Climate and monthly weather forecast
Alta, Norway

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The climate of Alta

Alta, Norway, according to the Köppen climate classification, falls under category Dfc, signifying a subarctic climate. It is characterized by severe winters, no dry season, and a cool summer. The geographic locale results in broad fluctuations in weather parameters across the year.

Temperature ranges significantly throughout the year in Alta. The noticeably coldest month is February, with temperatures dropping down to -11.9°C (10.6°F) during nights and barely touching -6.7°C (19.9°F) during daytime. Conversely, the relatively warmer period arrives in July with night temperatures hitting 8.7°C (47.7°F) and daytime reaching a peak at 14.4°C (57.9°F).

Variances in Alta's relative humidity span from 75% in June to 89% in April. On average, the city has a high relative humidity throughout the year. The town also experiences a common pattern of increased rainfall from 16mm (0.63") in February to 44mm (1.73") in July. However, snowfall, which is a common phenomenon, sees the most volume, 137mm (5.39"), in March and least in July.

Wind speed tends to be relatively constant across the year in Alta, with the highest average speed hitting 17.5km/h (10.9mph) in March, while in August dropping to the lowest at 11.8km/h (7.3mph).

Visibility in Alta remains quite uniform throughout the year, maintaining 8km (5mi) to 9km (5.6mi) in general. The frequency of days with sunlight decreases to a relative low of 9.1 days in June and peaks at 17.3 days in January.

The best time to visit Alta

The prime time for explorers to experience Alta's climatic charm is arguably between June to August. During these months, average temperatures range from 4.8°C (40.6°F) to 8.7°C (47.7°F) at night and from 9.4°C (48.9°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F) during the day. One can also expect relatively lower humidity during these months, 75%, compared to other periods within the year. Notably, the hours of daylight extend dramatically during the summer period, reaching a high of 24 hours in June, providing extra time for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Alta

The time period between November to January can prove to be quite challenging for visitors. These months witness the city's lowermost temperatures from -8.2°C (17.2°F) to -5.4°C (22.3°F) at night and from -4.1°C (24.6°F) to -1.7°C (28.9°F) during the day. Furthermore, the daylight duration is substantially reduced, hitting a minimum duration of zero hours in December. Light visibility also shrinks during these months, making outdoor activities less appealing.

Spring weather in Alta

From March to May, Alta experiences spring. This period is marked by temperatures oscillating between -9.6°C (14.7°F) to -0.5°C (31.1°F) during the nights and from -4°C (24.8°F) to 4.4°C (39.9°F) during the day. May sees rainfall increasing from 27mm (1.06") to 31mm (1.22") in contrast to a dramatic drop in snowfall from 137mm (5.39") to 46mm (1.81"). The daylight hours significantly increase from 11.7 hours in March to 22.3 hours in May.

Summer weather in Alta

Summers in Alta span from June to August. The temperatures during these months perceptibly improve from 4.8°C (40.6°F) to 7.3°C (45.1°F) at nighttime and from 9.4°C (48.9°F) to 12.9°C (55.2°F) during daylight hours. Rainfall has a general upward trend, ranging from 35mm (1.38") in June to 33mm (1.3") in August. Although snowfall is absent during the summer weather, daylight is readily abundant reaching a maximum of 24 hours in June.

Autumn weather in Alta

Autumn in Alta begins from September extending till November. Temperatures during this period shift from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to -5.4°C (22.3°F) at night and from 9.2°C (48.6°F) to -1.7°C (28.9°F) during the day. Rainfall is varied from 23mm (0.91") in September to 22mm (0.87") in November. Snowfall also starts to pick up, significantly rising from 6mm (0.24") to 99mm (3.9"). Daylight duration decreases rapidly from 13.4 hours in September to 3.4 hours in November.

Winter weather in Alta

The winter season starts in December and ends in February. During this timeframe, temperatures dip down from -8.2°C (17.2°F) to -11.9°C (10.6°F) in the nighttime and from -4.1°C (24.6°F) to -6.7°C (19.9°F) in the daytime. Rainfall also drops from 19mm (0.75") to 16mm (0.63") while snowfall increases dramatically from 91mm (3.58") in December to 94mm (3.7") in January. Daylight hours are at their lowest, falling from zero hours in December to 7.3 hours in February.

