Climate and monthly weather forecastHarstad, Norway
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Harstad
Situated in the subarctic zone, Harstad, Norway, conforms to the Dfc Köppen climate classification. Typical of this climate category, Harstad exhibits a severe winter, no dry season and a cool summer. The climate of Harstad can be characterized by significant temperature fluctuations over the year. From January to December, there is a monthly variation in the highest average temperature from -1.2°C (29.8°F) to 14.1°C (57.4°F) and the lowest average temperature from -4.5°C (23.9°F) to 9.9°C (49.8°F).Remarkably consistent relative humidity levels range from 77% to 83% across the year, while significant rainfall occurs all the year round, from 53mm (2.09") to 95mm (3.74") per month. Not only does the town experience rainfall, but snowfall too is a common occurrence, with average amounts varying from 4mm (0.16") in June to a peak level of 417mm (16.42") in March.
The length of daylight hours flexes considerably, from a low of 0.1 hours in December to a high of 24 hours in June, whilst the hours of sunshine each day range from 0.3 hours in December to 6.5 hours in September. Wind speeds fluctuate from 11.1km/h (6.9mph) to 19.3km/h (12mph).
Conforming to its subarctic classification, Harstad displays less contrast in some weather parameters, including sea temperature, visibility and cloud cover, across the year, whilst eliciting distinctive patterns in others, such as in daylight hours and snowfall levels.
The best time to visit Harstad
Considering the weather conditions and climate parameters, summer, from June to August, emerges as the most favorable time to visit Harstad. During these months, temperatures reach their yearly peaks, averaging between 10.2°C (50.4°F) and 14.1°C (57.4°F), making the weather pleasant and conducive for exploration. Furthermore, June sees the highest average daylight hours, a unique phenomenon commonly known as the "Midnight Sun", which offers visitors unprecedented opportunities for sightseeing. Despite an increased likelihood of rainfall, the summer months offer the best combination of conditions to fully experience the picturesque landscapes and outdoorsy lifestyles of Harstad.The worst time to visit Harstad
Unsurprisingly, winter proves statistically to be the least propitious time to visit Harstad. Lasting between December and February, winter in Harstad is characterized by subzero temperatures, short daylight hours, and significant snowfall. The highest average temperatures during this time plummet to minus figures, from -1.2°C (29.8°F) in December to -1°C (30.2°F) in February. With a remarkable escalation in snowfall, reaching a peak level of 417mm (16.42") in March, alongside a reduction in daylight hours to as low as 0.1 hours in December, winter provides a harsh and inhospitable environment to all but the hardiest of visitors.Spring weather in Harstad
Spring, though a transitional period between the severe winter and the relatively warm summer, exhibits considerable variability in weather conditions. From March to May, Harstad witnesses a gradual rise in temperature, from -0.2°C (31.6°F) up to 6.4°C (43.5°F), alongside a decrease in snowfall. March experiences the highest snowfall at a substantial 417mm (16.42"), which steadily reduces to less significant levels of 128mm (5.04") by May. Despite a decrease in snow, rainfall does rise from 95mm (3.74") in March to 70mm (2.76") in May, with the frequency of rainy days peaking at 14.6 days by May.Summer weather in Harstad
Harstad's summer, from June to August, is characterized by a pleasant climate with the highest temperatures of the year. These months see temperatures ranging from 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 14.1°C (57.4°F). Additional benefits of summer include the least wind speed of the year, ranging from 11.1km/h (6.9mph) to 13km/h (8.1mph), and a glaring daylight timeframe. June stands out with a full 24 hours of daylight, a spectacular phenomenon that gradually descends to 17.7 hours of daylight by August.Autumn weather in Harstad
Fall or autumn in Harstad marks another long transitional period, encompassing September to November. During this time, weather parameters reveal a steady decrease in temperatures from 10.9°C (51.6°F) to 3°C (37.4°F) and an increase in rainfall from 65mm (2.56") to 73mm (2.87"). The frequency of rainy days also goes up, from 17.5 days in September to 16.2 days in November.Winter weather in Harstad
Harstad suffers from a severe winter, lasting from December through February, confirmed by the sub-zero temperatures, significant snowfall, and minimal daylight hours. Average highest temperatures over these months persistently dip below zero, from -1°C (30.2°F) in December to -1.2°C (29.8°F) in January. Snowfall is at its height, reaching a high point of 417mm (16.42") in March, and daylight hours hit their lowest level, dropping to just 0.1 hours in December. All these factors contribute to the extreme winter weather conditions in Harstad.Weather in January
