Is winter a good time to visit Norway?
Northern lights, daylight, temperatures and practical tips for a winter trip.
Short answer
Winter is a good time to visit Norway for snow, skiing and the northern lights, which are best seen from October to March. Days are short: in most of Northern Norway the sun does not rise, or only briefly, from mid-November to the end of January, and southern Norway gets six to eight hours of daylight.
Why
- Visit Norway names October to March as the best months to try to see the northern lights, which are most often seen in the north.
- The 1991–2020 normals show big differences: January averages −2.3 °C in Oslo and −14.6 °C in Karasjok in inland Finnmark.
- The skrei season starts at the end of January, when Arctic cod migrate to Lofoten and Vesterålen to spawn, and Christmas markets are held across the country in November and December.
Details
Winter is a quiet time on the fjords, and Visit Norway notes that the scenic train journeys can be enjoyed without the crowds. If you plan to drive in the cold season from October to April, Visit Norway advises that both you and your car are prepared before you set off. Dress in layers with wool next to the skin and a windproof, waterproof jacket, because wind chill makes it feel much colder than the thermometer shows.
Tip
For the northern lights, base yourself in Northern Norway, for example in Tromsø, and plan several nights, since you need a clear, dark sky.
What may differ
Conditions depend on where you go. Along the coast, winter temperatures usually stay around zero, while inland they can fall to between −10 and −20 °C, and in some places to −40 °C.
Common misconception
Norway is dark around the clock all winter.
What actually happens
Only the north has polar night. Southern Norway gets six to eight hours of daylight in the winter months, and even in Bodø and Lofoten the sun stays completely below the horizon for only about a month.
People also ask
- Is it worth visiting Norway in winter?
Sources
- Visit Norway: Winter in NorwayChecked at:
- Visit Norway: The northern lightsChecked at:
- MET Norway: The new climate normal 1991–2020Checked at:
- Yr: Oslo (Blindern) weather statisticsChecked at:
- Yr: Karasjok weather statisticsChecked at:
Information checked on 15 October 2026; normals are 30-year averages, and any single winter can be colder or milder.
Tips for travelling in Norway in winterRelated 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.