What are the highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded in Norway?
The national heat and cold records, where they were set and how recent summers compare.
Short answer
The highest temperature ever measured in Norway is just over 35 °C, at Nesbyen in 1970, and the lowest is below −51 °C, at Karasjok in 1886. The exact figures are 35.6 °C on 20 June 1970 and −51.4 °C on 1 January 1886. The highest readings in July 2025 and July 2026 were 34.9 °C and 34.2 °C.
Why
- Store norske leksikon, updated in September 2026, states that Nesbyen holds Norway's heat record of 35.6 °C, measured on 20 June 1970.
- A 2008 MET report re-examined the old thermometers at Karasjok and kept the traditional national cold record of −51.4 °C from 1 January 1886.
- 2025 was the warmest year in MET's series from 1901, yet the year's highest temperature, 34.9 °C at Frosta on 17 July, stayed below the record.
Details
In July 2026 the highest reading was 34.2 °C at the Nesbyen (Todokk) station on 15 July, in the same municipality as the 1970 record. The lowest temperature in 2025 was −36.7 °C at Cuovddatmohkki in Karasjok on 4 February, and in January 2026 the lowest was −41.5 °C at Karasjok (Markannjarga) on 11 January. MET tracks heatwaves by its own criteria: a Norwegian heatwave means five days in a row with a maximum above 27 °C.
Tip
To see recent extremes for a place you are visiting, open its statistics page on Yr, which shows the highest and lowest temperatures of the last 13 months.
People also ask
- What is the highest temperature ever recorded in Norway?
- What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Norway?
Sources
- Store norske leksikon: NesbyenChecked at:
- MET report 19/2008: Minimum thermometers used at Karasjok 1877–1900Checked at:
- MET info 13/2025: The weather in Norway in 2025Checked at:
- MET info 07/2026: The weather in Norway in July 2026Checked at:
- MET Norway: Weather phenomena that can trigger warningsChecked at:
Information checked on 15 October 2026.
Weather and seasonsRelated questions
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What does 'there is no bad weather, only bad clothing' mean in Norway?
The saying means that bad weather is no reason to stay indoors, because the right clothes let you enjoy being outside in rain, wind or cold.
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Do I need sunscreen in Norway?
Yes, you need sunscreen in Norway, especially in spring and summer, on snow in the mountains and on the water, where reflection makes UV radiation stronger.
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Do I need ice grips (brodder) on my shoes in a Norwegian winter?
Ice grips, called brodder in Norwegian, are worth packing for a winter trip, because temperatures around freezing often leave pavements and paths icy.
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What shoes should I bring to Norway?
Bring sturdy shoes that handle rain and rough paths, and in winter warm boots with room for wool socks and a good grip on ice.