Harstad, Norway experiences a cold start to the year, marked by a powerful wind persisting on average around 18.7km/h (11.6mph). The city is primarily enveloped in frost due to frequent snowfall, creating a distinct winter ambiance. Weather in January »Weather in February
In February, nature blankets Harstad in a beautiful snowy scenery, often coupled with a chilling wind. The month usually holds a promising 9km (5.6mi) of visibility, presenting a crystal clear view of the winter landscape. February shares a similar weather pattern with its predecessor, though it claims a notable soaring of snowfall to 278mm (10.94"). Weather in February »Weather in March
Though March brings longer days and a rise in temperature, it also witnesses an all-time high of 417mm (16.42") in snowfall. Harstad's snow-dressed days of March gradually transition into a mixture of snow and rain towards the end of the month. Weather in March »Weather in April
April ushers in a distinct shift in Harstad's weather with increasing daylight hours. Snow is slowly replaced by rain, indicating the onset of the rainy season. This transition is marked by a decrease in snowfall to 250mm (9.84"), allowing the city’s wide range of wild spring flowers to flourish in the increased sunlight. Weather in April »Weather in May
With the arrival of May, a rise in temperature and drop in snowfall signal the beginning of warmer days in Harstad. The intensity of the prevalent northeastern wind commences to decline, enhancing the overall pleasantness of the weather. Weather in May »Weather in June
June appears to be summer's debut in Harstad, marked by pleasant temperatures, prolonged daylight hours, and significantly less snowfall, appearing only in 0.7 snowfall days. The locals soak up the warmth, spending quality time outdoors and relishing the rare sunny weather. Weather in June »Weather in July
July delivers peak summer weather in Harstad, offering an average temperature of 14.1°C (57.4°F), the highest in the year. The sea too experiences a seasonal upturn, hitting a comfortable 12°C (53.6°F). A rise in daylight hours instigates a series of outdoor activities, alongside cultural events held in the city. Weather in July »Weather in August
August witnesses a slight decline in temperature, making way for a more refreshing and vibrant weather in Harstad. Rainfall slightly increases, keeping the city's vegetation lush and green. This climatic fluctuation is further highlighted by a slight increase in wind speeds to 11.6km/h (7.2mph). Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings the beginning of autumn to Harstad, with a further dip in average temperature to 10.9°C (51.6°F). The autumn equinox ensures a balanced distribution of day and night, accounting for equal periods of sunlight and darkness. Weather in September »Weather in October
The arrival of October in Harstad is followed by a significant drop in temperature to average lows of 3.6°C (38.5°F) and a steep rise in snow to 110mm (4.33"). The city wears a deserted appearance as the sharp air keeps the locals indoors. Weather in October »Weather in November
November transforms Harstad into a winter wonderland, with snow falling abundantly to a total of 172mm (6.77"). The once colorful city dresses in shades of white, and short daylight hours contribute to the winter feel. The onset of winter is accompanied by a stark drop in temperature, increasing the demand for hot beverages. Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the year to a frosty close in Harstad, demonstrating peak winter conditions with the lowest sea temperatures reaching 6.4°C (43.5°F). Snowfall peaks to 301mm (11.85") adding an extra touch to the city's Christmas ambiance. Weather in December »Updated: Jan 26, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
In Harstad, during the entire year, the rain falls for 154.2 days and collects up to 862mm (33.94") of precipitation.
January through June, September through December are months with snowfall.
Throughout the year, there are 94.6 snowfall days, and 1922mm (75.67") of snow is accumulated.
In Harstad, February is known for its average lowest temperatures, reaching a high of -1.2°C (29.8°F) and a low of -4.5°C (23.9°F).
February, March and November, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Harstad, Norway.
March is the month with the most rainfall in Harstad, Norway. Rain falls for 8.8 days and accumulates 95mm (3.74") of precipitation.
The month with the most snowfall in Harstad is March, when snow falls for 19.2 days and typically aggregates up to 417mm (16.42") of snow.
The month with the coldest seawater in Harstad, Norway, is March, with an average sea temperature of 3.8°C (38.8°F).
The most humid month is April, with an average relative humidity of 83%.
The months with the least rainfall in Harstad, Norway, are May and July Rain falls for 14.6 days and accumulates 53mm (2.09") of rain.
