Best Time To Visit Norway (From A Local)
Honningsvåg Harbor Norway in winter
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Hi! Jenn here. I’ve been wanting to bring you more content on Scandinavia, but having never visited I’m turning to one of Norway’s travel experts, blogger Hege of Epic Nomad Life. Hege is a Norwegian local and well-suited for telling us the best time to visit this amazing country. So without further ado, I’ll turn things over to Hege.
Travel Guide: Best Time To Visit Norway From A Local
So you want to travel to Norway? I am so glad to hear that; as a native Norwegian, I am over the moon to brag about my beautiful country when I can, especially when someone is truly interested!
Norway has so much to offer all four seasons, but I am painfully aware that all seasons are not perfect for every traveler. Maybe Norway is a bucket list destination for you, and you have something special you want to experience while you visit, or maybe you don’t really have a clear plan.
In this article, it is my mission to tell you everything you need to know about traveling to Norway in our four distinct seasons so that you can decide exactly when is the perfect time for you to visit since there is no one-size-fits-all best time to travel to Norway.
I will also share what is unique about the south and central areas, the mountains and the west, and the iconic Arctic north (northern Norway and southern Norway are not the same, any time of year).
So, let's dive in!
Floating Saunas and Oslo Opera in winter
First Up: Norway Travel In General - What You Need To Know About The Lands
First off, Norway is a long country. The territory stretches for over 2000 kilometers (1600 miles), not counting the fjords and islands. The Arctic Circle stretches across somewhere in the middle at approximately latitude 66° 34'N, above Trondheim and below Bodø.
This means that traveling in Norway does not just offer one unique terrain and subsequent elements but probably three or four distinct and very different zones, so to speak. And then we have the four Norway seasons in addition to that.
We divide the country roughly into four zones: the South, The West, The North, and Oslo, also referred to as the “Eastern Country.”
The Best Time To Visit Norway
Below, I will lay out what you can expect in the different parts of Norway in the four distinct seasons we have here “on top of the world.” At the end of the article, you will hopefully know exactly when to visit and at least what region of Norway you want to experience.
Sunset through buildings in Oslo
Norway in Summer
Norway in the summer is just nice. It is not super hot or humid, the water temperatures are fresh and invigorating (more so in the north than in the south), the summer nights are long and light, and the air smells of green grass and wildflowers.
The summer months in Norway, with warm weather, run from June through August, and the peak season for visitors is July, which is also the main domestic summer holiday month. This implies that July is also the month with the largest crowds, highest prices, peak time for a road trip, and the busiest time in the major tourist destinations.
Water temperatures in Oslo and the central parts of Norway will average 15-22 degrees Celcius (59-71 Fahrenheit) in summer.
The median air temperature around Oslo in summer is 17,7 Degrees Celcius (64 Fahrenheit) but can occasionally get up to 34 (93)! In northern Norway, the average water temperature is 9,9 degrees Celcius (49.8 Fahrenheit), while the air temp averages about 12 (53.6).
Southern Norway is a popular destination for travelers who want beach life, summer boat tours, and a chill, charming village experience.
The mountains and the west are popular destinations for hikers and nature adventure lovers, while the north is popular in summer for travelers looking for a unique Arctic experience, especially the midnight sun.
Svalbard is the place in Norway with the longest period of midnight sun; the island group north of the Norwegian mainland, with almost four months of sunny nights of the year. These longer days make it a popular destination. This is also where the polar bears are if you have heard about them being in Norway (they are not on the mainland).
All restaurants and bars in Norway move outdoors in the summer, and people “live” in the parks, on their terraces, on the beaches, or along the coastal areas, taking in the long days and as much sun as they can before fall, which always returns as a surprise every year.
The summer nights are light also in Oslo and the south, although the southernmost point where you can see the midnight sun is at 65°44'N. This is at Tuvøya Island northeast of Vega in a region called Helgeland, 92 kilometers (57 miles) south of the Arctic Circle.
Downsides to Norway in the summer:
During peak tourist season from mid-June to mid-August, the price also peaks, which can be a challenge for foreign visitors who already feel that Norway is an expensive destination.
Summer is also a prime time for camper van tourism in Norway, which can cause road constipation along the smaller rural and mountain roads.
