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Best Time and Season to Visit Norway: Complete Guide

Team AckoFeb 7, 2024

The home of the Vikings and stunning winter landscape, Norway is a magical country with exciting surprises in every season. Watch the Northern Lights, explore the fjords, and hike away! Best known for the breathtaking natural Northern Lights and Midnight Sun phenomena, fresh Norwegian salmon, and Edvard Munch's iconic painting "The Scream", Norway has so much to offer travellers. Read ahead to know the best time to visit Norway.

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Best Time to Visit Norway 

The best time to visit Norway is during Norway's summer, which falls in June, July and August. These are the best months to go to Norway to enjoy its pleasant weather and relatively longer days. If you travel in July, you can experience the iconic midnight sun! Summer is a great time to indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and berry picking. 

Best Season to Visit Norway

The best season to visit Norway is the country’s most popular tourist season comprising July and August. Before you decide to see the Northern Lights or cruise the fjords, acquaint yourself with each travel season in Norway. 

Peak Season 

Norway's summer falls between July and August, making it the best time to visit the country, and also its peak season. Summer is the best time 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! To witness the splendour of the Northern Lights, it's a good idea to travel during summer for its clear skies and pleasant evenings when you can see it best. 

Shoulder Season 

Spring and autumn are Norway's shoulder season. The shoulder season months are from May to June, and again from September to October. Unlike the peak and off-seasons, shoulder season travel gives you a chance to explore Norway at a leisurely pace. 

Low or Off Season

Winter in Norway is also the off-season, between November and March when you won't find many tourists, because these are the coldest months of the year. Temperatures hit subzero! If you brave the cold, and short days, you can enjoy a winter wonderland in Norway. Experience travel on the Bergen Railway or breathtaking Flåm Railway. Explore the iconic dramatic Nærøyfjord, and take a bus to marvel at the winter wonderland landscape of Western Norway.

Best Month to Visit Norway

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

Norway in January 

When you're travelling from India, you may find Norway's winters much colder than Indian ones. Expect more than a breeze, because January gets the strongest winds, which makes winter colder than it is. You'll also get snow in January, making it the perfect time to enjoy snowy activities like skiing and snowmobiling. If you're excited to see the Northern Lights, now is the month to go, as it's peak viewing season. 

  • Average Temperature 

    • -1°C (31°F)

  • Events

    • Northern Lights Festival

    • Tromso International Film Festival

  • Explore

    • Flåm railway 

    • Snowmobile across Norway 

    • Northern Lights

  • Reasons to visit in January

    • Witness days that get around only 4-6 hours of daylight! 

    • Ideal time for winter sports and activities

Norway in February

The last month of winter, February, is when you can still see the Northern Lights and explore beautiful Norway. Although this is one of the coldest months, you can relish Norway's pristine winter, natural landscapes, outdoor activities and local festivals. As it's still low or off-season, there are fewer tourists and cheaper flights and hotels. 

  • Average Temperature

    • 2°C (30°F)

  • Events

    • Thorrablot, Norwegian Viking age midwinter festival 

  • Explore

    • Enjoy a winter fjord safari

    • Try a Viking dinner in Flåm 

    • Reindeer feeding in Tromso with a Sami guide 

  • Reasons to visit in February

    • Witness days that get around only 4-6 hours of daylight! 

    • Ideal time for winter sports and activities 

    • Perfect month to witness the Northern lights 

Norway in March

Spring in Norway begins in March, although you can still expect cold weather. You'll notice the white wonderland giving way to spring as the first blossoms and leaves of the season peep through, warming up the stunning landscape. March still has very windy weather, so make sure you take your warm clothes, boots, and gloves wherever you go. As the sun starts peeking out with the weather warming up, you will get more daylight, averaging around 8 hours. 

  • Temperature

    • 3°C (38°F)

  • Events

    • Narvik Winter Festival

    • Winter Chamber Music Festival

    • Stavanger Vinfest

  • Explore

    • Snowshoe Hike to Stegastein viewpoint

    • Fjord cruise in Oslo

    • Salmon fishing at 

      • Sola airport in Stavanger

      • Værnes airport in Trøndelag 

  • Why should you visit this month

    • As winter slowly turns into spring, the days get more sunshine

    • Plenty of events as the weather warms up

Norway in April

Expect warmer temperatures that make it enjoyable to indulge in sunny and warm outdoor Norwegian activities from lush meadows to mesmerising fjord cruises! 

  • Temperature 

    • 3°C/39°F

  • Events

    • Voss Jazz Festival

  • Explore

    • Voss indoor skydiving 

    • Bergen UNESCO World Heritage Site 

    • Jotunheimen National Park

Norway in May

Spring in Norway falls in May, with pleasant weather and comfortable nights. You can experience the magic of a Norwegian spring by exploring the landscapes to witness the prettiest flowers in full bloom, flowing waterfalls, lakes, meadows, and streams. With warm temperatures, go hiking, or cruise the fjords! 

  • Temperature

    • 9°C (48°F)

  • Events

    • Bergen International Festival

    • Constitution Day, May 17th

    • Stavanger Jazz Festival

    • Codstock Celebration

  • Explore

    • See the "The Scream" painting by Edvard Munch at Oslo’s National Gallery 

    • Take a train ride on the Flåm Railway

    • Tour the Royal Palace 

  • Why should visit this month

    • Warmer weather

    • Endless daylight without sunsets for days

Norway in June

During Norwegian summers, the nights are crystal clear, and perfect for stargazing! In June, the sun never sets for days at a time, and you can catch the most awaited "Midnight Sun" phenomena. June is the best month to visit Norway, if you enjoy pleasant weather and lush green landscapes, ideal for trekking across. 

