Spring in Norway

The Norwegian spring is probably the hardest season to define. Some years it comes early, other years late, sometimes it’s hot, sometimes chilly well into what’s supposed to be the summer months. And whilst many consider spring equinox around 20 March to be the first day of the season, spring may actually start in late February in parts of the country. Meteorologists keep insisting on spring starting on 1 March, but plenty of people flee to the mountains during Easter week for a final week of winter and skiing.

In May, though, the flowers are sure to be blooming, and so are the Norwegians. Nature is virtually exploding all around you – trees and flowers are waking to life, the melting snow in the mountains swell waterfalls, rivers and lakes, and the blossoming fruit trees along the Hardangerfjord are an unforgettable sight. Luckily, the many public holidays in May – Norway’s national day on 17 May being the most fun – Norwegians get to really appreciate the season.

All in all, spring is a fickle mistress. But even though you might wake up to a sudden final day of snow well into April, you’re also sure to get days warm enough for “utepils” – the act of enjoying a cold beer outdoors on a sunny day.

Get the latest weather forecast

Weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK). Download Yr’s free weather app for iOS or Android.

Local weather and climate

Spring arrives early in Southern Norway compared to the rest of the country, usually sometime in April. It is easy to know when spring is coming: The days get a little warmer and lighter day by day. Spring flowers appear, the trees are budding, birds start to build their nests, and the farmers deliver the newborn lambs.

In early spring the coastal areas of Fjord Norway usually has the highest temperatures, but in May you will usually find the warmest weather in the southern part of Eastern Norway and Southern Norway.

Above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norwayyou may not experience true spring until late May or early June, but by then the long and bright summer days have already started, so you might not care so much.

Just like spring arrives later in the north than in the rest of the country, it gets to the coast and lowlands long before it crawls up the mountains. As you travel up or down the mountains, you can follow the changing seasons from winter to spring or from spring to winter, all in just a few hours.

How to dress for spring weather

When it comes to dressing for the weather in the spring months March, April, and May, don’t trust your own eyes – by the time you’ve put your jacket on and tied your shoelaces, the weather may have changed for the worse. Or better.

The weather and temperatures in Norway can always change quickly, especially in the mountains, so bring good footwear and warm clothes no matter what it’s like when you set out. Spring weather is especially unpredictable, so make sure you dress in layers and are prepared for both sun, rain, and even snow. As we say in Norway – wool is cool.

If you’re out to see the sights in a city or urban area, an umbrella is a good idea, unless it’s very windy. Out in the wilderness, however, bring a raincoat or windbreaker instead. Either way, you’ll probably want to wear your sunglasses, and remember sunscreen if you’re enjoying the sun, especially in the mountains where there is still snow on the ground. The white snow reflects the sun, and you’ll get sunburned much more easily than you’d think.

Local weather and climate

Spring arrives early in Southern Norway compared to the rest of the country, usually sometime in April. It is easy to know when spring is coming: The days get a little warmer and lighter day by day. Spring flowers appear, the trees are budding, birds start to build their nests, and the farmers deliver the newborn lambs.

In early spring the coastal areas of Fjord Norway usually has the highest temperatures, but in May you will usually find the warmest weather in the southern part of Eastern Norway and Southern Norway.

Above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway you may not experience true spring until late May or early June, but by then the long and bright summer days have already started, so you might not care so much.

Just like spring arrives later in the north than in the rest of the country, it gets to the coast and lowlands long before it crawls up the mountains. As you travel up or down the mountains, you can follow the changing seasons from winter to spring or from spring to winter, all in just a few hours.

Springtime skiing in Fjord Norway.
Photo: Skiinformarmatie.nl

The children's parade in Oslo on 17 May.
Photo: Asgeir Helgestad / Visitnorway.com

Apple blossoming in Hardanger.
Photo: CH / Visitnorway.com

Spring flowers and boats in Lillesand harbour

Spring in Lillesand.
Photo: Elisabeth Høibo / Visit Sørlandet

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How to dress for spring weather

When it comes to dressing for the weather in the spring months March, April, and May, don’t trust your own eyes – by the time you’ve put your jacket on and tied your shoelaces, the weather may have changed for the worse. Or better.

The weather and temperatures in Norway can always change quickly, especially in the mountains, so bring good footwear and warm clothes no matter what it’s like when you set out. Spring weather is especially unpredictable, so make sure you dress in layers and are prepared for both sun, rain, and even snow. As we say in Norway – wool is cool.

If you’re out to see the sights in a city or urban area, an umbrella is a good idea, unless it’s very windy. Out in the wilderness, however, bring a raincoat or windbreaker instead. Either way, you’ll probably want to wear your sunglasses, and remember sunscreen if you’re enjoying the sun, especially in the mountains where there is still snow on the ground. The white snow reflects the sun, and you’ll get sunburned much more easily than you’d think.

Seasonal food and drink

Spring is the time for lamb dishes, usually enjoyed around Easter, and the year’s first potatoes, asparagus and wild garlic are the extras that will leave many Norwegian foodies weak at the knees. The same is true for fresh fish of all sorts, including herring and cod from the Lofoten area, called “skrei” and considered a delicacy.

Closer to the summer, rhubarb will appear in all its leafy glory, and all the holidays in May will make cakes of all sorts emerge from many a kitchen, particularly in Fjord Norway.

Traditionally, spring was also the time to finish off the last of the winter stores, so salted meat and “raspeball” – a kind of traditional potato dumpling – is a popular springtime dish to this day.

Explore spring in Norway

Norway’s national day 17 May

Children’s parades, marching bands, traditional costumes, and ice cream. A lot of ice cream. The celebration of the Norwegian Constitution Day is a party like no other.

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Easter

Crime novels by Jo Nesbø, country cross skiing and happy mountain cabin life under the Easter sun. When American outdoor blogger Silvia Lawrence moved to Norway she discovered a different Easter.

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The spring's most beautiful ski trip

Crossing the Jostedalsbreen Glacier lengthwise is a true spring skiing classic.

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Midnight sun kayaking, beer hikes and royal cows

After a long and record-cold winter that will go into the annals of history as one of the great skiing seasons, Norway is ready for light and heat. Here are nine major signs of spring to look forward to.

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Campaign

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Hardangerfjord in a nutshell

Visiting Hardanger in person is the only way to understand why artists have drawn inspiration from the surrounding landscapes with thundering waterfalls or colorful fruit trees in full bloom.

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Check out the warmth and quietness of the pre-season

Go right before or just after the high season and enjoy a warm welcome from locals, usually mild weather, and few crowds.

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