The month with the shortest days is June, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.
July brings the highest temperatures, with an average high of 14.1°C (57.4°F) and an average low of 9.9°C (49.8°F).
In Harstad, snow does not fall in July and August.
With an average maximum UV index of 4, July is the month with the highest UV index in Harstad.
The month with the warmest seawater in Harstad is August, with an average sea temperature of 12.3°C (54.1°F).
August has the longest days of the year, with an average of 17h and 42min of daylight.
August has the most sunshine of the year in Harstad, with an average of 9h of sunshine.
October through December, with an average relative humidity of 77%, are the least humid months.
On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 03:00, Daylight Saving Time ends, 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.
With an average of 0.3h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.
Average temperature
Harstad, Norway
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (14.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is February (-1.2°C).
The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (9.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-4.5°C).
Average pressure
Harstad, Norway
- Average pressure in January:
1005mbar - Average pressure in February:
1005mbar - Average pressure in March:
1004.9mbar - Average pressure in April:
1010.6mbar - Average pressure in May:
1013.9mbar - Average pressure in June:
1012.6mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1011.3mbar - Average pressure in August:
1010.5mbar - Average pressure in September:
1008.9mbar - Average pressure in October:
1009mbar - Average pressure in November:
1005.5mbar - Average pressure in December:
1000.9mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is May (1013.9mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is December (1000.9mbar).
Average wind speed
Harstad, Norway
- Average wind speed in January:
18.7km/h - Average wind speed in February:
18.1km/h - Average wind speed in March:
19.3km/h - Average wind speed in April:
15.1km/h - Average wind speed in May:
14.2km/h - Average wind speed in June:
13km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
11.1km/h - Average wind speed in August:
11.6km/h - Average wind speed in September:
13.7km/h - Average wind speed in October:
16km/h - Average wind speed in November:
18.1km/h - Average wind speed in December:
19km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (19.3km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (11.1km/h).
Average humidity
Harstad, Norway
The month with the highest relative humidity is April (83%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are October, November and December (77%).
Average rainfall
Harstad, Norway
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (95mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are May and July (53mm).
Average rainfall days
Harstad, Norway
- Average rainfall days in January:
7.4 days - Average rainfall days in February:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
8.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in May:
14.6 days - Average rainfall days in June:
17.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
15.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
16.4 days - Average rainfall days in September:
17.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
16.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
11.9 days - Average rainfall days in December:
9.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is September (17.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (6.3 days).
Average snowfall
Harstad, Norway
- Average snowfall in January:
259mm - Average snowfall in February:
278mm - Average snowfall in March:
417mm - Average snowfall in April:
250mm - Average snowfall in May:
128mm - Average snowfall in June:
4mm
The month with the highest snowfall is March (417mm).
The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Harstad, Norway
- Average snowfall days in January:
12.9 days - Average snowfall days in February:
13.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
19.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
14 days - Average snowfall days in May:
6.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.7 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.4 days - Average snowfall days in October:
5.5 days - Average snowfall days in November:
8.7 days - Average snowfall days in December:
13.1 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (19.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Harstad, Norway
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (12.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (3.8°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Harstad, Norway
- Average daylight in January:
2h and 24min - Average daylight in February:
7h and 36min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 42min - Average daylight in April:
16h and 0min - Average daylight in May:
13h and 48min - Average daylight in June:
0h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
7h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
17h and 42min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 18min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 6min - Average daylight in November:
4h and 24min - Average daylight in December:
0h and 6min
The month with the longest days is August (Average daylight: 17h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
1h and 12min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 42min - Average sunshine in March:
4h and 12min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 18min - Average sunshine in May:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in June:
0h and 30min
- Average sunshine in July:
4h and 12min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in September:
6h and 30min - Average sunshine in October:
4h and 12min - Average sunshine in November:
2h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
0h and 18min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 9h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 0h and 18min).
Average sunshine days
Harstad, Norway
- Average sunshine days in January:
13.6 days - Average sunshine days in February:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
8.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
8.5 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11 days - Average sunshine days in June:
10.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
12.7 days - Average sunshine days in August:
12 days - Average sunshine days in September:
11.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
11.1 days - Average sunshine days in November:
10.8 days - Average sunshine days in December:
12.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (13.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (8.3 days).
Average UV index
Harstad, Norway
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are February, March and November (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Harstad, Norway
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 67).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 52).
Average visibility
Harstad, Norway
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are March and April (8km).
