Climate and monthly weather forecast
Norway

Situated in Northern Europe, Norway stretches from temperate coastal areas to its subarctic interior. With a diverse geography that includes mountains, plateaus, and a long coastline, the country experiences different climate classifications. Inland regions like Ski are typified by a Warm Summer Continental Climate (Dfb) where summers tend to be warm, with temperatures often exceeding 22°C (71.6°F), while winters bring about cold conditions, commonly with snow. Coastal locations, including Bergen, fall under the Marine West Coast Climate (Cfb) category, where temperatures are relatively mild all year round with no extreme heat or cold. These areas receive consistent rainfall throughout the year. Finally, the northernmost regions such as Karpbukt are characterized by a Continental Subarctic Climate (Dfc). Here, summers are short and cool, while winters are long and intensely cold. The temperature difference between the warmest and coldest months is notably large in these regions.

Considering the country's climate and geographical diversity, the best time to visit Norway depends largely on the activities tourists aim to engage in. Generally, the period from late June to early August is favourable for outdoor activities due to milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Summer temperatures in southern Norway are often between 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), while the northern regions experience temperatures from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). This is also the best time to witness the renowned Midnight Sun in the North. Alternatively, the autumn months of September and October are ideal for those interested in hiking and witnessing the vivid colours of the season.

The least favourable time to visit Norway depends largely on personal preferences. However, for those unaccustomed to extreme cold, the winter months from November to March can be particularly challenging, especially in the northern and inland regions. During this time, temperatures can fall below -20°C (-4°F) in the interior, while coastal areas experience temperatures ranging from -10°C (14°F) to 2°C (35.6°F). Additionally, winter days are short, with minimal daylight hours in the northern regions, where the Polar Night phenomenon occurs. On the other hand, spring, particularly April and May, may also prove less favourable due to unpredictable weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F), and occasional snowfall or rainfall.

Spring in Norway, usually from March to May, can be unpredictable. In the southern regions, temperatures gradually rise from 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F) as the season progresses. Precipitation during this period varies, with occasional snowfall in early spring and rain showers later in the season. Meanwhile, in the northern parts, snow often persists through spring, with temperatures mostly between -5°C (23°F) and 5°C (41°F). The daylight hours also increase rapidly during this period, leading to the notable phenomenon of the Midnight Sun by the end of spring in the northernmost regions.

From June to August, Norway experiences its summer. In southern parts, temperatures are usually between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F), with longer daylight hours that culminate in white nights. Meanwhile, the northern areas, although cooler with temperatures from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F), are well-known for the remarkable Midnight Sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight. Precipitation during summer is evenly distributed, and can range from 50mm (1.97") to 100mm (3.94") per month.

Autumn, typically from September to November, brings a significant change in Norway's weather. Temperatures begin to drop, ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F) in the southern regions, while northern areas can see temperatures fall to between 0°C (32°F) and 10°C (50°F). Rainfall can increase during this period, particularly in western coastal areas, often exceeding 200mm (7.87") monthly. However, autumn also features vibrant fall foliage, especially in the countryside, offering breathtaking views.

Winter in Norway, from December to February, is characterized by cold weather, with snowfall prevalent in most parts of the country. In the southern and coastal areas, temperatures range from -10°C (14°F) to 2°C (35.6°F). However, the interior and northern parts can experience harsher conditions, with temperatures often falling below -20°C (-4°F). The amount of daylight during winter is limited, especially in the North where the Polar Night occurs, with no sunlight for a period of time. Despite the cold, this season attracts many for winter sports and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.

January is the coldest month in Norway, with temperatures significantly below freezing in many regions of the country. In southern areas, including the capital, Oslo, temperatures generally range from -10°C (14°F) to 0°C (32°F), while the coastal city of Bergen experiences slightly milder temperatures, often from -1°C (30.2°F) to 4°C (39.2°F) due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. Weather in January »

February in Norway still signifies the stronghold of winter, though with some slight moderation in temperatures compared to January. The southern regions, including Oslo, typically experience temperatures ranging from -9°C (15.8°F) to 1°C (33.8°F), while Bergen, on the west coast, sees slightly milder temperatures, often from 0°C (32°F) to 5°C (41°F). Weather in February »

March signifies the onset of spring in Norway, but it is a season of unpredictable weather and varied conditions across the country. In southern Norway, including cities like Oslo, temperatures begin to climb, ranging typically from -4°C (24.8°F) to 6°C (42.8°F). Weather in March »

April in Norway is characterized by longer daylight hours and rising temperatures, signifying a firm shift towards spring. In the southern regions, such as Oslo, temperatures usually fluctuate from 2°C (35.6°F) to 12°C (53.6°F). Weather in April »

May in Norway heralds the advent of warmer temperatures and longer days, marking a noticeable transition towards summer. In the southern regions such as Oslo, temperatures usually range from 8°C (46.4°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Precipitation is generally lower, averaging 50mm (1.97"), and mostly takes the form of rain showers. In Bergen, located on the west coast, temperatures are typically between 8°C (46.4°F) to 15°C (59°F) due to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream. Weather in May »

June signifies the arrival of summer in Norway, with the longest days of the year and warmer temperatures. In the southern regions, including Oslo, temperatures usually range from 12°C (53.6°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Precipitation is relatively low, averaging 60mm (2.36"), and falls mostly as rain showers, contributing to lush and green landscapes. Bergen, located on the west coast, experiences mild summer temperatures, typically between 12°C (53.6°F) and 18°C (64.4°F) due to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream. Weather in June »

July is the warmest month of the year in Norway, with temperatures reaching their peak and the continuation of long daylight hours. In southern regions, such as Oslo, temperatures typically range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Weather in July »

August marks the tail end of summer in Norway, with slightly cooler temperatures compared to July, yet still generally warm and pleasant conditions. In southern regions such as Oslo, temperatures typically range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Weather in August »

September ushers in the autumn season in Norway, characterized by cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and the onset of fall foliage. In the southern regions, including Oslo, temperatures typically range from 9°C (48.2°F) to 16°C (60.8°F). Weather in September »

October in Norway marks the deepening of the autumn season, with temperatures continuing to drop and daylight hours decreasing further. In the southern regions, including Oslo, temperatures typically range from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F). Weather in October »

November signifies the advent of winter in Norway, with rapidly dropping temperatures, short daylight hours, and the onset of frequent snowfall. In the southern regions, including Oslo, temperatures typically range from 0°C (32°F) to 4°C (39.2°F). Weather in November »

December is the heart of winter in Norway, characterized by cold temperatures, minimal daylight hours, and abundant snowfall. In southern regions such as Oslo, temperatures typically range from -4°C (24.8°F) to 1°C (33.8°F). Weather in December »