Climate and monthly weather forecast
Harstad, 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 »

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it rain in Harstad?
In Harstad, during the entire year, the rain falls for 154.2 days and collects up to 862mm (33.94") of precipitation.
When does it snow in Harstad?
January through June, September through December are months with snowfall.
How much does it snow in Harstad?
Throughout the year, there are 94.6 snowfall days, and 1922mm (75.67") of snow is accumulated.
What is the coldest month in Harstad?
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).
When is the lowest UV index in Harstad?
February, March and November, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Harstad, Norway.
What is the wettest month in Harstad?
March is the month with the most rainfall in Harstad, Norway. Rain falls for 8.8 days and accumulates 95mm (3.74") of precipitation.
What is the snowiest month in Harstad?
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.
What month is the sea coldest in Harstad?
The month with the coldest seawater in Harstad, Norway, is March, with an average sea temperature of 3.8°C (38.8°F).
What is the most humid month in Harstad?
The most humid month is April, with an average relative humidity of 83%.
What is the driest month in Harstad?
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.
What is the month with the shortest days in Harstad?
The month with the shortest days is June, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.
What month is the hottest in Harstad?
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).
When it does not snow in Harstad?
In Harstad, snow does not fall in July and August.
When is the highest UV index in Harstad?
With an average maximum UV index of 4, July is the month with the highest UV index in Harstad.
What month is the sea warmest in Harstad?
The month with the warmest seawater in Harstad is August, with an average sea temperature of 12.3°C (54.1°F).
When are the longest days in Harstad?
August has the longest days of the year, with an average of 17h and 42min of daylight.
What month has the most sunshine in Harstad?
August has the most sunshine of the year in Harstad, with an average of 9h of sunshine.
What are the least humid months in Harstad?
October through December, with an average relative humidity of 77%, are the least humid months.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Harstad?
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.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Harstad?
With an average of 0.3h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.
Average temperature - Harstad, Norway
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
Harstad, Norway

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
Harstad, Norway

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
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
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
Harstad, Norway

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
Harstad, Norway

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
Harstad, Norway

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
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 / Average sunshine
Harstad, Norway

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).

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
Harstad, Norway

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 visibility - Harstad, Norway
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).

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