Things to do in Norway in the summer:
Swim along the “svaberg” (shore rocks) and beaches
Go for a boat trip in the fjords
BBQ in parks and in free areas (which is everywhere that is not private)
SUP in the fjords and lakes
Have a sunset cocktail on a rooftop bar
Zip lining in one of the many nature adventure parks
Go road-tripping in your favorite part of Norway
Eat fresh shrimp with white bread, lemon and dill
Hike in the forest or mountains (bring a picnic)
Visit outdoors museums
Join a music festival or outdoor concert
Travel above the Arctic Circle to see the midnight sun
Do a fjord cruise on the west coast
Stay over in a rorbu (fisherman's cottage) in Lofoten Islands
The Vigelandspark in winter Oslo
Norway In The Winter
Norway, in the winter season, is cold, regardless of where you go. Average temperatures in Oslo in January are -2,3 degrees Celcius below zero, Bergen 2 degrees Celcius, and in Tromsø above the Arctic Circle, the January temperatures average -3 below zero. Be aware it can get a lot colder than that, especially in the mountains, inland, and in the north during the winter months.
Although there is not a lot of snow in the southernmost part of Norway, it still gets cold and risky to stay outside. The best real winter in Norway is in the mountains in the middle and in the north, where you have snow and generally lower temperatures which means that the snow is white and dry like it is supposed to be.
In Oslo and the southern and eastern parts, you will have sunlight even in winter, but only for a few hours a day. The southernmost point that does not see the sun during winter in Norway is Vega. The further north you get, the darker the days get.
In Svalbard, the winter season is the best time to experience the Polar Night in Norway if that is on your bucket list, where the sun doesn’t come out and it is basically dark as night 24/7.
Your chance of seeing the northern lights, or the Aurora Borealis, also increases for every latitude you travel north. Especially Tromsø, Alta, and the northernmost city in the county, Finnmark, are popular destinations for spotting the Aurora. You also want to go north to have the most iconic experiences with everything in the Arctic, like snowmobile, dog sledding, winter kayaking (go to Lofoten for this; the scenery up here is unreal), ice climbing, and ice fishing.
Visiting Norwegian cities in the winter means generally finding things to do inside, like museums, concerts, dining, shopping, and relaxing in front of a fireplace (super popular among the locals).
Downsides to visiting Norway in the winter:
You will find that you spend as little time outdoors as possible unless you intentionally embark on outdoor activities and winter sports. Although you can get good price deals in some destinations in Norway in winter, others have peak seasons during these months, like the most popular skiing destinations and winter adventure areas.
Winter mountain road in Norway
Things to do in Norway in the winter:
Go cross-country skiing in Marka or the mountains (bring Kvikk Lunsj chocolate)
Downhill skiing or snowboarding in Alpine ski resorts
Visit a cozy cafe and have hot chocolate
Dring red wine in front of a fireplace (like the locals)
Join an indoor concert
Stay at a mountain cottage
Experience a Christmas market in December
Visit one of the many museums
Chase the northern lights in the Arctic north
Go dog sledding
Winter is the high season for seafood and skrei (a seasonal form of cod), so have that!
Norway In The Shoulder Seasons
Shoulder seasons in Norway can be great periods to visit, especially for the wallet. The crowds are smaller, with fewer tourists visiting, and the prices of flights and accommodation are lower. The potential downside, though, is that the weather and elements can be unpredictable in the shoulder seasons.
Spring season formally runs from March through May, while Autumn or Fall runs from September through November. Let us talk about the pros and cons of each season below.
Cafe along Akerselva River Oslo Credit Hege Jacobsen
Spring in Norway
Spring starts in Norway in March, but the seasonal change really does not kick in until late April or May, the last spring month. This is when Norwegians come peeking out of their down jackets, peeling off hats and mittens, and their white legs are carefully exposed to the sun again.
March and the first half of April in Norway are often cold and rainy as the snow slowly melts away, although you might have occasional fierce winter days and warm spring days every now and then, completely unpredictably. This means that packing for Norway in the spring can be a headache.
In the south, the snow normally leaves in April, while the snow can stay as late as May and early June up north. So, while you can get outdoor dinner seating in Oslo in May, you might still be able to go dog sledding in the north. The nights get lighter and lighter, and at the end of May in Oslo and the south, you can wear summer dresses.
The best spring month to visit Norway is May, when the fruit trees are budding, the grass is changing from brownish yellow to light green, and the occasional spring flowers peak above dead leaves from last year. Norway “wakes up” in May; people start having “utepils” (drinks outside in cafes and restaurants), the parks flourish, and down jackets can rest in the attic for a few months.
If you plan to travel during the spring, you should try to catch the 17th of May, the Norwegian national day in the late spring. This day is celebrated widely across the country with bubbly breakfasts, children's parades, music, and parties in every little creek of the nation.
Things to do in Norway in the spring:
Visit around the 17th of May and take part in the iconic National Day celebration.
