Norway is a popular tourist destination, and an incredible part of the Scandinavian region. Known around the globe for stunning scenery, breath-taking fjords, and historical landscapes, Norway is a checkpoint on your bucket list that you can’t afford to miss.
Although many people associate Oslo and Norway with icy cold weather, it actually has quite a diverse climate. The climate in Norway delivers beautiful green fields in summer, and the promise of the Northern Lights in winter.
Thanks to the gulf stream, you can even enjoy a few sunny days checking out the trails.
Scandinavia as a region is very versatile when it comes to weather and temperature. The region can deliver temperatures from 27°C in the summer, to -25°C in the winter.
If you’ve been planning a visit to Norway, here’s everything you need to know about the weather in Oslo, to help you plan the perfect trip.
The climate in Norway: What to expect
Anyone living in Norway will tell you that the climate is usually quite cold. Scandinavia in general has a lot more snow, and much darker winters than other parts of Europe.
In the inland regions and coastal areas, temperatures vary drastically. Coastal areas have a colder atmosphere, while inland regions (such as Oslo) have a more continental climate.
While the Oslo weather is often brutal in winter, the climate can be very pleasant in the summer. Most experts recommend visiting the region between May and September when it’s more likely to be clear and mild.
Of course, when you plan your journey to Oslo will depend on what you want to do when you’re there.
If you’re hoping to catch the Northern Lights, it’s best to stick to Northern Norway between the months of October and March. Traveling outside of Oslo to Tromso near the North Cape will give you a better chance of a good viewing.
Your likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights increases even further if you visit during the polar nights, when there’s absolutely no sunlight.
During Polar nights, in midwinter, the northern regions of Norway go weeks without any sunlight at all. In midsummer, daylight takes over and there’s absolutely no darkness in June and July for some regions.
This event is the Midnight Sun, and it’s a popular tourist attraction for visitors.
Norway weather by the month
Like most places around the globe, the weather in Norway differs from one season to the next.
Southern Norway is a go-to destination for those in search of a summer island paradise, while fjord Norway is more attractive to those in search of much more dramatic scenery.
- Norway weather in spring: In the months of March, April and May, days in Norway and Oslo begin to get a little longer. The snow starts to melt, and there’s a lot of sunlight while temperatures begin to rise. Southern Norway starts to enjoy some hotter days, and during May, people start to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the blooming flowers and the stunning natural scenery. The melting snow often creates natural waterfalls around the country, which is a stunning sight.
- Norway weather in summer: As summer rolls around with the months of June, July, and August, the days are longer, and nights are shorter. In the northern region of the arctic circle, you may see absolutely no nights at all. Temperatures can reach an average of 22°C in the coastal regions, or up to 30°C further inland. Visiting Norway during early summer is a great time to enjoy the weather, without the crowds.
- Norway weather in autumn: For travellers in search of a bargain, the autumn months of September, October, and November are often the cheapest. During these quiet times, you’ll have fewer crowds to deal with. September is a great time to visit around shoulder season for lower rates. There’s still plenty of sunlight during this time so you can get outdoors and enjoy the scenery. Most travellers recommend wearing layers around this time of year, so you can enjoy the transition between cold and warm days.
- Norway weather in winter: Winter is a beautiful time to visit Norway if you’re looking for festive sights and experiences. You’re also more likely to catch a glimpse of the Northern lights when the nights are longer. However, the weather in winter is bitterly cold, all the way from December through to April. Temperatures often drop far below freezing, and the snowfall is thick.
Oslo weather by month: Does it snow in Oslo?
For the most part, the Oslo weather follows the same pattern as the Norway climate, with icy cold winters and warm summers that are great for outdoor adventurers. The best time to visit Oslo is usually in the summer, between the months of June and August.
The weather at this time is excellent for outdoor activities, but the climate is sometimes a little cool during the night. Even during the summer, it’s worth noting that Norway has a moderate number of rainy days to pack for.
It’s also quite common to find snow in Oslo, particularly during the colder months of the year.
- Oslo weather in spring: During April and May, the temperatures in Oslo begin to rise quite rapidly. The thaw of snow begins in late March, but you might encounter some frost in early April too. During the second half of May, anticyclones can begin to move across Norway and Northern Europe, creating warm weather. Temperatures range from -2.4°C to 25.2°C on average.
- Oslo weather in summer: From June through to August, the days get longer, and the weather becomes mild, with lots of pleasant days, and cool nights. Extremely hot days are unlikely, but the temperature can reach up to 30°C. Rain also starts in summer due to the flow of the Atlantic fronts. There’s about 10/11 rainy days during the summer in Oslo. The temperature ranges from around 6.1°C to 30.5°C on average.
- Oslo weather in autumn: The autumn weather from September through to November is often cloudy, cool, and rainy. Gradually, the nights become longer, and the days get shorter, with the first snowfalls on the horizon. The days are short and cold by November in Oslo. Temperatures often range from around -2°C and 4°C.
- Oslo weather in winter: The weather in winter (November to March) is often freezing, with around 80 days of snowfall in total. The temperature can vary drastically when Atlantic currents come through, with some patches of snow melting from time to time. On the other hand, if a polar anticyclone moves over the region, temperatures can drop to around -20°C. Most commonly, the temperatures stay between -15.3°C and 1°C at most in either direction.
When to visit Oslo in Norway
If you’re looking for a summery vacation, the best time to visit Oslo is during the summer, in the late days of June through to August. Though the days aren’t hot in Norway, they’re warm enough that you can explore the great outdoors comfortably.
However, you may prefer to visit in spring if you want to see the beautiful flowers and trees starting to blossom again after winter.
For those in search of more dramatic sights, winter can be an excellent time to visit the fjords and Oslo in Norway. It’s worth noting that hiking during the winter months, particularly towards the North of the region, can be extremely dangerous.
It’s best to avoid any challenging escapades unless you have the guidance of a professional and plenty of experience. And there are plenty of organised trips you can look at during your visit.
For those who want to save a little money on their Scandinavian adventure, September may be the perfect month to visit Oslo. The weather is still warm enough that you won’t be freezing, thanks to some of the leftover climate of summer.
At the same time, because many children are returning to school, you can experience fewer crowds, and cheaper prices.
Oslo has plenty of hotels too, so you wont have trouble finding a great play to stay.
One thing’s for certain, Norway has some amazing experiences to offer at any time of year.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
