Best Time to Visit Norway

High Season: July • August

July and August are the peak summer season months in Norway and a great time to visit for an all-round experience.

During July and August, the sunny weather is perfect for exploring nature, from the southern islands to the northern fjords, representing one of the world’s longest coastlines. The natural beauty and warmer temperatures bring many visitors to the country’s cities and towns, with foreign and domestic tourists eager to enjoy the diverse sites, but often leading to increased travel rates.

Some may say summer is one of the most challenging times in Norway, but July and August have indelible charms for an ideal experience during the season.

Shoulder Season: April • May • September • October

April to May and September to October are the best shoulder-season months in Norway.

The spring months of April and May offer great warming weather without summer’s humidity, with access to remote corners of the country opening after the thawing winter. Fall cools considerably in September and October, but still offers plenty of time in which to explore the trails, tour the fjords, and visit remote coastal towns, while enjoying fewer crowds than in the busy summer season.

Low Season: January • February • March

The best time for vacations during Norway’s low seasons is in the winter months and into the early spring from January to March.

The winter months, after the Christmas season, offer great value for travelers seeking authentic Norway without the crowds and higher prices of summer.

The cold weather covers the country from the southern edge of Pysen to the northern corners of Norwegian Lapland, turning the nation into an exciting winter wonderland and popular skiing destination. During December, Norway is a very popular Christmas destination, bringing many crowds and a higher cost in the last half of the holiday season.

Best Months: July • August

July and August are the best times to visit Norway for great weather as they fall in summer.

Summer in Norway is bright and warm, proving incredibly comfortable for Scandinavian vacations. Sunlight veils the magnificent glacial landscapes and alpine slopes during this time. You can view the spectacular midnight sun the further north that you travel and celebrate Sami culture in the snow with pleasant temperatures and clear skies.

Boasting the best weather in Norway, summer is also the most popular time to visit. You should expect peak-season crowds, but you can escape them on private tours to remote regions and frozen landscapes that glimmer under the sun.

Best Months: May • June • September • October

May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit Norway for sightseeing. May and June represent the spring months and September and October those of fall.

These encompass the two breathtaking shoulder seasons, perfect times to enjoy the untold beauty of Norway without worrying about crowds. You can explore colorful coastal towns and charming museums in historic cities before you venture to the Norwegian fjords on picturesque cruises through ocean inlets.

Sightseeing in Norway is an opportunity to experience the cultural, historical, and natural majesty of the icy regions, heritage towns, and gorgeous landmarks. And there is no greater time to do so than during spring and fall.

Best Months: June • July • August

June, July, and August are some of the most popular months in which to visit Norway and also the best times to visit for hiking and outdoor activities.

The cities become crowded during these peak-season months, which is why many travelers choose to visit remote and rural country towns. From these, trails weave across the Norwegian landscape through beech forests and over icy glaciers. These hiking trails are some of the most magnificent in the world, sharing the natural spoils of Scandinavia and the Arctic.

The temperatures are invitingly warm during these months, helping to create comfortable hiking experiences along casual and challenging trails.

Best Months: January • February

The best time to visit Norway for winter sports is January through February. Winter is well under way when January rolls around and popular winter sports are available and accessible after the Christmas holiday break.

As the bitterly cold weather brings plenty of snow, Norway’s famous ski resorts welcome travelers eager to race down the pearl-white slopes and adventurers wishing to cross the frozen glaciers. Snowmobiling and dog sledding remain favorite winter sports among families, couples, and friends.

Travelers can also enjoy the pleasures of Norway’s winter wonderland by playing ice hockey, trying a round of curling, experiencing cross-country skiing, and so much more.

Best Months: November • December • January • February

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is from November to February. These months coincide with the cold winter season, when travelers flock to Norway’s snowy northern regions.

The Northern Lights are one of the most popular reasons travelers visit Norway in the winter. From November to February there are plenty of opportunities to witness the marvelous natural light show. At night, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are higher as the phenomenon generally paints the sky in neon colors during winter evenings.

Trips to see the Northern Lights are only as successful as the amount of time you spare to spot them. Whichever winter months you decide on for your vacation, you should give yourself enough time in northern Norway for multiple Northern Lights viewing tours. Your guide can then arrange a tour during the most likely evening to see them.

Best Months: May • June • July

The best time to visit Norway to see the midnight sun is during May, June, or July.