See the spectacular waterfalls in the mountains during the thaw
Join the locals for the first utepils; the first outdoor beer in the season
Go on a small group bird safari when the birds are at their liveliest while nesting
Try local specialties at Norwegian farmer's markets
Visit a glacier before the summer temperatures get too high
Do a fjord tour in the west while nature is in full bloom
Go skiing in shorts and a T-shirt while there is snow and warm sunlight
Botanical gardens open in May as nature wakes up
Visit Svalbard for the early midnight sun starting in April
Autumn mountains in Norway
Autumn in Norway
Early autumn or fall is probably my favorite season in Norway. The fall runs from September through November, and there usually is an abrupt change at the beginning of October when all the leaves fall off the trees, and nature goes from a color bonanza to “shades of grey,” literally.
September is when all Norwegians flock to the mountains to go hiking. The mountains explode with colors in September, and the season starts to change from greens to everything. So, if you are a nature lover or an avid hiker (or mountain biker), September is probably the best time of year for you in Norway, too.
This month is also great for a city break, as the weather is nice for exploring but not so hot that you just long for the beach. Visit museums, and cultural sights, go shopping, or take in the ambiance from a street cafe.
Things to do in Norway in the Autumn:
Hiking or biking in the mountains
And hiking or biking in the forest
Enjoy the last sunny days in a street cafe with hot chocolate and warm clothes
Go shopping on after-summer-sales
Visit museums, art galleries, and cultural memorial sites
Stay at a mountain cottage or hotel
Take the train from Oslo to Bergen across Hardangervidda Mountain Plains
Spend a few hours at the floating saunas in Oslo or Bergen
Autumn is high season for meals with root vegetables and venison, so have that!
Downsides to visiting Norway in the shoulder seasons:
The weather is super unpredictable in Norway in spring and autumn, so packing can be a little headache. Also, you might need to stay flexible on activities, especially if you have some in mind that require sun and low winds.
Church Mural Oslo Credit Hege Jacobsen
Norway In The South, West, North, And Oslo (Or The East)
Let's explore the geography and get acquainted with the four main areas of Norway and some of the best places to visit in Norway.
The South: Sørlandet
Southern Norway, or Sørlandet, is a mellow, friendly zone with warm, cozy summers. The water is quite warm in the beautiful Norwegian fjords scattered with low, mellow islands (perfect for summer boat trips and BBQs). When we speak about the south of Norway, we call it “the gentle south”, and the people down south are just like their nature - warm, friendly, modest, and gentle.
“All” Norwegians have a summer cabin in the south (and in the mountains), where they spend as many weeks (and weekends outside holidays) as possible every year.
Winters in the south are also mellow, with very little snow and decent temperatures, so you have yellowish grass and naked trees instead of winter wonderlands (with some exceptions).
We also tend to refer to the south as the Bible Belt, where there are almost more prayer houses than people. The south is definitely at its best during summer, and popular destinations in the south are Kristiansand, Kragerø, Arendal, Mandal, and Lindesnes (the southernmost point of Norway).
The West: Vestlandet
When Norwegians talk about western Norway or the West, we often talk about Bergen Town. But the west also has deep, narrow, majestic fjords, villages, mountains, plains, and the famous Hardangervidda mountain plain between Bergen and Oslo.
Bergen is “the capital of the west,” and the people of Bergen feel Bergen should be the capital of Norway. Bergensers tend to say, “I am not from Norway; I am from Bergen,” and I do believe they mean it! People from Bergen also generally speak louder, brag a lot, and are extremely self-confident (which is otherwise not a very “Norwegian” trait.
That said, they are also very friendly and fun, and despite the annual number of rainy days in Bergen in a year (more than 200), bergensers stay happy, and instead of complaining, they have made rainwear high fashion.
People use Hardangervidda for hiking in in spring, summer, and fall (especially in September), and in the winter, this is a super popular destination for cross-country skiers who love to ski from mountain cabin to mountain cabin. If you love skiing the best time to visit Bergen is winter.
Popular destinations in the west are Bergen, Voss, Flåm, and famous fjords like Nærøyfjorden (a great place for fjord cruises).
Flying over the North Cape Norway
The North: Nord-Norge
The North, which is basically from Trondheim and up to the North Cape and Kirkenes, is the rugged wilderness of Norway, and that goes for both nature and people. The weather is unpredictable all year round; the summers are light with midnight sun, the winters dark, and the Aurora Borealis dances across the sky on a whim.
Summers in the north are epic, and not because of friendly temperatures. It can get up to 30 degrees Celsius, but that is very rare. The sandy beaches are crispy white, the water crystal clear, and the sun never sets up here in June and July. I just spent the summer season in a small village just short of the North Cape, and I can testify that this is one of the most beautiful and iconic places on the planet.
During winter, everything up north is covered in snow and ice. This makes the dark days seem a little lighter, and we speak about the Blue Light in the winter up north. That is when the daylight never really arrives, but the light we do have has a bluish shade to it for a few hours a day.
