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Best Time and Season to Visit Norway: Complete Guide

Team AckoMay 13, 2024

The best time to visit Norway is during its summer, which falls in June, July, and August. These are the best months to enjoy its pleasant weather and relatively longer days. Norway is known for having pretty chill, cold, and dark weather. It can get as cold as -1°C, which is pretty cold, and if you are going to Norway for a vacation to see the sights, it will not be very comfortable. And besides, if you travel in July, you can experience the iconic midnight sun! Summer is a great time to indulge in outdoor activities, too, such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and berry picking. If you want to see Eastern Norway in the snow, the best time to go is between the middle of December and the middle of April.

Contents

When is the Best Time to Visit Norway from India?
Best Season to Visit Norway
Best month to visit Norway
Learn more about the best time of the year to visit Norway
- When is the cheapest time to visit Norway?
- When is the most expensive time to visit Norway?
Should I purchase Norway Travel Insurance?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the Best Time to Visit Norway from India?

The best time to visit Norway from India is late September to late March for those who want to witness the Northern Lights. If you're keen on snow activities like skiing and snowboarding, the period from December to April offers the best conditions. If you prefer sightseeing and outdoor adventures, the warmer months from May to August are perfect. It's worth noting that these timeframes align well with the summer and winter vacations in India, so you can plan accordingly and enjoy the most of your trip.

However, Norway’s best time to visit largely depends on what you want to experience, and a lot on how the weather is, it’s inland climate and it’s geographical regions. To help you get a better idea, we have classified the Nordic weather into five regions, and each region can experience different weather patterns. Here is a table showing different regions and the weather conditions.

Regions	Typical Weather Conditions
Northern Norway	Subarctic climate; cold snowy winters and mostly mild summers; long periods of darkness in winter.
Trøndelag	Coastal climate; milder winters, moderate precipitation (less rain and snow), pleasant summers.
Western Norway	Wet climate due to proximity to the Atlantic; high rainfall, mild winters, cooler summers
Eastern Norway	Varied climate; colder winters, less rainfall in some areas, warmer summers in others.
Southern Norway	Relatively temperate climate; milder winters, warmer summers compared to the north.

Best Season to Visit Norway

Here’s a breakdown of each season into peak, shoulder and low.

June/July/August Peak Season in Norway

Norway's summer falls between June, July and August, making it the best time to visit the country, and also its peak season. Summer is the best season to visit Norway from India for its pristine waters, spellbinding night sky, and thermal lagoons. If you want to witness endless daylight, visit in June! The period between mid-June and mid-August is considered the best time to visit the fjord valley. To witness the Northern Lights, it's a good idea to travel during the summer for its clear skies and pleasant evenings when you can see them best.

But be prepared for long queues in major attractions and places like Oslo, Ålesund, Bergen, and Tønsberg. Summer is also a great time for hiking mountains, so there can also be too many people, and waterfalls in northern and western Norway can be packed. During these months, there won’t be any last-minute hotel rooms available, especially if you want to book those cabins, cottages or resorts in remote areas. You'll find it hard to secure car rentals, so this must be done in advance. Prices will be on the higher side, but weather conditions will be at it’s best.

What is the weather like?

In the north, temperatures (in places like Tromsø and North Cape) will stay low at around 11°C; in the south, it will be around 20 °C.

Fun things to do.

Summer means warm weather, and if you are into wild swimming, you can explore the warm lakes and swim to your heart's content. If swimming doesn’t sound good, go boating or kayaking.

There is this famous Mt. Ulriken zipline in Bergen, which you should try. It will give you a new way to see the city.

Summer is the best time to enjoy nature, go hiking in the mountains, kayak in the ocean, go cycling in the woods, try boat riding and end the evening with fishing.

You shouldn’t miss these fun summer events if you are visiting Norway:

Every year in June, they celebrate the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø. The next will be held on June 22, 2024.
The Norwegian International Film Festival takes place every August in Haugesund.

