Although the climate is harsh, Norway is visited by millions of tourists every year. Therefore, the high season in Norway - two times a year. Favorable time to visit remains the period from December to March, and the second option - from May to September. Traveling to Norway will help you enjoy the harsh northern romance and at the same time will leave the warmest memories. Low season in Norway can be called the off-season from October to December and from March to May.
When should you plan your trip to Norway? Well, that depends on the season you prefer. And no, we're not just talking about the climate and weather. We're talking about the different reasons to visit Norway throughout the year. It's a bit of a puzzle. You see, there are seasons for ecotourism, excursions, seaside getaways, cruises, yachting, witnessing the northern lights, mountain skiing, festivals, and even shopping sales. Many tourists want to experience several of these purposes in one trip. That's where we, along with tripmydream, can be of assistance.
For those who are drawn to skiing, the ski season is a significant consideration when planning a trip to Norway. You can find detailed information about it in the relevant section. The ski season typically extends into late spring. Lillehammer is a popular destination during this time, and in the western part of the country, skiing continues on the Strun and Gallhøpiggen glaciers even during the summer.
Now, if you're pondering the best time to visit Norway for excursions and travel experiences, the season runs from May through September. This period sees over two million tourists exploring the country. It's worth noting that prices can be on the higher side during the summer, which is why many people opt for budget-friendly coach tours.
Enjoying Norway in Winter
Winter is the peak season for skiers and those seeking extreme winter adventures. The local winters are known for being quite cold, with some central areas experiencing Arctic-like temperatures.
Winter weather in Norway varies by region. The west coast experiences relatively mild conditions with daytime temperatures slightly below freezing. In Oslo, temperatures during the season typically range from -7°C to 0°C. As you move inland, it gets colder. In central Norway's cities, January temperatures range from -17°C at night to -7°C during the day.
In the Arctic Circle, you'll encounter snowstorms and frigid temperatures, averaging around -22°C. A few years ago, the coldest recorded temperature was -50°C in Finnmark. Until mid-January, there is limited daylight, and the sky occasionally lights up with the mesmerizing northern lights. Many people visit Norway during the winter solely to witness this natural phenomenon. Common choices for experiencing this include cruises to Trondheim or Svalbard.
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Spring Holidays in Norway
March and April are considered the off-season. Spring weather in Norway is characterized by dampness and rain. However, this is when independent travelers venture to the country. Many hotels offer discounts, and excursions are more budget-friendly. The ski season is winding down, it's too early for swimming, and it's still chilly for outdoor walks in cities and their surroundings. This is why prices tend to drop. The most comfortable places to visit during spring are Oslo, Bergen, and other major tourist towns.
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Holidays in Norway in Summer
This is undoubtedly the peak season. The best time to sightsee in Norway is in the summer. The Troll Road, the Flom railroad near the steep slope, ancient Oslo – most sights in the country are best viewed at this time. Beach vacations in Norway are possible only during the height of summer heat, appreciated mostly by hardcore fans of extreme sports. Although on the southwest coast, you can find many secluded bays with wonderful beaches.
The weather in Norway in summer is warm, even hot in the sun. Mass swimming does not start until July, when the water warms up to +18°C to +22°C in shallow waters. In July, the thermometer rises to +21°C. In the central regions of the country it is warmer than in the south. In the west, the maximum temperature is around +18°C.
In the highlands, daytime temperatures range from +9°C to +13°C. In the Arctic Circle, summer temperatures do not rise above -5°C. In Tromsø, the daylight period lasts from May 17 to June 25, in Finnmark from the beginning of June to the end of July, and in Svalbard from April 20 to August 26. At night in summer, the air cools to +6-10°C in almost every region.
The summer months are best for yachting. In the north of the country, fishing is better in summer, in the south and southwest, it is more popular in winter. The fishing season runs from June to September, with a spawning season in spring and fall, so fishing is prohibited. The best time for cruises to the fjords is in the summertime. Tours traditionally start in the city of Bergen. Of course, you can't say that they are not popular at all in winter because the water at their shores never freezes.
The white night season lasts here from June to July. The sun doesn't go below the horizon for almost a whole day. Because of the fog, it is not very bright. In August, the polar day is over, the sun rises early, around 03:00, and it gets dark no earlier than 22:00.
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Holidays in Norway in fall
Low season as it is. Norway gets its first snowfall in October. September and October are rainy in the coastal western regions of the country. The weather in Norway gets dramatically colder in the fall. Oslo still has sunny days, as the mountains protect the city from Atlantic cyclones. In mid-autumn in the central part of the country, there are severe frosts. In the north, strong winds pick up, and snowfalls are heavy.
In November, snow also falls in Oslo, with temperatures approaching 0°C. The middle of the month marks the opening of the season in the ski resorts. Nevertheless, this is the time of many excursions, already in early fall, hotels slightly reduce prices, knowing that tourists are ready to come at this time.
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The weather in Norway is capricious. Temporary cold spells can strike in the summer. Bring warm clothes regardless of the time of year on the calendar. Sightseeing is better planned for the period from May to early September when the country is warm. Skiing is safe from December to April, but be warned that prices are at their highest in late December and early January.
