Go to content Go to navigation
Winter in Northern Norway - Photo: Innovation Norway
  |  
Winter in Northern Norway Photo: Innovation Norway

Seasons, weather and climate in Northern Norway

The Arctic Circle marks the starting point for the midnight sun and totally dark winters lit up by the magical northern lights.

Northern Norway shares the same latitude as Alaska, Greenland and Siberia, but compared to these areas Northern Norway has a milder climate. Find out what clothes to pack when planning your holiday in Northern Norway, check out recent snow reports for your destination or go to weather forecast for Northern Norway.

Summer

In Northern Norway you can experience the midnight sun from the middle of May to the end of July. Late June to early August is when the weather is warmest with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 77°F - 86°F.

Fall

Then the fall darkness comes gradually. From late August, every new day sees the sun setting earlier and earlier. However, on bright fall days you can enjoy nature's sparkling colours of red, orange and yellow.

Winter

From the middle of November until the end of January, the sun does not rise at all. OctoberFebruary and March are the best months for seeing the northern lights.  

The interior areas of Northern Norway have an Arctic type of climate in winter with snow, strong winds and severe frosts. Temperatures can reach below -40 °F in the inner areas of Finnmark and Troms, even if this does not happen each winter.

By contrast, the coastal areas have comparatively mild winters. However, gales, rain and clouds are frequent and heavy. And thanks to the Gulf Stream, the harbours along the coast of Northern Norway are free of ice throughout the year.

Spring

Spring can arrive as late as the end of May, but this varies from year to year.

Remember that the weather and temperatures can change quickly throughout the entire region. So whether summer or winter, autumn or spring – bring good footwear and warm clothes.

Average daytime temperatures

  Kirkenes Alta Bodø Tromsø
January 13.6°F 16.3°F
29.7°F
25.2°F
February 10.1°F
17.8°F
30.4°F
26.4°F
March 23.9°F
22.6°F
30.2°F
30.2°F
April 35.2°F
30.9°F
38.8°F
35.1°F
May 40.8°F
40.6°F
47.3°F
43.0°F
June 48.9°F
50.0°F
53.2°F
51.8°F
July 56.5°F
56.1°F
57.4°F
56.7°F
August 52.3°F
53.6°F
56.8°F
54.5°F
September 48.7°F
45.0°F
51.3°F
47.7°F
October 38.7°F
34.9°F
42.8°F
37.9°F
November 30.4°F
25.5°F
35.1°F
30.2°F
December 27.7°F
19.4°F 31.1°F 26.6°F

Source: Meteorologisk institutt and yr.no

Last updated:  2013-02-05
Summer in Lofoten, Norway - Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic life/Innovation Norway
Summer in Lofoten, Norway

Interest:  Climate

Close
Embed this article

Copy and paste this code into your blog/website

Preview

Winter in Northern Norway - Photo: Innovation Norway

Seasons, weather and climate in Northern Norway

The Arctic Circle marks the starting point for the midnight sun and totally dark winters lit up by the magical northern lights.

Seasons, weather and climate in Northern Norway

Source: Visitnorway

About Northern Norway

Northern Norway

Northern Norway is known for wildlife safaris, midnight sun and northern lights. This part of the country is home to the Sami, Norway’s aborigines.

Tourist information along Kystriksveien

The tourist information center in Steinkjer will help you book accommodation and plan a tailor-made itinerary for your trip along Kystriksveien.

Featured

The northern lights

Watch nature's own theater unfold above you as the most spectacular light show takes center stage: The northern lights with you in the front row.

ADS

Related videos

Related

Northern Norway

Climate

ADS

TEXT ADS