Pros of going to Norway during the peak season:

Longer days and warm weather; the midnight sun in summer.
Mountain, waterfall, and fjord sightseeing and activities are at their best during this time.
The best time to see the Northern Lights.

Cons of going to Norway during the peak season:

Places can be extremely crowded during these months.
Higher costs for accommodations and flights.

May/September/October Shoulder Season in Norway

Spring and autumn are Norway's shoulder seasons. The shoulder season months are May and again from September to October. Compared to the peak and off-seasons, you can explore Norway relaxed and calmly. However, in recent times, shoulder season has also become increasingly popular among tourists since Norway is a year-round destination. May is the best time to visit Norway to explore the waterfalls, as by that time the snow melts. However, between September and November, you will see Norway in a different way. Norway will be transformed into autumnal red, orange and yellow shades. The greenery of the summer month will be switched with the fiery autumnal shades. At the end of November, the country turns into a snowy playground, especially in the northern region.

While visiting Norway in May, you should remember the public holidays. The days of May 1 and May 17 are fixed, while other days can change depending on the timing. Especially on May 17 (Norway's national day), many tourist facilities will be closed or reduced in size, and others will be fully booked.

Shoulder season offers fewer crowds; however, there are higher rain chances in the country in September. This is the best time to visit Norway, as travel fares and other things will be on the lower side and mostly on offer.

Shoulder seasons are also good choices for considering Norway’s most popular national parks and hiking trails, which have become uncomfortably crowded in the summer. Trail opening periods vary significantly across the country, so check in advance. Some trails stay open year-round but require a guide at certain times of the year.

What is the weather like?

In the southern part, temperatures (in places like Oslo) will be around 6°C in September and October; in the north, it will be around 2 °C.

Fun things to do.

Go on a mountain hike and pick mushrooms and berries since autumn is quite popular for such activities.

You can get on a bike ride through small villages and enjoy the lovely nature. And don’t worry if you are not into biking; you can get yourself on a wildlife safari and get a close view (through cameras, of course).

You shouldn’t miss these fun summer events if you are visiting Norway:

The Lillehammer Jazz Festival is a festival of musical expression that happens in October.
Bergen International Film Festival held at the end of September.

Pros of going to Norway during the shoulder season:

Fewer crowds, lower prices for flight tickets, accommodations, and various travel expenses compared to the peak summer season.
Pleasant weather—not too hot or cold; longer days—more daylight hours.

Cons of going to Norway during the shoulder season:

Weather during the shoulder season can be unpredictable.
Some festivals and cultural events are specific to the summer season.

November to March Low or Off-season in Norway

If you’re searching for the best time to visit Norway to witness snow, this is it. Winter in Norway is also the off-season; between November and March, you won't find many tourists because these are the coldest months of the year. Temperatures hit subzero! From mid-November and February to March, you can see the northern lights since these are the prime times. The time period between December and January is the darkest of all, so worse weather and clouds are common. Comparatively, February and March can be a better choice since there will be longer days and outdoor activities like skiing, ice skating will be open during light.

If you can brave the cold and short days, early December is the best time to travel to Norway for a budgeted trip. Hotels and flight prices tend to be on the lower side, and the country will light up for Christmas.

If you want to enjoy snowfall, remember that the dates are rarely matched. However, between January and April, snows are much more likely to happen and February and March are the best months for skiing. If you are in Norway’s main cities, like Oslo or Bergen, you could experience snowfall a little early, though it isn’t guaranteed.

Planning an early skiing trip is made more difficult because ski resorts don’t open until there has been significant snowfall. These dates vary each year, but you should be able to get a good idea of likely times from the ski resorts’ websites.

What is the weather like?

On the north side, the temperature can fall till -3 to -4°C. However, by the coast side, it gets around 2°C.

Fun things to do.

Winter means snow, and if you want to explore the true Norway winter, head to the north. Explore some fun activities, like skiing and ice skating.

And don’t worry! You don’t need to be a skier to enjoy snow activities. You have a tonne of activities from which you can choose, like dog sledging, ice fishing, horse sleigh rides, snowshoeing and many more. You can also go on snow coach and snow scooter tours.

