Shutterstock

Winter in Norway

Q: When to go in Norway?

The best time to travel to Norway is between May and September. With May comes the arrival of spring, totally transforming the appearance of Norway; the days are longer and the country is filled with flowers in full bloom. Between June and August, the weather can be a little unpredictable: nice, warm weather is as likely as chilly, wet weather. In May and September, the weather is quite mild, with clear skies. It's best to travel during this time unless you absolutely must go skiing no matter what or unless you plan to visit Lapland. The thing is, from October to April, it can be freezing cold and many places of interest are closed to visitors. You should also consider the differences in the climates of the various regions of Norway. For example, the southern part of the country isn't too cold so you can travel there throughout the the entire year. Go and experience fjords, dream archipelagos and the northern lights in this extraordinary country.

Design your perfect winter vacation in Norway with a local expert

Customize a tour idea created by one of our local agents based in the destination

Browse our tour ideas

What to do in Norway?

Norway is unique in more ways than one: for a start, it’s the northernmost country in Europe, with the smallest density in the continent. It also holds number one place in the world in Human Development Index.Norway’s not just a country boasting the highest quality of life, though, it’s also one that’s fantastic to travel! A trip to Norway is like entering the home of Mother Nature herself. Sea and mountain have joined forces to form sublime landscapes:Natural Parks, lakes, glaciers, forests, and stunning fjords. Norway is a country whose scenery changes with the seasons:in summer, prepare for days that go on forever, and a glowing sun that shines even at midnight… In winter, Nature puts on its white jacket and the snow sports begin. It’s also the season during which the Northern Lights are at their most spectacular. Frankly, this ethereal phenomenon alone is worth making the trip! Conveniently, Norway is also an ideal destination for a family trip: what child wouldn’t want to take a visit to the homeland of Father Christmas?

See travel guide

When to go in Norway?

jan

feb

march

april

may

june

july

aug

sept

oct

nov

dec

See when to go

Start planning your winter vacation to Norway

Norway is known for its magical wintry landscapes and glittering fjords. During the colder months of the year, the beauty of its icy lakes, frozen waterfalls and sprawling seas make this destination one of the best in the world for a winter vacation. From witnessing the northern lights to adventures on the Svalbard Islands, a vacation in Norway is a truly unique experience.

Why should I visit Norway in the winter?

Despite shorter days and longer nights, winter might be one of the best times to visit this enchanting country. Ski resorts are open for adventure with plenty of powdery snow, while in others, whale watching or northern lights spotting is spectacular.

The best things to do in Norway in winter

From skiing and snowboarding to whale watching and stargazing, there is plenty to do in Norway during winter. Here is a list of the top things to do in Norway during the cold season.

Gaze at the stars in Trysil

Lovers of the outdoors and skiing should head to the cold wilderness of Trysil. The northern lights are the star attraction, casting their green light across the evening sky. Meanwhile, the location's seclusion makes it the perfect place to camp in peace and enjoy a clear night sky full of stars.

Enjoy the romantic beauty of Lillesand

In the cooler months, Lillesand transforms into an enchanting winter destination, a gorgeous spot for a winter vacation if you want to experience Norway's picturesque coastal towns. Walking through narrow streets that curve through a forest of wooden boarded homes can often feel like an experience straight out of a fairytale.

Go sledding in Tromsø

One of the best ways to get out and see the incredible woodland and mountain landscapes of Norway is to travel by dog sled. Explore the breathtaking wilderness of Tromsø with your own team of huskies and admire the glorious snow-covered peaks and glistening lakes.

Go deeper in Sognefjord

A tour of Norway's deepest and longest fjord gives visitors a chance to enjoy the scenic majesty of frozen waterfalls and snow-clad forests. The cold can be harsh, but the natural beauty of this region is unparalleled during winter.

Kick up snow on a ski trip

Skiing is a truly remarkable experience during winter in Norway. Myrkdalen and Bergen receive some of the best snowfall, meaning there is never a dull moment whether you’re dog-sledding, snowboarding, or simply hiking through the snow.

What's the weather like in Norway in winter?

Temperatures hover around 32ºF in the south and along the coasts during winter in Norway. This can fall to about 14ºF as you venture further inland. This is typical for Oslo and surrounding areas, where average temperature might hit about 20ºF. There are large amounts of snow activity in areas such as Troms and Finnmark, while the north experiences Arctic weather patterns with strong winds. You’ll need proper winter coats and good, strong boots.