Published on January 31st, 2025 | by admin
0The Best Time to Visit Norway: When to Go for the Northern Lights and When for the Midnight Sun?
Norway is not a land of eternal winter, as many people imagine. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the temperatures here are milder than, for example, at the same latitude in Canada. Still, it’s good to know when to pack a warm jacket and when to pack your swimsuit. Let’s take a look at the typical weather in different parts of the country and find out the best time to head out for your dream activities—whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or looking to take a dip.
Norway is a large country that stretches from the 58th parallel to the 71st. This means that while in Oslo, in the south, the residents experience temperatures similar to those in northern Germany, Tromsø, located beyond the Arctic Circle, already resembles an Arctic region. The climate in Norway is therefore not the same everywhere—it significantly differs depending on the geographic latitude and distance from the coast.
Awakening Norwegian Spring
While in March winter still brings snow showers, May already attracts people with its first sunny days. Temperatures rise from 5°C (41°F) in March to a pleasant 15°C (59°F) in May. During this time, you’ll encounter a minimal number of tourists, and accommodation prices are more affordable.
Summer in Norway
From June to August, you’ll experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun—above the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets. The average summer temperature in Norway ranges between 20–25°C (68°F–77°F) in the south and 15–20°C (59°F–68°F) in the north. Still, be prepared for quick weather changes. A warm sweater and a waterproof jacket will come in handy in your backpack, even in July. Stick to the Norwegian saying: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”
Sea temperatures can reach 18°C (64°F), and on the southern coast, where swimming is popular, they can be even higher.
The best time to visit Norway is from mid-May to the end of July. The pleasant temperatures and ample daylight offer ideal conditions for traveling.
The Arrival of Autumn
September and October are the months when the landscape bursts into all colors. Temperatures drop to a pleasant 10–15°C (50–59°F), and tourist activity slowly quiets down. The first northern lights begin to illuminate the northern sky, while the fjords are wrapped in morning mist. This period is ideal for photographers—the light is soft, and the days are still long enough to explore the hidden treasures of this beautiful country.
Snowy Landscape with the Northern Lights
Winter in Norway lasts from November to March and is dedicated to the northern lights, snow-covered mountains, and winter sports. Average temperatures vary depending on the location—in the north, around Tromsø, they can be as low as -10°C (14°F), while in the south, they tend to be milder, around 0°C (32°F). However, don’t expect to get by without warm clothing. The winter wind can be quite sharp.
If your soul longs to see the northern lights, winter is the perfect time to visit Norway. Snow-covered Christmases full of skiing and ice skating can be incredibly romantic here.
Sources:
https://www.nextleveloftravel.com/norway/
https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/norway/climate-data-historical
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Norway