The seasons in Norway are very different from each other and Norwegians vary their
way of life according to the time of year. As a result there are also distinct ‘seasons’
in the availability of facilities and services for visitors -
In general, the weather in Norway is rather variable and unpredictable as you might expect in the northern part of Europe, but the climate is by no means the same everywhere. There are wide variations to the general pattern not just according to the time of year, but also the geographical location (especially the distance from the west coast and the distance north), and also the height above sea level. More details are on the following pages. For anyone interested in a detailed analysis of the weather in Norway there is a superb web site with lots of information in English at www.met.no . The best weather forecast site for Norway and indeed the rest of the world is at www.yr.no . If you want to ‘see’ the weather in the western fjords, check out the webcam at Midtnes Hotel in Balestrand at www.midtnes.no for both live pictures and archive photos. Norwegians may not agree with the following definitions of their seasons, but we think they will be understood by most visitors from abroad.
Fine winter day at Aurdal in Valdres. (late December)
Mid April to mid May
Easter normally defines the end of winter and soon after the snow starts to melt rapidly and the green leaves of spring start to appear. The south and western parts of Norway are the best areas to visit at this time. In the north, winter can return with heavy snowfalls sometimes even well into May.
Mid May to late June
This is when the scenery in Norway is at its most spectacular with fruit trees in blossom, snow in the mountains, and meltwater swelling the waterfalls. Low season rates apply during this period.
Late June to early August
This is the high season in Norway when the weather is warmest and the schools are
on holiday. The most popular tourist places can be busy, but it is very easy to
find perfect peace and quiet if you wish. All the man-
Mid August to mid September
There is little change in the weather in the second half of August and this is the ideal time if you have to travel in the UK school holiday period. Accommodation and ferries are at mid or low season rates, mostly there will be very little traffic, and so few people you will feel you have the whole country to yourself.
Late September to November
The temperature drops slowly through September and then you can enjoy the simple pleasures of picking wild berries and mushrooms in the forests. In the mountains the heather and blueberry bushes turn many wonderful colours and the trees lower down change later. Motoring tours on the higher roads and walks in the mountains are especially good at this time, though the snow can arrive at any time from October onwards.
December to mid April
Nearly all the mountain areas of Norway are covered in a thick blanket of snow for most of this period, with the most reliable conditions and stable weather on the eastern side. The southern and western parts of Norway (including the fjord area) will have snow from time to time but it doesn’t normally last very long. Driving in winter can be hazardous, so this is a time for staying in a cosy log cabin or mountain hotel and enjoying some winter sports, or just looking at the idyllic Christmas card scene outside. In the north of Norway the Northern Lights appear and it’s well worth travelling there to experience this amazing natural phenomenon.
The sky may be grey in early Autumn but the scenery is still spectacular at Ana Sira, near Flekkefjord on the south coast.
Summer walk in the Aurland valley
A city break in Oslo is enjoyable at any time of year.
Melting snow swells the waterfall at Steindalsfossen, near the Hardangerfjord.