Where is the warmest place in Norway, and where is the coldest?
Annual means by region and county, and why summer heat is a different story.
Short answer
The warmest part of Norway is the south-west coast, where annual mean temperatures exceed 8 °C, while Finnmark and Troms in the far north are the coldest counties. These figures come from MET Norway's analysis of the 1991–2020 normal. In summer, though, Oslo is warmer: its July normal is 17.7 °C, against 15.3 °C at Stavanger.
Why
- A 2025 MET Norway report states that the areas with the highest annual mean temperature, with a normal above 8 °C, lie along the coast of south-west Norway.
- Averaged over whole counties, Vestfold (6.46 °C) and Østfold (6.28 °C) are the warmest and Finnmark (−0.51 °C) and Troms (−0.19 °C) the coldest in the 1991–2020 normal.
- Norway as a whole has a mean of 1.79 °C for 1991–2020, and mountain areas pull the average down even in south-western counties such as Rogaland (4.79 °C).
Details
Station normals on Yr show the contrast. At Stavanger (Sola) the monthly normals run from 2.1 °C in February to 15.7 °C in August, while at Oslo (Blindern) they run from −2.3 °C in January to 17.7 °C in July. Visit Norway describes the same pattern: relatively mild and wet winters on the coast, and cold winters with plenty of snow inland.
Tip
When you compare places, look at the month you will travel rather than the annual mean: Yr shows monthly normals for each weather station.
What may differ
The answer depends on the season. For mild winters the south-west coast leads, but for summer warmth Oslo beats Stavanger. Mountain areas pull the averages down, even in the south-west.
Common misconception
The further north you go in Norway, the colder the winter.
What actually happens
Not always. Coastal Tromsø in Northern Norway has a January normal of −3.0 °C, close to the −2.3 °C at Oslo (Blindern), according to Yr.
People also ask
- What is the warmest part of Norway?
- What is the coldest place in Norway?
Sources
- MET Norway: MET report 15/2025 on temperature normalsChecked at:
- Yr: Weather statistics for Stavanger (Sola)Checked at:
- Yr: Weather statistics for Oslo (Blindern)Checked at:
- Yr: Weather statistics for TromsøChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Seasons and climateChecked at:
Information checked on 15 October 2026.
Weather in NorwayRelated 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.