Northern light trips are also preferable in the months of mid-November to March. Take a scroll through the Arctic Circle, and you will be amazed. In fact, this is the best chance to spot the northern lights, and there is also a specific zone called the “Northern Lights Belt” to experience them fully.

Make sure to head over to the coast of northern Norway for whale watching. In places like Lofoten and Tromso, you can hopefully get a chance to watch humpback and orcas whales.

You shouldn’t miss these winter events if you are visiting Norway:

The Tromsø International Film Festival, held in January, is the biggest film festival in Norway.
The Northern Lights Festival, which is held each year in the middle of January, is a 10-day festival in Tromsø.

Pros of going to Norway during the off-season:

Fewer crowds, lower costs, cooler weather.

Cons of going to Norway during the off-season:

Temperatures hit subzero.

Best month to visit Norway

Here’s a handy month-wise travel guide for Norway.

Norway in Spring (May to June)

In May, Norway wakes up to spring with flowers blooming, waterfalls flowing, and warm temperatures around 9°C. It's perfect for hiking and enjoying festivals. June brings even more warmth, around 12°C, and endless daylight. It's great for outdoor adventures like trekking and exploring stunning landscapes.

Norway in Summer (July - August)

July marks the peak of summer in Norway, with long daylight hours and weather averages of 17°C. It’s the best month to visit Norway for beach outings and hiking in the hills. In August, the summer vibes continue, and while rain is common, it doesn't dampen the spirit of exploration. Just be prepared for crowds and higher prices due to peak tourism season.

Norway in Autumn (September - October)

September marks the beginning of autumn in Norway and is the perfect time to explore its natural beauty. With mostly pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to peak season, Norwegian autumns are at their peak in October. With shorter daylight hours and the temperature starting to cool, it offers a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring fjords.

Norway in Winter (November - April)

In November, winter begins in Norway, offering a chance to see the stunning Northern Lights without crowds. December is all about snowy landscapes and holiday cheer. January and February bring lots of snow, perfect for skiing and seeing the Northern Lights. March and April see a slight increase in temperature and are the end of winter, but they are still great for enjoying snowy landscapes and spotting the Northern Lights.

Learn more about the best time of the year to visit Norway

When is the cheapest time to visit Norway?

Norway's low season, from November to March, is also winter in Norway. However, winter may be the cheapest time to visit Norway if you prefer travelling off the beaten track, away from the crowds.

When is the most expensive time to visit Norway?

The Norwegian summers are a favorite tourist season and run from June to August, which is the most expensive time to visit Norway. The pleasant weather in the summer makes it the preferred time for tourists to travel to this Nordic country, where everything is expensive during this peak season. Book ahead to ensure you get your preferred tour and sightseeing spots and to avoid higher prices.

Should I purchase Norway Travel Insurance?

Absolutely! It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance online when planning a trip to Norway or any other destination. Travel insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a list of common questions and their answers related to visiting Norway.

What is the best time to visit Norway for northern lights?

Winter is a great time to see the Northern Lights. Plan your holiday between November through February when the nights are clear and long. Even if you travel from September to March, you can still experience this wonder.

How many days are enough to travel in Norway?

We recommend planning a trip of around 3-5 days for you to be able to explore Norway's natural beauty and magic such as the Northern Lights, fjords, and snow activities.

Which are the winter activities in Norway?

Tourists to Norway love skiing and hiking, but if you want something different, try a snowshoe hike in Flåm! You can enjoy white and snowy landscapes and a stunning view of the fjord.

Is it expensive to travel to Norway?

On average, flying round-trip from most cities in India to Oslo will cost around Rs. 50,000. Norway is an expensive place to visit and travel around, especially if you're travelling from India. If you're booking in winter, which is the low season, you'll find great deals on flights and accommodation.

When is the best time for a honeymoon in Norway?

You can plan a romantic honeymoon to Norway in December.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.