trondheim and up to 1,000 mm in Tromsø.

A temperate climate with continental features covers the area stretching from the Swedish border in the south, through Oslo and further down the middle of the Scandinavian Plateau toward the north. It is characterized by fairly average humidity and cold winters and warm summers. In the warmest months, temperatures oscillate between 15°C and 25°C, and there are also occasions when the heat reaches nearly 30°C. In winter it snows heavily, and the mercury bar drops to around -10°C. Precipitation ranges from 700 mm to 800 mm per year and is predominant in autumn.

Subarctic climate can be experienced in the mountainous part of the country, located between the coast and the strip of land adjacent to Sweden, and in the north of the country away from the coast (including Finnmark-Karasjok). In winter, temperatures in the mountains are very cold, ranging from -15°C to -10°C, and it often snows, which lasts for several months. In the higher parts of the mountains and on glaciers, the snow cover never melts. In the north, the perpetual snow limit lies at 700 m - 800 m above sea level, while in the south it lies at 1500 m - 1800 m above sea level. Summers are short and cool, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C. The coldest winters are in the north (Lapland), around Finnmark and the town of Karasjok, where the mercury column reaches -25°C to -15°C. In contrast, summers here are sunny and quite warm, with temperatures of 8°C - 18°C.

Polar climate is found near the North Pole, in the Svalbard archipelago (including Spitsbergen). Due to the influence of incoming air masses, the weather in the different regions of the archipelago varies considerably. The western and southwestern parts are under the influence of mild Polar Sea air, the coast is washed by warm sea currents that are a branch of the Gulf Stream (Gulf Stream). This makes the area much warmer than other areas. In summer, the temperature fluctuates between 2°C and 8°C, as a result of which the waters along Spitsbergen's western coasts are ice-free for most of the summer. Winters are snowy and cold, with the mercury bar falling from around 0°C to -20°C. The eastern and northern parts of Svalbard are under the direct influence of cold Arctic masses, resulting in a significant drop in temperatures - both in summer and winter. Most of the region is covered with glacier ice and, due to the low temperatures, is not inhabited and visited by tourists - even in the warmest months. Annual precipitation in the Svalbard archipelago ranges from 400 mm in the western part of the archipelago to 1,200 mm in the east. In winter, it mainly comes in the form of snow, while in other seasons it rains and snow showers. Air humidity, even over the sea, is usually very low. The occurrence of strong winds and high cloud cover is also common. In summer, winds are generally weaker, while fog is common.

Around the Arctic Circle (north of latitude 66°33'39" and north of the city of Bodø) there is the phenomenon of polar days (the sun remains high above the horizon 24 hours a day) in summer and polar nights (the sun does not appear on the horizon 24 hours a day) in winter. A very striking feature that adds variety to the darkness are the beautiful auroras that appear in the sky.