What is the best time to visit Norway?
The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do and see. Summer (June-August) offers long days with mild temperatures and is great for outdoor activities, while winter (December-February) offers the chance to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter sports. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are also good times to visit, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.
The first thing you should take into account when planning to go to Norway is the type of vacations you are going to have there.
Things to know about when choosing the best time of year to visit Norway
Norway is a beautiful country to visit throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences. Here are some things to consider:
- Summer (June-August): The weather is mild and pleasant, with long days and endless sunlight. This is the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds.
- Fall (September-November): The foliage is stunning, and the crowds thin out. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and some attractions may be closed.
- Winter (December-February): Norway is a winter wonderland with skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. However, the days are short, and temperatures can be very cold.
- Spring (March-May): The snow starts to melt, and the days get longer. This is a great time for hiking and other outdoor activities, but some attractions may still be closed.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Norway depends on your interests and what you want to experience.
What exactly would you like to do when visiting Norway, – are you going to explore the Northern Lights or you are going to enjoy Norway landscapes and fjords?
Also, keep in mind that the weather conditions in Norway may impact your travel plans.
This is why one of the main tips while planning to visit Norway is check the weather forecast.
When you take into account all of these nuances, you will be able to schedule a perfect trip to Norway.
Going to Norway in June – August
The period of June-August is considered to be the high tourist season in Norway.
At the same time because of favorable weather conditions these summer months are the best time to go to Norway if you are planning to do a lot of outdoor activities, and if you like hiking.
Please be reminded that during the high season it is rather hard to book decent hotels.
This is why if you are going to visit Norway – book a hotel much in advance to ensure you have nice accommodation for your holidays.
High tourist season in Norway also means you won’t be able to purchase travel tickets at lower prices and for the most convenient routes.
Thus, it is better to book flight or train tickets in advance.
If you prepare all the travel arrangements for your trip to Norway several months before the departure, you will be able to save on your travel.
Even though summer months, June – August are the hottest months in Norway, this is the best time to go to Norway.
But be prepared for occasional rains, the weather can change pretty quickly and it is better to be prepared for that.
The best time to visit Norway’s fjords
Time between May – till the middle of June and from the middle of August till September is the best period for visiting Norway’s fjords.
During these months there are fewer tourists, which makes visiting Norway’s fjords more pleasant.
Also, the weather is mild and pleasant for travelers.
If you are going to Norway during these months, be reminded that prices for hotel rooms go up, the only exception are the weekends.
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Going to Norway during low season
April and October are considered to be low tourist seasons in Norway. Also these 2 months are the best time to go to Norway and enjoy the Northern Lights.
During the low tourist season most of the attractions in Norway will be closed completely or will open during short day hours.
In April and October the weather in Norway may be rather cold.
But this is the best period for visiting Norway, if you are planning a budget trip and are willing to spend less on your holidays.
Also, during these two months you can enjoy one of the most famous and spectacular events in Norway – the Northern Lights.
Going to Norway in January
In spite of very cold weather in January, this is still one of the most popular period of time for visiting Norway.
Travelers go to Norway in January to enjoy snowmobiling and to see the Northern LIghts.
February – best time to go to Norway
If you are planning a trip to Norway in February, keep in mind, this is one of the coldest months.
But February gives a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the Northern Lights and to do winter activities.
Do not forget to make preliminary hotel flight bookings to save on travel and not to spend extra money for the things you can book earlier and cheaper.
Is it worth going to Norway in March?
In March the weather in Norway gets warmer compared to cold February weather and you will be able to join more outdoor activities.
Also, in March the days will be longer and you will have much more time for visiting interesting places in Norway.
In March it is worth visiting Norway to attend one of the famous festivals. For example, in March traditionally the end of winter is widely celebrated in Norway.
March is also the best time for visiting Svalbard.
Sami people will celebrate the end of polar night, accompanying these celebrations with the reindeer racings and weddings.
Why go to Norway in April?
April is a good month to go to Norway to visit local festivals, even though there will be less of them compared to other months.
The weather in April in Norway is mild and relatively warm.
The number of tourists traveling to Norway in April is not so big yet.
This is why if you prefer to avoid crowds, April would be the best time to go to Norway and enjoy the most beautiful places.
