Best Time To Visit Norway

Are you planning a trip to Norway? Then you’ll need to make sure you choose the right seasons. 

The best time to visit Norway can be tricky to determine, as the country can experience vastly different weather throughout the year.

While you probably want to enjoy all of the natural beauty that Norway has to offer, you need to plan your trip carefully to ensure you arrive during the most suitable months. 

This guide explains everything you need to know.

The best time to visit Norway depends on your interests and what you want to experience. Norway is a beautiful country with distinct seasons, each offering unique attractions. 

Here's a breakdown of the different times to visit to help you decide when to visit Norway based on the kind of trip you want to take.

Best for: Outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring the fjords.

During the summer months, Norway experiences long daylight hours, sometimes even the Midnight Sun in the northern regions, providing plenty of time for outdoor adventures. If you want good sunny weather and the best places to visit in Norway for hiking, then this is absolutely the best time to visit this gorgeous country.

Summer is also the best season to visit Norway for snow-free roads and clear skies. This can make trekking in Norway fjords a lot more enjoyable, and it can help you enjoy clear views over Norway’s famous fjords. In fact, Norway’s hiking season pretty much only runs for three months out of the year during Summer. 

If you want to go on kayaking trips in Norway, white water rafting, whale watching, cycling or do other outdoor activities, then summer is definitely the best season to do it and see some epic Norway fjords waterfalls.

Popular Summer destinations include Bergen, Oslo, the Norwegian fjords, and the Lofoten Islands, which have some of the most popular fjords in Norway. You can also look out for the many different summer festivals and events that happen during this time of year.

Just be aware that the summer season may be the best time to visit Norway, but it’s also the busiest. This is when peak tourist season hits, so any popular attractions (like hiking to Pulpit Rock in Norway or when you visit Stavanger Norway) will probably get quite crowded.

You’ll also want to book your summer trip in advance, as campsites and accommodation can be booked up pretty quickly. 

With Skyhook Adventure, we'll be sure to save you a seat on what will likely be one of the best trips of your life to one of the most stunning places on Earth.

However, beyond the weather, there is another big reason to visit Norway in the summer. As counterintuitive as it sounds, Norway’s peak tourist season is also the most affordable season in the country.

As Norway is one of the most expensive countries on earth, accommodation and travel prices actually drip during the summer months to promote tourism and make the country more accessible.

This means the most beautiful places in Norway to visit are more accessible over the summer months.

Best for: Mild weather, fewer crowds, and autumn foliage.

Spring and early autumn offer milder weather compared to the winter months but with fewer tourists.

Spring is an excellent time to witness the blooming of wildflowers, while early autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. This can make springtime hiking in Norway a dream for any outdoor enthusiast.

If you get good weather during these months, you can still enjoy all of Norway’s famous outdoor activities, like hiking, kayaking, and cycling.

Spring could also be the best time for Norwegian fjords weather, as you can still get beautiful clear weather without as many crowds. It's also an excellent to catch sight of wildlife in Norway fjords.

While the shoulder seasons are a good time to visit Norway, visiting during these periods can also be risky.

As Norway’s weather is so unpredictable, you should still expect to experience plenty of rain, mist, and cold grey weather. However, the smaller crowds and more accessible accommodation could make it worthwhile.

Consider visiting cities like Oslo and Trondheim or exploring the northern lights in Tromsø in early autumn.

Best for: Winter sports, northern lights, and a snowy wonderland.

Looking for the best time to visit Norway for snow? Then you need to come during winter.

While the best time to see Norwegian fjords is during the summer months, winter offers its own unique charms to this country. There’s really nothing quite like experiencing a snowy Norwegian winter - if you’re prepared to handle the cold!

Norway is a winter wonderland during this time, with many things to do in Norway in winter.

Is the sea rough in the Norwegian fjords? The answer is yes, particularly in winter with unpredictable weather and turbulent waters.

So, you can forget about hiking or sea kayaking, and don't expect to enjoy clear skies over the fjords. But don't worry, there’s still lots of outdoor fun to be had during Norway’s winter months. 

You'll have plenty of opportunities for ice climbing in Norway skiing, snowboarding, dog sledging, and ice fishing.

Of course, the days are shorter which could make a big impact on what you can squeeze into your travel itinerary. But, if you’re looking to explore a snowy paradise, then visiting Norway in winter will be unforgettable. 

The best time to visit Norway in winter is anytime between December to February - with the later end of the season sometimes offering a slightly milder climate. Just make sure you dress for the cold if you visit during these months!

Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands are popular destinations for observing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during winter. Cities like Bergen and Oslo have a cosy atmosphere during winter, with Christmas markets and festive decorations.

Best for: A mix of autumn and winter experiences.

November is a transitional month where you can experience both the fall foliage and the arrival of fun things to do in Norwegian fjords during winter. This can be a really interesting time to visit Norway.

