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Best time to visit Norway: month by month
Short answer
June to August is the best time for long days, open mountain roads and full ferry timetables, with Oslo highs of about 20-22°C. May and September are quieter and cheaper. For the northern lights, go to Tromsø from late September to March.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0°C | -5°C | 10 | low |
| Feb | 2°C | -5°C | 10 | medium |
| Mar | 5°C | -4°C | 6 | medium |
| Apr | 10°C | 0°C | 6 | low |
| May | 15°C | 6°C | 13 | medium |
| Jun | 22°C | 12°C | 9 | high |
| Jul | 21°C | 13°C | 14 | very high |
| Aug | 20°C | 12°C | 12 | high |
| Sep | 16°C | 10°C | 9 | medium |
| Oct | 10°C | 5°C | 12 | low |
| Nov | 4°C | 0°C | 13 | low |
| Dec | -2°C | -7°C | 11 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Oslo warms from 5°C in March to 15°C in May; snow lingers in the mountains and some roads open only in late May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of 20-22°C in Oslo, very long days and the midnight sun in the north; peak season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is mild at 16°C and colourful; October-November turn cold and dark, with northern lights in the north.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold, with Oslo highs near -2 to 2°C and lows of -5 to -7°C; short days, skiing and northern lights.
Events worth planning around
- Constitution Day (17 May), with parades across the country
- Bergen International Festival, late May to early June
- Øya music festival in Oslo, August
- Holmenkollen Ski Festival, March
- Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø, late January to February
When to avoid
November is dark, wet and between seasons, with some fjord services reduced. July is the busiest month at the famous fjords and the Flåm Railway, so book early.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Norway?
June to August for long days and open roads; May and September for fewer crowds and lower prices.
When can I see the northern lights in Norway?
From late September to March, best in the north around Tromsø on clear, dark nights.
Are the fjords worth visiting in winter?
They are beautiful but days are short and boat services are reduced. Summer is easier for a first visit.