April is the month when about 100 000 breeding pairs of puffins arrive at their nests and stay there till July.
Planning a trip to Norway in May
In May Norway enters the spring season and the weather gets warm.
May is one of the best months to go to Norway and to visit one of the music festivals.
These music venues attract thousands of tourists each year.
Going to Norway in June
June is one of the most popular months among the tourists going to Norway.
If you are one of them, and are planning to visit Norway in June, make sure to make all travel arrangements a couple of months before your trip.
The reason is that during high months prices for hotel bookings and transportation go up and if you do your travel arrangements much in advance you can save this amount for some other activities.
June is the period of popular festivals and the best month to watch the whales in Vesteralen.
Best time for visiting Norway in July
July is the most popular month in Norway, when most people go on vacations.
For sure, July is the best time to go to Norway, given favorable weather conditions.
But this is also the period of time when most travel destinations in Norway are overcrowded.
As we have already mentioned, make sure to do all travel arrangements to Norway in advance, to have decent accommodation and transportation options.
Visiting Norway in August
If you are going to Norway in August you have a lucky chance to visit one of many music festivals, which are taking place in August in Norway.
The prices are quite acceptable till the middle of August. After that the prices will go up.
Plan a trip to Norway in September
September is the best time to go to Norway and enjoy the country.
First of all, there will be less tourists in September but still you will have less options to book hotels and transportation at lower prices.
The disadvantage of going to Norway in September is that a number of hotels and restaurants will be closed and you will have less choices.
Prices for accommodation and transportation in September may be more expensive compared to summer months.
Going to Norway in October
At the of October you can enjoy the polar nights in Svalbard.
The weather gets a bit colder and the number of tourists visiting Norway is less.
Plan a trip to Norway in November
November is the best time to visit Norway if you prefer quit holidays.
The weather gets chilly and the days become shorter.
But you will not be bored, since in November winter outdoor activities start and you have a number of options to join.
Also, you can travel to Tromso and enjoy the whales.
Is December a good month to visit Norway?
December is the period of winter and Christmas holidays. If you are going to Norway in December this is your best chance to find out more about the traditions and Christmas celebrations in Norway.
Please don’t forget, the Christmas period is one of the highest tourist seasons worldwide and if you do not want to spend a fortune on your trip to Norway in December – make all travel arrangements much in advance.
What is the best time of year to visit the Norwegian fjords?
The best time to visit the Norwegian fjords largely depends on what you’re looking for in your visit. Here are some general guidelines based on seasons:
- Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to visit the fjords due to the warm weather and long daylight hours, known as the “Midnight Sun.” You’ll find the fjords vibrant with life, making it ideal for hiking, boating, and enjoying the scenic views. The weather is also the most stable during summer.
- Spring (April to June): The landscape begins to bloom and you can experience the melting snow, making the waterfalls particularly spectacular. This season offers fewer tourists and sometimes more affordable prices than the peak summer season.
- Autumn (September to October): This is a great time for those interested in photography, as the fall colors are beautiful and the light is favorable. The weather can be unpredictable, but the tourist crowds are smaller.
- Winter (November to March): Winter in the fjords is cold and daylight is limited, especially north of the Arctic Circle where you can experience the Polar Night. However, it’s an excellent time for winter sports and viewing the Northern Lights. Some fjord tours still operate, but options are more limited than in other seasons.
Each season offers a unique way to experience the fjords, so your choice should align with the activities you’re most interested in and the type of weather you prefer.
These are the main tips and recommendations about the best time to go to Norway.
We hope you will enjoy the beauty of this amazing country, and no matter which time of the year you will select for visiting Norway.
Hi All, I would like to visit Norway this year, would you please recommend, what is the cheapest month to visit Norway? Thank you very much in advance!
Hello, I would suggest planning a trip to Norway in May or beginning of summer. This is the period of time when you can manage to save your travel budget for the trip Norway, at least for us worked 😉
I always try to plan trips in May and June. The advantages of traveling during these two months are obvious -s less tourists in popular places and a bit cheaper prices for the hotels, and flights. Traveling to Norway during May – June would be the best in point of view.
I would recommend to visit Norway in September – early autumn is the best season for traveling, given prices and weather conditions.