Is there snow in Norway all year round?
Glaciers, summer skiing and where snow lies in winter.
Short answer
Snow lies all year only on Norway's glaciers and highest mountains, while towns and lowland areas have snow-free summers with temperatures well above freezing. Visit Norway counts 2,534 glaciers, and on Tystigbreen you can ski in summer. In winter, snow is common around Oslo, inland and in the north, while the coast is milder and wetter.
Why
- Visit Norway counts 2,534 glaciers in Norway, and Jostedalsbreen, the largest in continental Europe, covers 487 square kilometres.
- In summer most of the snow in the mountains has melted, Visit Norway says, and temperatures can reach 25 to 30 °C in the south and in inland valleys.
- Winter snow can be deep in the north: at the Tromsø station the snow depth peaked at 140 cm on 22 March 2023 and 120 cm on 13 January 2025.
Details
Coastal areas have relatively mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains, according to Visit Norway. In Bergen the deepest snow at the Florida station was 19 cm in 2023 and 39 cm in 2025, and Oslo (Blindern) had at most 30 cm in 2025. Autumn can turn to winter as early as October, but more often in mid to late November.
Tip
To see snow in summer, plan a guided glacier walk, for example at Nigardsbreen, or a day at a summer ski centre rather than expecting snow in the lowlands.
What may differ
In the mountains the weather can turn quickly, and Visit Norway notes that you may get rain, sun, wind and even snow in the same day.
Common misconception
Norway is covered in snow all year.
What actually happens
Most of Norway is free of snow in summer. In 2025 the temperature reached 32.9 °C at Oslo (Blindern) on 20 July, and only glaciers and the highest mountains keep snow through the year.
People also ask
- Does Norway have snow all year?
- Is Norway always snowy?
Sources
- Visit Norway: Glaciers in NorwayChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Summer in NorwayChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Seasons and climate in NorwayChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Winter in NorwayChecked at:
- Yr: Climate statistics for Tromsø, 2023Checked 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.