The Best Time to Visit Norway for the Northern Lights, Fjord Cruises and More

Norway is a year-round tourist destination known for its stunning fjords, dazzling Northern Lights, and rich Viking history. Norway is vast and diverse, and each region of the country has its own seasonality. The best time to experience Norway’s diverse climate depends on the traveler’s preferences.

In general, the mild summer climate and long hours of sunshine provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking. Winters can be cold and dark, but it’s perfect for viewing the Northern Lights – and, there’s never been a better time to spend time indoors at museums and cultural institutions. Here are the details of the main tourist seasons in Norway:

• High season: June to August and December
• Shoulder season: September to October and April to May
• Low season: November and January to March

Choosing the best time of year to visit Norway depends on what you want to do during your visit – read on to find out more.

The Best Time to Visit for a Small Group of People

No one wants to travel with a crowd, but they usually coincide with the best time of year to visit a destination, usually in terms of weather, but also in terms of school holidays. In Norway, the peak season is the summer and December holidays, so you may want to avoid these times if you want to go when the crowds are lower. Spring and autumn are slightly quieter than summer and holiday rushes, but Norway is just as fascinating, full of nature and character to explore.

If you’re visiting during peak season, consider avoiding the beaten track. Norway has about 150,000 square miles of land, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to find some personal space. For an untouched gem, explore the untouched peninsula of Valanger, where solitude and stunning scenery are present all year round.

The Best Time to Visit with Good Weather

When it comes to weather, “good” is a rather subjective term. A lot of people will think it depends on what you think is the best weather and what kind of adventure or experience you want to enjoy.

With rain or snow throughout the year, good weather in Norway usually refers to temperature – most commonly, people think that good weather is warm weather. The warmest weather is in the height of summer, which is the perfect time for hiking, exploring, and adventuring in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) along the stunning Norwegian coastline. Many people especially enjoy the weather in June. June, with its eternal sunshine and flowery landscapes, offers a mild and splendid summer experience.

That being said, if you want to enjoy winter activities that require snow, such as skiing and snowmobiling, the best weather is during the winter months, but you definitely need to dress warmly.

The Best Time to Visit at a Lower Price

For best value, avoid the Christmas holidays and the busy June-August period. If you’re visiting Norway in early autumn, it’s a more affordable shoulder season, where you’ll still benefit from warmer temperatures and the chance to see the Northern Lights, as early as September and as late as March. But November’s off-season and post-holiday period are the cheapest times to visit. Notably, November is considered off-peak but has a unique charm due to its magical light and is a paradise for food lovers looking for an authentic local experience.

Keep an eye on the exchange rate between the US dollar (USD) and the Norwegian krone (NOK) to help you maximize your savings.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights

Norway is located in the northern part of the globe and is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Although technically the Northern Lights appear year-round, you’ll need to be in the dark to see them. In Norway, darkness is not always guaranteed. Most of the country receives extremely long hours of sunshine during the summer months, limiting the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

Without a doubt, if you want to see the Northern Lights, October to March is the best time to visit. There are also plenty of ways to go inland in search of the Northern Lights, from dog sledding to wilderness excursions to overnight stays in glass igloos.

Worst Time to Visit

It sounds cliché, but there’s really nothing bad about visiting Norway because each month of the year has its own benefits. For example, visiting in the “off-season” may mean you’re dealing with colder weather, but you’ll benefit from fewer crowds and cheaper prices (as well as the Northern Lights). Norwegians have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!” Conversely, for some travelers, the high season can actually be the worst time to visit Norway. You’ll encounter the largest crowds and the highest prices at this time – not ideal for solitary people looking for an affordable one.

To ensure that you visit Norway at the best time, think carefully about what activities you want to do. For example, if you want to see the Northern Lights, summer will be the worst time to visit, as the Northern Lights are usually not visible at that time.