Climate and monthly weather forecast
Svolvær, Norway

Positioned in Norway, Svolvær bears a Subarctic climate, classified as Dfc under the Köppen climate classification. This climate typifies severe winters, no dry season, and a cool summer.
Variations in Svolvær's weather parameters paint a picture of this northern town's climate. High temperatures fluctuate from a cool 0.6°C (33.1°F) in February to a more comfortable 15.4°C (59.7°F) in July. Low temperatures exhibit a similar trend, ranging from a chilly -1.9°C (28.6°F) in February to a mild 12.4°C (54.3°F) in July.

Precipitation in Svolvær is a common phenomenon. Rainfall averages can vary from 36mm (1.42") in June to as high as 87mm (3.43") during October. The city also witnesses rainfall days from 12 days in June to 20 days in January, indicating a constant presence of rain throughout the year. Sea temperatures hover between 3.8°C (38.8°F) in March and peak at 13.2°C (55.8°F) from July, providing cooler coastal conditions. The UV index remains primarily low throughout the year, peaking at level 4 from June to July, signaling modest levels of solar radiation reaching Svolvær.

The measure of daylight hours fluctuates significantly from a brief 3 hours in January to 24 hours in June - a characteristic of regions within the Arctic Circle. Svolvær experiences virtually non-stop daylight during the summer period, a natural phenomenon commonly referred to as the Midnight Sun. Inversely, in the depth of winter, Svolvær enters a phase of Polar night resulting in significantly fewer hours of daylight, reaching as low as 0.3 hours in December.

Choosing the best time for a visit hinges on personal preferences and planned activities. However, considering the average temperatures and daylight hours, the months of June through August present the most agreeable conditions. During this period, temperatures range from 8.6°C (47.5°F) to 15.4°C (59.7°F), encouraging outdoor activities. Moreover, prolonged daylight spanning from 21.1 hours in May to 24 hours in June provide plenty of time for sightseeing and exploration.

Conversely, January and February are the least favorable months for a visit. Svolvær weather during these months is particularly cold, with high temperatures of only 0.6°C (33.1°F) to 1.5°C (34.7°F) and winds can drive chill factors lower. These months have the least daylight, with January having merely 3 hours of daylight in a day. Additionally, having the highest rainfall of 83mm (3.27") and experiencing rain for 20 days, January presents more challenging conditions for travel and outdoor activities.

Transitioning from a cold winter, spring in Svolvær is a refreshing season. High temperatures gradually elevate from 1.4°C (34.5°F) in March to 8.6°C (47.5°F) in May while low temperatures register from -0.7°C (30.7°F) to 5.8°C (42.4°F). Rainfall decreases steadily from 58mm (2.28") in March to 44mm (1.73") in May, illuminating the landscape and encouraging flora to bloom.

Summer in Svolvær is cool with temperatures scaling between 11.1°C (52°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F). Days are endlessly bright with almost non-stop daylight from 21.1 hours in May to 24 hours in June, making up for the lack of high temperatures. Rain seems less prevalent as the rainfall frequency drops from 14 days in July to the yearly minimum of 12 days in June.

Autumn experiences a mild start but transitions into colder territory quickly. September is warm with a high of 11.1°C (52°F), plunging to 4.6°C (40.3°F) in November, marking the arrival of winter. Rainfall starts to increase again from 68mm (2.68") to 72mm (2.83"), indicating the onset of the rainy season.

Winter manifests harsh weather in Svolvær. December to February signify the coldest months with temperatures falling to as low as -1.9°C (28.6°F). Outdoor activities become limited with minimal daylight hours - 0.3 to 3 hours from December to February. Sea temperatures hover between 4.3°C (39.7°F) to 6.5°C (43.7°F), making marine activities less inviting. The city also records increased precipitation, thus attesting to the severity of winter conditions.

The onset of the new year in Svolvær, Norway, finds residents bracing for cold conditions and limited daylight. Lows often plunge to -0.7°C (30.7°F) while the month's high typically reaches a chilly 1.5°C (34.7°F), ensuring a consistently cold January. Weather in January »

The transition between January and February in Svolvær shows negligible variation, with both months sharing the characteristic of being cold and wet. Outdoor ventures such as sunbathing are still off the table as the month manages to clock in only a single hour of sunshine. Weather in February »

The dawn of spring in March brings a slight respite to the residents of Svolvær, with an average high of 1.4°C (34.5°F) and prolonged daylight hours. The lower temperatures of -0.7°C (30.7°F) persist from February, but overall, the city begins to experience a gradual rise in warmth. Weather in March »

By the time Svolvær enters April, the temperature range stands from 2.2°C (36°F) to 4.4°C (39.9°F), pointing to a steady march towards warmer days. Relative to the preceding month, the decrease in rainfall is notable, thus indicating a more enjoyable weather pattern. Weather in April »

May in Svolvær presents a pronounced shift in weather characteristics, signaling the commencement of the much-anticipated warmer periods. An average high of 8.6°C (47.5°F) posits a noteworthy increase compared to the preceding month's 4.4°C (39.9°F). Weather in May »

June showcases the peak of summer weather in Svolvær, Norway, as days get longer and temperatures rise. Ranging from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 12.2°C (54°F), the temperature stays pleasant and comfortable for outdoor ventures. Rainfall is at its lowest in the summer months, resulting in less humid conditions. Weather in June »

July graces Svolvær with the year's highest temperatures, averaging between 12.4°C (54.3°F) and 15.4°C (59.7°F), epitomizing the Nordic summer experience. Despite the prominence of rain, daylight is plentiful, and sunshine hours remain high, catalyzing vivacity in city life. Weather in July »

August signals the onset of late summer in Svolvær, with temperatures ranging from 11.9°C (53.4°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F). This month witnesses a slight reduction in both daylight hours and sunshine hours relative to July. Nonetheless, beach days, picnics, and outdoor explorations continue to be favorites on the activity menu, furthered by warm sea temperatures. Weather in August »

With temperatures spanning from 9°C (48.2°F) to 11.1°C (52°F), September marks the onset of autumn in Svolvær. Daylight hours diminish significantly, a distinct indication of the march towards the colder months. However, September's weather still allows for outdoor activities, albeit with a sweater or two in tow. Weather in September »

October in Svolvær ushers in the chill of winter as the average temperature hovers between 5.4°C (41.7°F) and 7.3°C (45.1°F). Rainfall is substantial; however, the presence of rainfall is a constant element of Svolvær's weather throughout the year. Weather in October »

November takes Svolvær further into winter, with temperatures spanning between 2.5°C (36.5°F) and 4.6°C (40.3°F). Daylight becomes a scarce commodity, with a drastic reduction to 4.8 hours from October's 9.2 hours, and no sunshine hours to boast of. Weather in November »

Closing the year in Svolvær, December features the coldest temperatures, ranging between 0.5°C (32.9°F) and 2.6°C (36.7°F), with barely 0.3 hours of daylight, painting a picture of a long Nordic night. There is no presence of sunshine, and UV index stoops to the lowest in the scale, indicating a need for limited sun protection. Weather in December »