The best time to visit Norway: a monthly guide

Majestic, monumental and mesmerizing are just some of the superlatives used to describe the raw beauty of Norway’s landscapes. It’s often lauded as one of the most visually stunning countries on the planet, and so all of these adjectives ring true. Traveling in Norway is about full immersion into this wild beauty—with all the drama and detail it encompasses—as you’re hiking through pristine nature, experiencing heavenly natural phenomena, and feasting your eyes on its fjord-riven coastline. This article explores the best time to visit Norway for each of its seasonal delights.

Winter months: December to February

The icy clutches of winter bring a flurry of winter thrills to enjoy across the country. Way up in Arctic Norway, the polar nights draw in, and during the deepest part of winter, the sun hardly peeps above the horizon. Experiencing the winter season in Norway leaves a lasting impression, especially if you’re lucky enough to see the dancing lights of the aurora.

December: northern lights and Christmas markets

Festive cheer is at its peak in December, and Norway certainly knows how to do Christmas well. Market stalls fill town centers and city squares, with the twinkle of lights and spice-infused scents bringing snow-dusted streets to life. This is an ideal time to combine a city break with an outdoor adventure in the mountains. Other than by sleigh, train travel between two or three choice destinations is the best way to travel.

January and February: deep winter adventures and peak aurora season

Winter is the best time to visit Norway for snow-fueled fun, when there is guaranteed snow across the country, especially inland. Skiing is second nature to most Norwegians who have grown up on the slopes and cross-country tracks, but there are plenty more winter thrills to enjoy besides skiing. Dog-sledging, snowshoeing, toboggan runs, fat biking, and sledging are all fun and fulfilling ways to get active in the snowy landscapes.

Balance the action with all-out relaxation in saunas and spas or by getting cozy in an ice hotel. This is also the prime time of year to turn your gaze skyward in search of the cosmic show of the northern lights.

Read more: How to experience the northern lights in Norway

Spring awakening: March to May

As the snow slowly melts, a different landscape gradually emerges, renewed and pristine. Rivers and waterfalls rush with meltwater, and grasses and flowers begin to awaken and bloom. At the start of the season, snow will cling to peaks and nights will be dark, offering the tantalizing chance of seeing the aurora.

Then, as spring gives way to summer in late May, walking trails will open and there will be long, milder days ideal for outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling.

One of the benefits of spring travel is that you’ll find a quieter, calmer Norway. The roads will be much less busy, and people will be going about the business of everyday life, free from the more frenetic pace of high summer and the winter holidays.

Travel at this time of year will mean fewer crowds and a more authentic view of life in the country. This is also one of the cheapest times to visit Norway, with lower demand for hotels opening up weekend deals and offers.

Summer glory: June to August

June: white nights and the midnight sun

Summer welcomes travelers with open arms, and this is by far the best time of year to visit Norway for hiking. Days are long and mild, and often (but not always) blessed with blue skies and sunshine. The further north you travel, the longer the days will stretch, and around the summer solstice, Norway experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun. At this time of year, the sky is lit throughout the night by the low, golden glow of the sun, before it rises again in the early hours to the full brightness of day.

July: peak tourist season

July and August are the peak tourist season when many Norwegians are on their summer break. You will find the campsites and roads busier, and hotels and restaurants buzzing with families and friends enjoying summer vacations. This is the best time to see the Norwegian fjords in all their glory. With calm seas and a backdrop of blue skies, cruising along Norway’s dramatic coast is pure joy.

August: warm weather and berry season

Another sweet delight of August is berry season. Norway is proud of its orchards and berry farms and claims to grow some of the best fruit in the world. A long, cool growing season with plenty of sunlight and clean air produces crops of delicious, crunchy apples in autumn and sweet strawberries, raspberries, cloud berries and blueberries in summer. Picking your own berries is a popular pastime in Norway and a relaxing way to spend time outdoors.

Read more: The best time to visit Norway: winter vs summer

The colors of fall: September to November

Similar to spring, the fall season in Norway is a time of transition and offers quite different experiences from one end to the other. It is a time of harvest and bright foliage when the leaves turn orange and gold and the nights get longer. Again, it is one of the quieter times of year for travel in Norway. With fewer visitors, the roads are clearer for road tripping, and hotels and campsites are more affordable.

During September, the days are still long, and hiking trails will be pleasingly quiet. As October draws to a close, winter is well on its way. November sees winter-like conditions, with cold weather, the first snows, and outdoor pursuits shifting focus from hiking to skiing. November is a quiet time in Norway, with preparations underway for Christmas and the approaching winter season.

Best times for specific activities and experiences

Northern lights opportunities

The season for seeing the aurora in Norway is quite long, spanning from October right through to April. However, the peak time for spotting the dancing lights is from December to February.

Fjord exploration in Norway

The summer months are prime time for cruising along the fjords and coast, perhaps even swimming and diving into them if you’re feeling up for it, with June to August bringing the best weather and sea conditions.

Whale watching season around Norway

Whale watching in Norway is mainly a winter pursuit, with the best sightings from November to February.

Hiking and outdoor adventures

Hiking in Norway is spectacular, with a wide range of routes and some challenging mountain trails. The best time to hike is during the summer months from June to August. May and September can work well too, but the weather is less reliable.

Adventure sports and extreme activities

The snow sports season in Norway starts in December and runs to April. If you are keen, there is high-altitude skiing year-round, but the best conditions are from January to March.

Cultural events and festivals for your diary

For music and cultural festivals, the summer months are busiest, and this is the best time to visit Oslo for a vibrant mix of cultural events. From jazz to rock, Oslo’s calendar is packed with festivals and concerts at this time of year.

Beyond the capital, there are plenty more events in Trondheim, Tromsø and Kristiansand throughout the season. Food festivals are also on the menu, and generally take place in the summer and early fall.

Read more: Spotlight on Norway: Q&A with a local expert

Make it happen

For more tips and suggestions on the best time to visit Norway, get in touch with one of our locally-based travel partners, whose passion and knowledge will serve to create you the ultimate personalized trip. Or, if you’re looking for more inspiration first, why not have a browse through our expertly crafted Norway trip ideas.