Seasonal Planning for Norway Travel
Norway is an incredible example of a year-round destination. And while not all months will appeal to everyone, rest assured that there is a perfect activity or attraction to go along with each season.
When planning a trip to the Scandinavian country, most people have their hearts set on seeing either the fjords or the northern lights, or both. While the fjords can be seen year-round, it's important to keep in mind that summer months, while busy, tend to have the most options in terms of activities as well as accommodations, as some hotels and local operators have seasonal closings. For those looking to see the aurora borealis, your time frame is a bit more limited, as the northern lights are only visible from October through March.
Regardless of when you visit, though, Norway is an adventure lover's paradise. Always be prepared for changes in weather and temperature, and try to keep a laid-back attitude as the locals do, and you will, without a doubt, have an amazing Nordic journey beyond all your expectations.
For Norway trip planning ideas, check out kimkim's tours and itineraries.
| Seasons | Pros | Cons | Best for | Where to Visit |
| Spring (Mar-May) |
Days start to get longer and warmer, budding flowers |
Unpredictable weather |
Winter sports (March), Wildflowers (May) |
Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Oslo, Trondheim, Ålesund |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) |
The days are long (midnight sun) and warm; ferries run full schedules; mountain passes are open; festivals are aplenty |
With peak-season crowds, there's an uptick in pricing; book accommodation and tours in advance |
Hard-to-reach towns (inaccessible in the winter), outdoor excursions (fishing, watersports, wildlife spotting, etc) |
Smaller inland or coastal towns (now that they're accessible), Svalbard (for polar bears) |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Crowds dissipate |
Weather is crisp and wet (colder and wetter in November) |
Cities, cultural pursuits, scenic fall drives |
Oslo, Bergen, Lillehammer |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) |
Snowfall and subzero temps make for pretty landscapes and wintry fun (snow sports), northern lights make an appearance (in the Arctic) |
Days are short; remote accommodations shutter or are inaccessible; surge in airfare and hotel prices around Christmas |
Dogsledding, skiing/snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, reindeer sledding/ feeding/ safaris, northern lights viewing, Christmas markets |
Arctic Norway (Tromsø and Svolvær in particular), Oslo |
Spring in Norway (March to May)
In Norway, spring begins rather rapidly and can be anything but predictable. As the temperature rises, the snow and ice-capped mountains begin to melt, and with this comes an abundance of natural waterfalls and budding wildflowers. In fact, at this time of year, the blooming countryside resembles a scene from "The Sound of Music" more than anything else.
Be warned if you're planning to time your trip with these natural occurrences, though, as they have been known to start as early as February or as late as May. It's also smart to be prepared for sudden weather changes, as spring can mean sunny mornings and rainy afternoons, all in a single day. That being said, this time of year is arguably the most picturesque, and you aren't likely to run into as many fellow travelers—it's a great time to visit uber-popular sites like Trolltunga and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) without the crowds.
Events in Spring
Borealis Alta, Alta (March). Check out this immersive northern lights experience, which includes five days of concerts and culture designed to dispel winter's gloom.
Holy Week, Nationwide (April). Expect various celebrations and business closures throughout Norway, especially from Thursday through the day after Easter Sunday.
Constitution Day, Nationwide (May 17). This national holiday honors Norway's independence with the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814. Celebrations take place all over the country for all ages, including parades, parties, festive wear, concerts, and vendors.
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Norway in March
Norway in April
Norway in May
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Summer in Norway (June to August)
Given the milder temperatures, it's no surprise that most foreign travelers flock to this Nordic haven during the summer months. In southern regions such as Oslo and the Bergen-fjord area, temperatures typically linger in the low 70s (Fahrenheit) during the day and drop to the mid-50s at night, while daylight lasts for 20-plus hours per day. Once frozen fjords and snowy roads are also now fully accessible, visitors can travel the country by car, bus, train, plane, or boat.