We also call the people up here “juicy,” and that is because of the language, nothing else. Northern Norwegians swear about 1000% more than Southerners, and they do it with bravour, using words and phrases in normal family settings that would make a seasoned Brothel Mama (and Norwegian Southerners) blush.
Northerners are also considered more likable and sociable than Southerners in Norway, maybe as an antidote to the cold temperatures and wild weather.
Popular destinations in the north are Bodø, Lofoten, Tromsø, the Lyngen Alps, Alta, the North Cape, and Kirkenes.
Holmenkollen hotel Oslo Norway in winter
Oslo & The East: Østlandet
For some reason, we say that Oslo is in the eastern part of Norway, which technically is questionable. Anyways, Østlandet includes all rural areas and lower mountains as well as the vast forests within a few hour's drive from the Norwegian capital in all directions.
Oslo in the summer is amazing. Although I realize I am biased, this opinion still has value, and I will explain why.
From Oslo in the summer, you can reach the mountains, the forests, the lakes, and the fjords in as little as 20 minutes. Go hiking, biking, canoeing, rock climbing, zip-lining, sky diving, whatever your heart desires. The inner Oslo fjord has nice swimming temperatures, and you can go island hopping in the fjord with the ferry (paying with the same app as the city transport system).
In the winter, Oslo turns into an inside city, where people only move around to get from A to B. However, the Marak forests are just 20-30 minutes away from the city tram, which is great for cross-country skiing. There are also alpine centers within half an hour's drive, and the bigger alpine resorts are a few hour's drive away (still in Østlandet).
Popular destinations in Østlandet are Oslo, Hamar, Drøbak, Tjøme, and Fredrikstad.
One Unnamed Extra Zone: “The Mountain”
When southern and eastern Norwegians talk about The Mountain (singular), we are generally speaking about the areas in the middle between the east, the west, and south of where the north starts.
In the summer, “the mountain” often refers to places like Jotunheimen, Rondane, and Gaustadtoppen. These are mountains where Norwegians go hiking and biking in the extended summer season, preferably above the tree line.
However, in the winter, “the mountain” can be slightly different, often referring to places like Gol, Geilo, Trysil, and Hemsedal, where you will find the most popular alpine skiing resorts in Norway. “The mountain” in the winter can also be any mountain area above the tree line where there are cabins, and you can go cross-country skiing indefinitely on the mountain plains on vast white areas.
Northerners and Westerners, however, will not say “the mountain.” When they are going somewhere, they will say the name of where they are going. Like “I am going to Lyngsalpene” or “I am going to Svolværgeita.”
I really don’t know why this is a thing, but it is.
Sunset over Breiset Norway
BONUS: Budget Travel Tips For Norway
I am also painfully aware that Norway is not a cheap or budget destination for many travelers, as the price levels are a lot higher than in southern Europe or other places in the world. So here are my best budget travel tips to help you keep your shirt after traveling in Norway!
Travel in the shoulder seasons
Choose public transportation options
Look for hostels or “vandrehjem” (hikers homes) for accommodation
Or bring a tent, and you can sleep anywhere (that is legal in Norway)
Or, look up coach surfing in the places you want to visit!
Get the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card for free entries and discounts
Use Skyscanner or Google Travel to look for cheap flights
Choose self-guided tours where possible
Choose a few guided tours for the most spectacular adventures you want to experience (it will be worth it!)
The National Theater Scene In Oslo
FAQs Norway
What is the best month to go to Norway?
My favorite month in Norway is September, but it might not be yours unless you love mountains, hiking, and spectacular nature. If you want the warmest weather and the longest days, choose July. If you want the northern lights and iconic winters, choose February. If you want the awakening after the long winter, choose May. the answer to “When is the best time to go to Norway” depends on what you want to see and do.
What is the cheapest month to go to Norway?
The cheapest month to go to Norway is one of the shoulder season months. You will find the lowest prices in September through November, March, and April.
What is the best time to see northern lights in Norway?
The season for the northern lights in Norway runs from roughly November through March, slightly depending on what latitude you visit. Your best chances for seeing the northern lights are in the north from December through February.
What are the best seasons for Norway?
Hopefully, you will be able to answer that question on your own if I have done my job well enough! The “best” season depends on what you want, and my goal here is to help you find the best season to travel to Norway for you.
What do I pack For Norway?
Wrap-Up Best Time To Visit Norway
There you have it; the best season to travel to Norway will depend on what you want to experience, whether you love winter, summer, or something in between, your budget, and where you want to go.
Fingers crossed, you now have all the information you need to plan an epic holiday to Norway at a perfect time that will give you the best possible experience in our long, versatile, and unique country.
Happy Travel Planning!