  • Temperature

    • 12°C (54°F)

  • Events

    • Extreme Sports Festival

    • Norwegian Wood Festival

    • OverOslo Festival 

    • Tahiti Festivalen

    • Faerder Sailing Race

    • Risør Chamber Music Festival

    • Midsummer Night

    • Tromso's Midnight Sun Marathon

  • Explore

    • Fjord Cruise

      • Pulpit Rock’s iconic view of the remarkable Lysefjord

      • Sognefjord

  • Why should you visit this month

    • Warm weather ideal for revolting the great outdoors 

    • Witness the Midnight Sun phenomenon when the sun doesn't set for days

    • Plenty of activities and festivals

Norway in July

Summer starts peaking this month, and you will be able to enjoy the pleasant Norwegian weather with plenty of outdoor activities. This is the best time to travel to Norway if you enjoy outdoor activities to get in touch with Mother Nature. The days are longest in summer, with an average of 16 to 18 daylight hours per day! 

  • Temperature 

    • 14°C (57°F) 

  • Events

    • City sauna in Vassvik 

    • Vinjerock

    • Førde International Folk Music Festival

    • Risør Wooden Boat Festival

    • Peer Gynt Festival

  • Explore

    • Viking Ship Museum, Oslo 

    • Tromso and the land of the Northern Lights

    • Oppdal Zipline Park

  • Why should you visit this month

    • Peak season with many activities

    • Sunbathe on a Norwegian beach

    • Warm and pleasant weather, suitable for outdoor activities 

Norway in August

August is the peak of summer in Norway. Enjoy the pleasant dinner days and cosy summer nights. If you enjoy hiking, you can trek through the pristine and magnificent Norwegian hills and mountains. Expect rain on most days, so be sure to bring your rain gear along with you. As this is peak season, you'll have to contend with crowds and high prices on everything from flights to hotels to dining. With the weather being just right, you can experience a variety of Norwegian festivals this month. 

  • Temperature 

    • 13°C (55°F) 

  • Events

    • Norwegian Food Festival

    • Oyafestivalen

    • Gladmat, Stavanger

    • Riddu Riddu, Northern Troms

    • Ultima Contemporary Music Festival

  • Explore 

    • Viking Ship Museum, Oslo 

    • Tromso and the land of the Northern Lights

    • Oppdal Zipline Park

  • Why should you visit this month

    • Warm and pleasant summer days, with average sunlight hours 

    • Suitable for hiking and trekking across Norway 

Norway in September

Autumn comes with September, offering you breathtaking views of the landscape as summer gives way to autumn. Marvel at the gorgeous reds and oranges of autumn on the trees and as a ground cover countrywide. September is the shoulder season, the right time for you to explore the natural beauty of Norway, while enjoying mostly pleasant weather.

  • Temperature 

    • 10°C (50°F) 

  • Events

    • Bergen Food Festival

    • Nordic Light Photo Festival

    • Oslo Marathon

  • Explore

    • Visit Naeroyfjord fjord

    • Skagerrak Coast fishing

    • Oppdal Zipline Park

  • Why you should travel this month

    • Pleasant weather both day and night 

    • Shoulder season is less crowded and you can find the best deals on flights, accommodation, and experiences

Norway in October

Norwegian autumns in October are a magnificent sight. Expect beautiful autumn hues of reds, oranges and yellows as you explore the great outdoors. October is an ideal time to visit Norway without the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. However, major tourist attractions may be closed this season. With summer gone, and sunsets back, the daylight hours start getting shorter. 

  • Temperature

    • 7°C (44°F)

  • Explore

    • Hiking in Oslofjord 

    • Skiing in the mountains near Tromso

    • Fjord exploring near Bergen

  • Events

    • Lillehammer Jazz Festival 

    • Insomnia Festival

    • Christmas market at Hadeland Glassverk

  • Why should you visit this month

    • Cooler weather makes a stunning backdrop for picture-perfect moments 

    • Expect sunlight hours to wane, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day

Norway in November 

The best time of the year to visit Norway is in November. However, if you're travelling from India, you'll be surprised by how cold the region can be, so pack extra warm. You can beat the peak season crowds and experience the magic of the rainbow Northern Lights!

  • Temperature

    • 4°C (39°F)

  • Events

    • Rakfisk Festival

    • Tromso Whale Watching 

    • Children's Theatre: Snøsøstera

  • Explore 

    • Explore the fjords 

    • Visit Rondane National Park  

    • Skiing in Svalbard 

  • Why should you visit this month

    • Off-season makes it ideal for leisurely outdoor exploration 

    • See the Northern Lights sans crowds

Norway in December

Norway in December is a winter wonderland with blankets of snow adorning rooftops and streets. You can immerse yourself in the holiday cheer, even though the weather might be at almost 0° Celsius! Experience the magic of Christmas lights and the New Year spirit. Dark days with short hours makes December part of the off-season. You'll find cheaper winter sports, and discounts on hotels, ski resorts, and restaurants.

  • Temperature

    • 2°C (36°F)

  • Events

    • Roros Christmas Market

    • St Lucia Day

    • Norwegian Christmas 

    • New Year's Eve Celebrations 

  • Explore

    • Opera House 

    • Stave Churches from Viking era 

    • Take the Floibanen Funicular train to the Floyen mountain 

  • Why you should travel this month 

    • Snowy days 

    • Holiday time, Christmas festive season

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. 

Expensive Time to Visit Norway

The Norwegian summers are a tourist favourite, and run from June to September. Pleasant weather in summer makes it the preferred time for tourists to travel to this Nordic country.  However, flights to Norway, along with accommodation, dining, and sightseeing are 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.

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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.

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