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Best time to visit Lofoten: month by month
Short answer
June to August is best for hiking and the midnight sun, with average highs of about 13–15°C. Late August to September is calmer and brings the first northern lights, while February–March offers snow, skrei fishing and auroras. Rain is common in every month, with 14–20 rain days.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2°C | -1°C | 18 | low |
| Feb | 2°C | -1°C | 18 | medium |
| Mar | 2°C | -1°C | 20 | medium |
| Apr | 4°C | 1°C | 19 | low |
| May | 8°C | 4°C | 17 | low |
| Jun | 13°C | 8°C | 15 | high |
| Jul | 15°C | 10°C | 14 | very high |
| Aug | 14°C | 11°C | 17 | high |
| Sep | 11°C | 8°C | 16 | medium |
| Oct | 7°C | 4°C | 20 | low |
| Nov | 4°C | 1°C | 15 | low |
| Dec | 2°C | -2°C | 17 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 2°C in March to 8°C in May, with 17–20 rain or snow days a month; snow on the peaks, lengthening days and the midnight sun from late May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Average highs of 13–15°C and lows of 8–11°C, with 14–17 rain days a month; midnight sun until mid-July, all services open and busiest season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from about 11°C in September to 4°C in November, with 15–20 rain days a month; first northern lights and fewer visitors.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of about 2°C and lows of −1 to −2°C, with 17–18 rain or snow days a month; polar night in December, northern lights and skrei season from January.
Events worth planning around
- Skrei (migrating cod) fishing season — about January to April
- World Cod Fishing Championship in Svolvær — March
- Midnight sun — about late May to mid-July
When to avoid
Avoid July if you dislike crowds and full car parks at trailheads. November and December have very short days and polar night, limiting hiking.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Lofoten?
June to August for hiking and the midnight sun, or February–March for snow and northern lights.
When can I see the northern lights in Lofoten?
From about late August to early April, on dark, clear nights. There is no darkness in June and July.
How cold is Lofoten in winter?
Milder than you might expect: highs around 2°C and lows around −1 to −2°C, but windy and wet.