Choosing the best time to travel to Norway
- romaingillettema
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
What would you like to discover? The midnight sun? The Northern Lights? Parks in bloom? Fjords?
All these activities take place all year round. The best time to come and discover Norway depends on your desires, tastes and interests.
If you are attracted to the Northern Lights, I recommend coming in winter.
But if you prefer the midnight sun, it's best to come during the summer.
For those who love flowers and hiking, spring is the best season, and there aren't many tourists yet.
If you like the flaming colors of the forests for hiking, I invite you to come in autumn.
Understanding Norway’s travel seasons
The 4 seasons are very different from one another. Each season offers different activities depending on your interests. I will help you discover your preferences and explain the advantages of each.
Winter:
Do you like looking into space? Aren’t you afraid of the cold? Do you love snow-covered landscapes?
Then a winter trip to Norway is perfect for you. Come and discover the Northen Lights and other winter activities.
To see the best Northen Lights, you need to go to a city further north in Norway, in Norwegian Lapland. The most popular northern destinations, and also the most beautiful, are: Tromsø, The Lofoten Islands and Narvik.
If you are not too attached to the sun, you will be fine, as the nights are long during this period. However, this gives you a better chance of spotting the Northen Lights.
During the days in the north, you can take advantage of this trip to enjoy activities such as skiing or snowshoe hiking. Contemplate the beautiful view of snow-covered mountains. If you are looking for a more sporting trip, try dog sledding. For a quieter and warmer time of year, winter is ideal. This is the season when the cold is felt most. You can contemplate and read while taking in the snow-covered views of the north.
Spring:
Do you love flowers? Like walks in the forest?
The best time to see cherry blossoms trees in the streets of Bergen is during the spring season. If you enjoy nature, then this season is perfect for you. In spring, the days get longer. This allows you to enjoy the city of Bergen, Oslo or another small Norwegian villages.
Summer:
Do you like hiking? Beautiful blue skies? Have you ever heard of the Midnight sun?
Norway is close to the Arctic Circle. That is why in summer the days are the longest of the year, known as the Midnight sun. It is a phenomenon that means you never really see the night. To increase your chances of observing this phenomenon, it is best to travel to northern Norway. Summer is the ideal season to enjoy good weather and try many outdoor activities. Discover the fjords and waterfalls and go for a swim. It is also a great time to attend festivals.
You can go hiking or on excursions to the fjords near Bergen, using different means of transport. You can choose between a cruise, a train or an adventure on foot. Summer is also the most popular season for tourists to visit southern cities. The west side of Norway really is an excellent idea for a holiday destination. It is home to the country’s most beautiful fjords.
Fall:
Do you like orange colors? The first snowflake in the north?
When fall arrives, it means the temperature is cooling. You should try indoor activities such as museums and cultural visits. You need to discover sunny streets in Bergen or Oslo for beautiful days. Fall is the season with surprising weather. During this period, take safaris to see savage animals and marine animals.
Best months for Northem Lights
Do you love snow? Are you fascinated by space? Are you not afraid of the night?
The period from October to February is the best time to see the magnificent play of light in the sky.
The Northen Lights are a surprising and captivating experience. This phenomenon is mostly visible at night, when the sky is clear. For the best Northen Lights experience, get away from the city and enjoy only the nighttime glow. You will get a 360° view of the sky. These will be unforgettable nights under Norway’s Northen Lights. To increase your chances of seeing them, you should head to Northem Norway, in Norwegian Lapland. More specifically to cities like Tromsø, The Lofoten Islands, Alta or The North Cape to see this amazing phenomenon.
October and November are some of the best months to see the Northen Lights, without the crowds of tourists that arrive over Christmas. You will also enjoy milder temperatures at the start of winter. You will have the opportunity to see the superb colors of late autumn.
December and January: Enjoy the magical atmosphere of Christmas markets nestled among snow-covered peaks and under the glow of the northern lights, as the nights grow longer.
Make sure you are well equipped during this period, as the nights are cold.
In February, Tromsø is the best city to see the Northen lights. The nights are long, giving you more opportunities to spot them.
While you are waiting for nightfall, you can take advantage of the opportunity to go on snowmobile or dog-sled safaris, if you are feeling adventurous. You can also cruise between the snow-covered fjords and admire the dazzling white landscapes. Skiing is also a must, as Norway is known for its mountainous landscape. If you prefer a quieter activity, opt for reading a book by the fire.