Weather in January

Kickstarting the year in Alta, Norway is the chill of January, a month known for its minimal daylight hours. Esker-white landscapes dominate the scenery as frequent snowfall presents a frozen panorama. January sees the most snowfall in the year, registering an average of 94mm (3.7"). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Moving into February, the weather remains fairly comparable to January with persistent icy conditions. The city is steeped in a cold embrace with snowfall continuing to be considerable, though a slight decrease from January. February, however, differs with marginally prolonged daylight hours making the days not as short as those in January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March, the first month of the spring in Alta, is also a subzero cold month, with an average temperature fluctuating between -9.6°C (14.7°F) and -4°C (24.8°F). Alta, Norway, records a slight change with March's average high-temperatures adjusting to a still subzero cold -4°C (24.8°F) from February's -6.7°C (19.9°F). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Alta, Norway signifies the arrival of spring, with a considerable leap in temperatures from March. Amid these warmer conditions, sprinkles of moderate rainfall are not uncommon, instilling freshness to the environment. The snowfall drifts down to a mere 99mm (3.9"), marking a substantial reduction from past months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The renowned Scandinavian summer is ushered in with May, and Alta, Norway is no exception to this transition. The landscape gradually shifts from a frigid white to myriad hues of green, implying the resurgence of flora. The month is marked by a significant dip in the snowfall, measuring only 46mm (1.81"). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Alta witnesses a full bloom of the summer, with the temperature escalating further from May. This period denotes the peak of the midnight sun phenomenon, a natural wonder where the sun is visible even at midnight. Without a trace of snowfall, the month is distinguished by the maximum average rainfall of the year, recording 35mm (1.38"). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July marks the height of summer in Alta, Norway with temperatures higher than the preceding months. Despite the warmth, the climate remains pleasant and does not reach intolerable extremes. Although the rainfall becomes more recurrent, registering an average of 44mm (1.73"), July is devoid of any snowfall. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The city of Alta moves into the late summer in August with the weather retaining its warm quality. Even though the temperatures are comparatively high, the tail-end of summer comes with a subtle dip. Instead of snow, a decent amount of rain maintains the verdant landscapes keeping the surroundings fresh. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Alta marks the onset of fall, with weather patterns gradually shifting towards the cooler side. The dip in temperatures gives a hint of the imminent winter, although the month manages to maintain pleasant conditions. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings in a clear chill in Alta, Norway, with temperatures slipping further down from September. The landscape begins re-donning its icy attire as snowfall climbs up resulting in a white panorama. One of the aspects that distinctly separates October from the preceding month is rainfall, indicating a wetter phase. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As Alta steps into November, it signifies the returning hold of winter. The weather becomes visibly austere as temperatures further stoop. The snowfall increases from October and matches the January level at 99mm (3.9"), covering the city in a thick sheet of white. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Closing the year in Alta, Norway is December, which is prominently cold accompanied by robust snowy climates. While temperatures remain distinctively frosty, precipitation majorly takes the form of snowfall. Similar to the year's opening month, December's snowfall touches a high averaging 91mm (3.58"). Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year in Alta?

January and February bring Alta's average lowest temperatures, reaching a high of -6.7°C (19.9°F).

How much does it rain in Alta?

In Alta, during the entire year, the rain falls for 113.3 days and collects up to 318mm (12.52") of precipitation.

When does it snow in Alta?

Months with snowfall are January through June, September through December.

How many days does it snow in Alta?

Throughout the year, there are 90.6 snowfall days, and 728mm (28.66") of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Alta?

January through April, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the driest month in Alta?

February is the month with the least rainfall in Alta. Rain falls for 4.3 days and accumulates 16mm (0.63") of precipitation.

When is the sea coldest in Alta?

The months with the coldest seawater in Alta are February through April, with an average sea temperature of 4°C (39.2°F).

What is the snowiest month in Alta?

March is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 14.6 days and accumulates 137mm (5.39") of snow.

What is the most humid month in Alta?

With an average relative humidity of 89%, April is the most humid month.

What are the least humid months in Alta?

June and July, with an average relative humidity of 75%, are the least humid months.

What is the month with the shortest days in Alta?

June and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight, are months with the shortest days in Alta, Norway.

What are the warmest months in Alta?

In Alta, July records the average highest temperatures, peaking at 14.4°C (57.9°F) and reaching a low of 8.7°C (47.7°F).

What is the wettest month in Alta?

July is the month with the most rainfall in Alta, Norway. Rain falls for 16.8 days and accumulates 44mm (1.73") of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Alta?

In Alta, Norway, snow does not fall in July and August.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Alta?

With an average maximum UV index of 4, July is the month with the highest UV index in Alta.

When is the sea warmest in Alta?

August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average sea temperature of 10°C (50°F).

When are the longest days in Alta?

The month with the longest days in Alta is August, with an average of 18h and 12min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine in Alta?

The month with the most sunshine is August, with an average of 8.6h of sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Alta?

On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 03:00, Daylight Saving Time ends in Alta, Norway, and the time zone changes from CEST to CET. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 30. March 2025, at 02:00, and the time zone reverts from CET to CEST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Alta?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 0.4h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Alta, Norway

Average temperature - Alta, Norway

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (14.4°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and February (-6.7°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (8.7°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-11.9°C).

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Average pressure
Alta, Norway

Average pressure - Alta, Norway

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is May (1014.1mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is December (1001.5mbar).

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Average wind speed
Alta, Norway

Average wind speed - Alta, Norway

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (17.5km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (11.8km/h).

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Average humidity
Alta, Norway

Average humidity - Alta, Norway

The month with the highest relative humidity is April (89%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are June and July (75%).

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Average rainfall
Alta, Norway

Average rainfall - Alta, Norway

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (44mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (16mm).

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Average rainfall days
Alta, Norway

Average rainfall days - Alta, Norway

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (3.8 days).

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Average snowfall days
Alta, Norway

Average snowfall days - Alta, Norway

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (14.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Alta, Norway

Average sea temperature - Alta, Norway

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (10°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February, March and April (4°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Alta, Norway

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Alta, Norway

The month with the longest days is August (Average daylight: 18h and 12min).
The months with the shortest days are June and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 8h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 0h and 24min).

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Average sunshine days
Alta, Norway

Average sunshine days - Alta, Norway

The month with the most sunshine days is January (17.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (9.1 days).

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Average UV index
Alta, Norway

Average UV index - Alta, Norway

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, October, November and December (UV index 1).

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Average visibility
Alta, Norway

Average visibility - Alta, Norway

The months with the highest visibility are June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
The month with the lowest visibility is April (7km).

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Alta, Norway

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