The Varanger Peninsula

Varanger is in the far north, and its climate is on the border between Subarctic and Arctic. In fact, Vardø is the only city in Norway within the Arctic climate zone, where the average temperature is never above 10 degrees Celsius.

Further inland, notably in Vadsø and Tana, temperatures are a degree or two higher in summer. Hot air from Russia can bring the thermometer up past the 30 degree Celsius mark, and when the midnight sun shines, the temperature remains above 20 degrees Celsius all night, even in the fishing villages facing the Barents Sea. But northwestern winds can cause single digit temperatures, wind, and rain. You should therefore pack for all kinds of weather.

Winters are cold and dry with stable weather in inland areas like Tana and Nesseby. In maritime Vardø, you can expect more snow, milder temperatures, and the occasional rainy spell. Overall, if you’re dressed properly, the winter weather in Varanger is great for outdoor activities in the snow. A few times every winter, Arctic low fronts engulf Varanger in ferocious snowstorms. Flights are cancelled, the Hurtigruten sails far out at sea without coming to port and roads are closed. However, it’s all over soon, and transportation is back on track very quickly.

In Vadsø, the sun remains below the horizon at midday from November 25 to January 17. During winter, you can experience the northern lights from time to time, throughout the peninsula.

In summer, the midnight sun shines in Vardø from May 15 to July 28.

Check the latest weather forecast at yr.no.

Discover more about the northern lights.