Planning Fjord Cruises
Why take a cruise through the fjords of Western Norway?
Traveling by boat allows you to discover breathtaking landscapes from a different point of view than on land. During the cruise, you will have time to admire the views, waterfalls, and small villages along the fjords. When the ship stops, you will be able to get off and explore the surrounding region. Norway is the best Scandinavian country for fjord exploration, and the most spectacular fjords are located in the west. There are 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
The cruise can be planned based on what you want to discover and the cities you wish to visit along the way.
First, choose the season in which you want to see the fjords.
But when is the best time to go?
Spring and summer are the best seasons for the best view of the fjords. You are more likely to enjoy good weather to admire them. You will see green, blooming valleys, and the mild temperatures will allow you to hike among the fjords and admire the view from the top. Many tourists choose to cruise in June and July, so I advise you to go in May or September.
A winter excursion will give you a different experience. The mountain peaks will be covered in snow, creating a magical atmosphere, although some fjords may be closed during this season.
Next, make a selection of the fjords you would like to see on your trip. For example, the two fjords that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are also Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, which are equally beautiful. Then, compare the different cruise itineraries to adapt your excursions according to your interests.
During excursions, you can explore on your own or with a guide. Alone, you will have more freedom to visit at your own place. If you prefer a guided experience, that’s possible on certain cruises. But don’t forget to ask before you go.
There are different types of cruises. Some are more luxurious, while others are more affordable and offer a greater sense of adventure. Each type of cruise will have a different experience.
Weather in Norway by month
The months in Norway are different from one another and can sometimes be surprising.
January: You will start the year with cold temperatures but with a snow-covered landscape, take the opportunity to go skiing or snowshoeing. A little further north, you will have the chance to see the Northen Lights.
February: In winter, the mountains are calm and dazzlingly white. Night falls early in Norway. You can try the Scandinavian sauna experience, which involves going into a sauna and then diving into the snow, this is the best time of year to try it.
March: A month that prepares you for the mildness of spring, with milder but still cold weather, so make sure you are well dressed. If you are vacationing in the north, it is your last chance to see the Northen Lights.
April: The transition between winter and spring takes place in April, especially in the south. The fjords are still frozen, but the first buds are beginning to appear. For the more adventurous, hiking season can begin.
May: The flower season can begin. Come celebrate the famous day of May 17 with us. It is a day when you will see Norwegians from a whole new perspective. It's a day full of surprises and excitement that will blow your mind. The streets of Norway will never be more lively. The streets will be full of joy and good humor.
June: The start of the high season begins. Good weather arrives, so take advantage of this season to explore the streets, go hiking and visit the fjords filled with greenery. In June, a special phenomenon occurs: the midnight sun. The sun doesn't really set, and there is always a soft glow of light.
July: Last chance to enjoy the midnight sun. It's the hottest time of the year. During your hikes around a lake, try taking a dip in Norway’s fresh, yet pure, waters.
August: Summer continues with the sun shining brightly.
September: The high season continues, but the forests are starting to change color. The weather can be moody at times. So, plan indoor activities or take the opportunity to try local specialties.
October: There's still time to take advantage of the sun's rays to explore the narrow streets of Bergen or other fjord villages. During this period, a cruise in the fjords will allow you to see the peaks of the snow-covered valleys.
November: The cold starts to settle over Norway, making indoor activities like museums and guided visits perfect for this time of year. It’s also when the first snowflakes fall and the first Northern Lights begin to appear in the north.
December: Traveling in December means enjoying the festive atmosphere in some of the larger cities, especially at the Christmas markets, while enjoying the gentle winter. You will be able to taste Norwegian specialties in this mild winter. With snow on the streets, this is a magical time of year in Norway. Skiing and the Northern Lights are also highlights.
Conclusion
There really is not a better season to come to Norway. Because every season offers a different experience. Winter is ideal for skiing and witnessing the Northern Lights at night. In spring, the parks are full of flowers, and the weather is mild. In summer, you can see the midnight sun and enjoy cruises through the fjords. And in autumn, you will be surrounded by warm, vibrant colors. Most tourists visit Norway between late May and mid-September.
It's up to you to choose what you want to discover on your trip.
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