The best time to visit Norway
Planning a Scandinavian getaway and wondering about the best time to visit Norway? The truth is that this beautiful Nordic nation is a worthy travel destination year-round, so it’s hard to go wrong!
Having said that, each season has its own unique benefits. The summer is perfect for Sognefjord cruises and self-drive tours. The winter is the ideal time to spot the northern lights and take part in winter activities.
To learn more about the best time to go to Norway, read our guide and you’ll know what to expect at each time of year, what activities are best as well as when and where to go in Norway for your ideal trip.
Fact – With 195 rainy days per year and 2.250 mm of the annual rainfall, Bergen in western Norway is considered to be the wettest place in Europe!
Here are the best times to travel to Norway!
Norway is a country of dramatic landscapes and proportions – whether you’re looking at the Northern Lights, the stunning fjords, or the glaciers; you will be baffled by the sheer size and magnitude of it all. It’s a country of exceeding beauty!
- Best time to visit: May – June, September – October
- High Tourist Season: June – August
- Low Season: November – April
- All Seasons: May – June (spring), June – August (summer), September – October (fall), November – April (winter)
- The best time to visit Norway is during the shoulder seasons, in spring (between May and June), and fall (between September and October), when the weather is amazing and there aren’t that many tourists.
- The high season to visit Norway is between mid-June and August. This is when the crowds will be at their peak, so make sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
- The low season in Norway is the entirety of winter. There are few ski slopes that are open during the time, but it is bitter cold and most attractions will shut down.
- The Northern Lights are best seen at higher altitudes, it is mostly visible during the colder months, between September and March.
November to April – Winter / Low Season
Winters in Norway can get rather harsh, thereby limiting the number of tourists that visit the country during this period. The days are quite dark, so you will have to put up with shorter days to enjoy. However, by December, the snowfall will start. This will definitely bury the higher altitudes in a lot of snow, but areas like Tromso and Oslo will look stunning, especially around Christmas time, when all the decorations go up!
- Avg. Temperature: 20° – 46° F / -6°– 7° C (in Oslo)
- Highlights: Head to Tromso for the Tromso International Film Festival. There is a higher chance of you getting a sight of the Northern Lights during this period, but you have to make sure that you’re at the higher altitudes – in areas such as Svalbard, Kirkenes, Alta, Tromso, Harstad, Bodo, or Bardufoss. The Christmas in Norway is quite magical with the snow covered cities, and the beautiful decorations, so you should definitely not miss out on that either!
May to June – Spring / Good Season
May – June is the spring season, and the weather in Norway takes a turn for the sunny. Wildflowers start blossoming across the country, which will give you great views. However, in a number of places (especially in higher altitudes), the snow would have just thawed, so beware of the sludgy snow beneath your feet! The waterfalls begin to swell in most parts of the country as well.
- Avg. Temperature: 58° – 65° F / 14°– 18° C (in Oslo)
Highlights: Norwegians love celebrating the arrival of spring, so there are a few holidays during this period – including the National Day on May 17, where people dress up and make merry. Since the weather is so good, there will be a number of outdoor activities, such as music festivals as well. This includes the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromso, and the Norwegian Wood music festival in Oslo (both in June). This is a wonderful time to visit the fjords, as most of the waterfalls will be brimming!
September to October – Fall / Good Season
The fall colours take hold of the country, and the colours look stunning scattered across Norway. The weather starts becoming cooler, compared to the summer, but there is still no snowfall. Rain starts in the other parts of Norway, so carrying rainproof clothing would be a good idea. If you want to chase the warmth during these months, head to the coastal areas. The frequency of transport will reduce, as the number of tourists goes down, so plan accordingly. Accommodation and travel tickets will be sufficiently cheaper during these months.
- Temperature: 44° – 61° F / 7°– 16° (in Oslo)
Highlights: This is the season for you to go picking berries and mushrooms in the mountains – they are found everywhere! The coastal areas are great, as there is lesser rain, and it’s warmer as well. The rainy season might dampen some of your trekking plans, but that can be resolved with some waterproof gear. The autumn colours look stunning, so you should definitely not give up on a hike into the forests during this season.
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