However, travelers should be aware that accommodations throughout the country book up months ahead, so advance planning is recommended. For those looking to avoid the crowds, this is the ideal time to head inland or toward smaller coastal towns inaccessible by large cruise ships teeming with eager tourists. Summer also happens to be the perfect time to venture out to Svalbard if you have ever dreamed of spotting polar bears in the wild.
Consider taking a 12-day summer road trip with stops in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. Or, head north to Arctic Norway with these summertime tips.
Events in Summer
Midsummer Night, Nationwide (June). Travelers who make it to Norway for the Summer Solstice will find celebrations and festive bonfires all over Norway in honor of the midnight sun.
Riddu Riđđu, Olmmáivággi (July). The festival, which takes place every July, started in 1991, and today, it's recognized by the Norwegian government as one of 12 main festivals in the country. You'll get to know the great Indigenous culture of the Sámi, combined with the latest and most trending artists from the most northern parts of Norway, as you enjoy the festivities under the midnight sun.
Telemarkfestivalen, Bø (August). This international festival of folk music and folk dance in southern Norway features many famous fiddlers, dancers, and singers, aiming to preserve and evolve Norwegian music.
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Norway in June
Norway in July
Norway in August
Fall in Norway (September to November)
Although fall in Norway tends to be colder and wetter than summer, there are some distinct advantages to traveling during this season. As any photographer knows, the fall color palette is hardly one to miss with its attractive golds and reds.
For those who can't handle the summer sun, fall also offers a respite from the summer with crisp, cool air (in the early months) and a chance to snack on delicious local berries. And although the end of fall can see some wild and crazy weather, it also provides a great chance to check out the local cafés and restaurants where most Norwegians will be waiting out the storms alongside you. And for things to do in Northern Norway during this season, check out this article.
Events in Fall
Bergen Matfestival, Bergen (September). This early September festival attracts the fjord area's best food producers—a great place to meet locals and buy high-quality products and/or souvenirs.
DølaJazz, Lillehammer (October). Held over four days in October, the jazz fest coincides nicely with autumn foliage in Lillehammer's ski village.
Norsk Rakfiskfestival, Fagernes (November). During the first weekend of November, Fagernes hosts this festival in honor of the fishy delicacy, rakfisk (semi-fermented trout). It has grown to become one of the largest food events in Norway, drawing more than 25,000 people every year. Producers of rakfisk and other local products and handicrafts turn the streets into one big marketplace with more than 100 small stands where you can sample and buy their products. There are also concerts and dancing.
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Norway in September
Norway in October
Norway in November
Winter in Norway (December to February)
Norway is a veritable winter wonderland if you don't mind a little snow and ice. Surprisingly, the weather doesn't get as cold as you would expect, with temperatures usually not falling far below freezing. And as the Norwegians say, there's no bad weather, just bad clothing.
The biggest draw this time of year is the northern region, which offers an all-but-guaranteed chance to see the mystical northern lights. Arctic Norway is also famous for its outdoor excursions, which range from dogsledding to skiing (the national sport), snowmobiling, and even reindeer safaris. Don't expect a leisurely self-drive trip, though. With the snowy conditions, the easiest means of getting around this time of year involves short flights and 4WD or super Jeep transfers. Here's more info on the Lapland region in winter.
Events in Winter
Julemarked Røros, Røros (December). For one weekend a year, the postcard village of Røros hosts its Christmas market—a popular event drawing crowds from across the country. Shops sell everything from hand-carved toys to reindeer skins, wool hats, and local food and drink.
Nordlysfestivalen, Tromsø (January). The remarkable Northern Lights Festival takes place at the end of January at specially chosen locations all over Tromsø, including their modern cathedral. Attendees will have their pick of classical, chamber, opera, jazz, and contemporary performances from local and international musicians.
Sámi Week, Tromsø (February). This festival, which takes place during the week of Sámi National Day, includes the national reindeer racing championship, where Sámi lead a reindeer sprint along Tromsø's main street. Various cultural events, such as Sámi exhibitions, markets, seminars, and concerts, also occur throughout the week.