Winter in Norway

In winter, much of Norway usually transforms into a snow-clad paradise. That means ideal opportunities for exciting activities in the snowy landscape. Skiing has a special place in Norwegian culture and history. During the winter season, people of all ages head to ski resorts, forests, and mountains to enjoy powdery snow, slick slopes, and groomed cross-country trails.

You can also do many fun activities without skis, like snowshoeing, dog sledging, and whale watching. Or maybe you want to go for a tranquil fjord cruise, where you can enjoy vistas of snow-capped mountains reflected in the water?

Winter is also a great time to experience some of the world’s most beautiful train journeys without the crowds. In November and December, you can visit charming Christmas markets all around the country.

Winter climate 

The climate varies greatly from region to region in this long country. Along the coast, temperatures usually stay around zero degrees Celsius. Inland, the temperatures are usually lower and might reach 10-20 degrees below zero Celsius. A few places can even experience an extremely frigid minus 40 degrees Celcius!

Winter nights are long throughout Norway. From the middle of November until the end of January, the sun doesn’t rise at all, or just briefly peaks out over the horizon, in most parts of Northern Norway. However, it is far from pitch-dark all the time, and the snow lightens the landscape in a very poetic way. On clear days, especially in the southern part of this region, you might experience several hours of daylight and some beautiful sunset colours, while the sky to the north is a deep midnight blue. 

If you're lucky, the northern lights might dance above your head! They are most commonly seen in the north, but can on rare occasions be spotted throughout Norway. October to March are the best months to try to catch this magical light show.

In southern Norway, you can expect between six and eight hours of daylight during the winter months.

How to dress for winter weather

Winters in Norway can be very cold, even though they are occasionally also mild. Dressing for outdoor activities therefore depends on what you are doing and where you are doing it.

Dress warmly and in layers. Use wool rather than cotton or polyester, and make sure you can protect yourself from getting wet and being caught in the wind. A wind and waterproof jacket will come in handy in coastal areas, where you might experience rain. If you are not going to be very active, a thick down jacket and snow pants combined with thermal underwear will keep you nice and warm. 

Also remember that the wind chill factor will make you feel much colder than the actual temperature would otherwise indicate. This effect increases as the wind speed increases. 

Don’t forget that winter is the best time of year to learn the noble art of kos, with lots of candles and a warm, crackling fireplace. And you are usually never far from a steaming, hot sauna!

Seasonal food and drink

Most people think of seafood such as prawns, langoustine, blue mussels, scallop, and lobster as summer delicacies, but the fact is that they are actually in season in winter, when quality and flavour is at its highest.

Fresh fish is also at its best in the winter. Many restaurants in Norway offer cod, halibut, salmon, and trout of the highest quality at this time. The end of January also marks the start of the “skrei” season, when the Arctic cod migrates from the Barents Sea to the slightly warmer waters around Lofoten and Vesterålen to spawn.