Understanding Norwegian Climates

Setting out to the Lofoten Islands, discovering Oslo, exploring the fjords of the west coast or hiking in the Lyngen Alps, in the Arctic… All these Norwegian regions, among others, experience different climates. Thus, it’s one of the initial factors to consider when determining the ideal season for a visit.

For a Scandinavian road trip, and if you wish to traverse the country from end to end in a camper or van, it’s also useful to know that you’ll inevitably encounter a wide range of temperatures and precipitation levels.

Let’s journey from the south to the north to quickly explore Norwegian climates:

The southern coast, towards the Skagerrak Strait (connecting Norway to Denmark), experiences fairly warm summers, but is blessed with a refreshing sea breeze. In winter, temperatures hover around 0°C, though precipitation is less frequent than on the west coast.

Oslo and Eastern Norway enjoy mild or warm summers with temperatures around 25°C, sometimes even higher. The heat is even more pronounced inland. However, the variations between seasons are quite stark. The semi-continental climate is characterised by cold winters, and rainfall is spread throughout the year, including summer!

The west coast, from the fjord region to Nordland, is influenced by the Gulf Stream. This means that Norway enjoys a milder climate than other areas situated at the same latitudes, such as Siberia and Greenland. Outside of mountainous areas, winters aren’t that cold (around 5°C in Bergen and 16°C in summer). However, the climate remains humid, and weather conditions change swiftly.

Inland, Innlandet, with the city of Trondheim, experiences a subarctic continental climate – with short, cool summers and non-existent dry seasons. The ambiance of the Far North begins to take hold!

The north of Norway fluctuates between a subpolar arctic climate on the coast, near places like Tromsø, where winter temperatures are negative but quite bearable, and the extreme cold of winter in Norwegian Lapland, in Finnmark (down to -40°C). Here, the seasons exhibit vast differences, and summers are warm.

With significant variations, the Norwegian seasons are distinctly noticeable everywhere, and the weather still varies widely depending on, for instance, whether you’re on the coastal or inland side of a fjord.

Travelling to Norway in Winter: Northern Lights and Wild Fauna

The Norwegian fauna is a splendid reason to visit this magnificent country. A realm of moose, a paradise for birds – notably the island of Vega with its 230 species, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Norway is also home to the musk ox and the massive red king crab, spanning… 2 meters wide. Fancy a fishing trip in Finnmark?

Wildlife spotting can be the sole reason for a winter trip to Norway. Indeed, this season is best for sighting humpback whales and minke whales in Northern Norway – especially off the coast of Tromsø. If you opt for the icy realm of the Svalbard archipelago, blue whales await you.

And as a bonus, the Arctic region, between 60 and 75° latitude, is also the realm of the Northern Lights. The period for this majestic celestial dance extends from late September to late March. What’s more, in winter, dog sledding expeditions introduce you to the vastness of Northern Norway.

Winter in Norway, when the country dons its snowy mantle, is dubbed the Viking season. Average temperature: -6.8°C. Wrapped up snugly, fjord visits are breathtaking, the Christmas markets are magical, especially in Oslo, the capital.

The months of December, January, and February also synonymise skiing and other snow sports: race down alpine ski slopes, including the Olympic runs of Lillehammer, traverse forests on cross-country skis, or brave the peaks on touring skis. The Norwegian ski resorts exude a family-friendly atmosphere, offering a plethora of activities (sledging, snowshoeing, dog sledding…).

Norway in Winter ►

Further information