During Norway’s spring and summer months you can experience 24 hours of sunlight as the midnight sun hangs in the sky through the evening and casts silhouettes across the country. The midnight sun is most visible in Norway’s northern regions, so be sure to head from Oslo to the icy north.

The midnight sun is a marvelous natural spectacle that you can experience for the duration of your trip in the months of May, June, or July.

Best Months: April • May • October • November

The best time to visit Norway to avoid the crowds is from April through May or October through November.

April and May fall between the winter and spring seasons, while October and November fall between the fall and winter seasons. On the cusp of winter Norway is far quieter than in summer or during the peak times of spring and fall.

Therefore, you can enjoy the pleasures of Norway’s winter in the northern regions and experience the beauty of spring or fall before the crowds arrive within one vacation.

Best Months: May • June • July • August • September • October

The best time to visit Norway to enjoy its regional delicacies is from May through October.

Falling within spring, summer, and fall, these months offer great weather conditions to experience the culinary delights of Norway. You can visit the northern regions to discover Sami culture and the unique regional delicacies, or spend time in the southern cities of Norway to discover the deep gastronomic history.

Hearty meals like Fårikål, a mutton and cabbage dish, are best enjoyed around the fire on colder evenings in the north, while there’s nothing better than succulent Norwegian salmon in a zesty dressing on a warm summer's day at gourmet restaurants on the coast.

Best Months: May • June • September • October

The best time for seniors to visit Norway is from May through June and again from September through October.

During these times the country is less busy and senior travelers can experience the natural, cultural, and historical charms more freely. The spring and fall months are particularly stunning as the temperatures are comfortable, the landscapes flooded with golden light, and activities abound.

Senior travelers can enjoy the culinary culture on food tours, explore the glacial landscapes on casual hikes, or see the famous midnight sun, all without worrying about crowds and frigid conditions.

Best Months: May • June • September • October

The best time for a romantic trip to Norway is from May to June or September through October.

These months are within the spring, summer, and fall seasons, offering incredible weather for an indulgent couples trip. The scenery is particularly gorgeous during spring, when the flowers bloom and the sun glistens against the icy glaciers. Summer is popular for warm temperatures in which to experience the majesty of the Norwegian coastline, while fall is quieter for more intimate moments.

Whenever you choose to explore Norway as a couple, you can appreciate the untold pleasures of spring, summer, or fall.

Best Months: May • June • September • October

The best time to visit Norway with children is between May and June or September and October.

As these months are less popular than summer, your family can enjoy the country without the stress of being around large crowds. You can also experience the pleasant weather conditions that spring and fall bring. You can partake in adventurous outdoor activities, learn to cook Norwegian cuisine, see the phenomenal glaciers, and more when the conditions are perfect for families with children.

With the possibility of falling within the school breaks, vacations in May and June or September and October are great for families who do not want their children to miss school.

Best Months: May • June • July • August

The best time to visit Norway for spring and summer activities is from May to August.

During spring and summer the weather is exceptional and travelers can experience the highlights of the country on warm, clear days. You can visit the museums and architectural landmarks, cruise across the sparkling fjords of northern Norway, cross the glaciers on temperate afternoons, and tuck into delicious Norwegian cuisine with magnificent sunset views.

You can also enjoy sightseeing in Norway, particularly opportunities to view the midnight sun that floods the country in golden light 24 hours a day.

Activities: Fjord cruises • Hiking • Cycling • Fishing • Kayaking • White-water rafting • Bird watching • Horseback riding • Culinary tours • Midnight sun viewing

Best Months: September • October • November • December

The best time to visit Norway for fall and winter activities is from September through December.

During these months you can travel from the coast to the northern reaches of Norway to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ski jumping at resorts on pearl-white alpine peaks. You can also immerse yourself in the northern Sami culture on cross-country snowmobile expeditions to rural villages in the Arctic Circle.

Dog sledding, curling, and other winter activities are ideal during November and December. And you can keep your eyes peeled for the unforgettable Northern Lights as you adventure across northern Norway in winter.

Activities: Arctic cruises • Skiing and snowboarding • Dog sledding • Snowmobiling • Glacier hikes • Winter fishing • Sami culture tours • Culinary tours • Northern Lights viewing

The best time to visit Norway is from May through October when the weather is perfect for all types of adventures. Norway is, however, an all-year destination, with different regions more suitable to visit at different times of the year.

Customizing our collection of sample Norway tours, you can plan a vacation during the best time to visit for your preferences and experience the top things to do in Norway.