Be prepared for shorter daylight hours as winter approaches. You’ll still be faced with cold weather, plenty of rain, grey skies, and strong winds. However, there are also clear days mixed in, and you could still enjoy some of the last hiking or kayaking of the season.

Just make sure you take a guided Norwegian fjords kayaking and hiking tour if you do decide to visit during these months, as the weather and conditions can be unpredictable. Our vetted guides at Skyhook Adventure will ensure that you get to where you want to go in one piece.

Late Autumn is certainly not everyone’s best time to visit Norway. However, there are definite autumn charms to enjoy in the country. Plus, you’ll avoid most of the crowds.

The best time to see fjords in Norway, which are one of the country's most iconic natural attractions, largely depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. 

However, the best time is typically considered the summer months (June to August). This is peak tourist season where you can enjoy pleasant weather and long daylight hours.

All of the famous outdoor activities, like boating, kayaking, and hiking, are available during these months in the Norwegian fjords. 

However, visiting the Norwegian fjords during shoulder seasons can also be worthwhile. While March and April can still be quite cold, they offer a unique opportunity to see the fjords awakening from winter.

During this time, the fjords begin to thaw, and you can witness the transition from winter to spring. Expect amazing waterfalls. Early spring hiking and photography enthusiasts may find these months most appealing.

Is May a good time to visit Norway to see the fjords? Absolutely, as May offers the best of the shoulder season and the beginning of summer combined.

The best months to visit Norway could also be decided by one of the country’s most famous natural attractions - the Northern Lights.

The best month to visit Norway for Northern Lights are from late September to early April. During this period, the long winter nights and the high latitude of many Norwegian regions make it possible to witness this stunning natural phenomenon. 

In late September and early October, the nights in northern Norway start to get dark enough for Northern Lights viewing. These months offer a pleasant transition from summer to winter, with milder temperatures compared to the heart of winter.

November to February is the peak Northern Lights season in Norway. November, December, and January provide the longest and darkest nights, increasing your chances of seeing the lights. However, be prepared for very cold temperatures, especially in northern regions.

Late winter to early spring, particularly February and March, can still offer excellent Northern Lights displays. While temperatures may remain cold, these months offer a slightly more comfortable environment compared to the depths of winter.

Norway experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year due to its diverse geography and location in the northern part of Europe. 

Now that you know the best time to visit Norway based on activities, let’s break down the country’s seasons month by month.

January is the heart of winter in Norway. Expect cold temperatures, especially in the northern regions, with average highs around freezing or below.

Snowfall is common, making it an ideal time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The days are short, with limited daylight hours in the northern areas.

Similar to January, February is cold and snowy in most of Norway. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy excellent skiing conditions. The days gradually become longer as the month progresses, especially in the southern regions.

March marks the transition from winter to spring. Temperatures begin to rise, but snow is still common, particularly in the northern parts. Daylight hours increase significantly, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities.

April continues the transition to spring. In southern Norway, temperatures become milder, and the landscape starts to thaw and bloom.

In the north, there may still be snow and ice in some areas, but conditions are generally improving.

May is the start of the spring season in most of Norway. Warmer temperatures lead to the blossoming of flowers and trees. It's a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring nature.

June is the beginning of summer in Norway. Days are long, and in the northern regions, you can experience the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets.

It's a popular time for tourists to explore the Norwegian fjords and enjoy outdoor adventures.

July is one of the warmest months in Norway, especially in the south. It's a great time for fishing in Norway fjords, hiking, and exploring the coastal areas while camping in the fjords Norway. The Midnight Sun continues in the far north.

August is still warm and ideal for outdoor activities like a Norway camping vacation. The weather remains pleasant for exploring Norway's natural beauty.

September marks the transition to autumn. The weather begins to cool down, but it's still a good time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

October is autumn in full swing. The fall foliage can be quite spectacular in many parts of the country. Be prepared for cooler and wetter weather.

November is the beginning of winter in Norway. Temperatures drop, and snowfall becomes more common, especially in the northern regions. Daylight hours are limited, leading to shorter days.

December is the heart of winter and the holiday season. Christmas markets and festive decorations are common in cities like Oslo and Bergen. Snow is likely in many areas, making it a popular time for winter sports.

Note: See more information in our ice climbing guide.

Keep in mind that Norway's weather can vary greatly from year to year, and regional differences can be significant. It's important to check local forecasts and pack accordingly when planning a trip to Norway.

You also need to know that even during the peak of summer, Norway can still have cold, rainy, windy weather. As a general rule, it’s always best to pack for all seasons when visiting Norway. You should be prepared for any kind of weather when visiting this exciting country.

So, what is the best time to visit Norway? This really just depends on the kind of trip you plan to do. 

The best time to visit Norway for hiking or seeing the fjords can be totally different from the best time for seeing the Northern Lights or experiencing snow. Know what you want from your trip, and plan accordingly. 

However, Norway is awesome to visit any time of year. As long as you’re prepared for the weather, you can have an amazing trip to this country regardless of the season with Skyhook!