The charm of all seasons: How to choose the perfect time to visit Norway
Norway attracts tourists with its breathtaking fjords, which create unique and cinematic landscapes, providing opportunities for hiking and cruising. Astronomy enthusiasts also come to Norway to see the northern lights in all their glory.
Tourists are also attracted to medieval cities such as Bergen or Oslo, which immerse travellers in their culture. When is the best time to go to Norway and what season to choose to see all the beauty of this country is reported by TravelAndLeisure.
The main tourist seasons in Norway
The high season in Norway is considered to be from June to August and December.
The low season is the month of November and the time after the New Year holidays from January to March.
Transitional season is from September to October and from April to May.
What is the best time to go to Norway to avoid large groups of people?
The country's peak tourist season is summer and December holidays, but experienced travellers recommend paying attention to spring and autumn. "These periods are a little quieter than the summer and holiday peaks. However, Norway is just as fascinating and full of nature and opportunities for exploration as in other months," experts advise.
For those who find themselves in the country during the peak season, our advice is to go to unexplored places, away from the crowds. Given that Norway stretches over 150,000 square miles, finding personal space is easy. To find a true gem, explore the wild Varanger Peninsula, where you can enjoy solitude surrounded by stunning scenery at any time of year, experienced travellers share.
When is the best weather?
When asked about the best time to visit Norway for good weather, the answer is as varied as the country itself. It's a subjective concept that depends on your preferences and nature's expectations.
In a country where rain and snow can accompany you throughout the year, the concept of "good weather" is often associated with warmth. According to tourists, the warmest weather is in the height of summer, providing the perfect time for hiking, sightseeing, and hard inflatable boat adventures along the amazing Norwegian coastline. Travelling during June is especially great as you'll find blooming landscapes and plenty of daylight.
At the same time, for those who enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling, the best weather is during the winter months. It is only important to make sure you are well insulated to enjoy these winter activities.
When prices are low?
To get the best price for your Norwegian adventure, avoid travelling during the Christmas holidays and the busy period from June to August, experts advise. Early autumn is considered the off-season in Norway, allowing you to enjoy warmer temperatures and see the magnificent northern lights, available as early as September and March.
At the same time, the low season in November and the post-holiday period are economical times to visit. Expert tip: keep an eye on the exchange rate of the US dollar (USD) and Norwegian krone (NOK) to maximize your savings.
When to travel to Norway to see the northern lights?
Norway, with its northern location on the globe, offers a unique opportunity to observe the magical northern lights. Technically, it occurs all year round, but for its full perception, darkness is necessary. In Norway, however, darkness is not always guaranteed, especially in summer when daylight hours are very long and limit the possibilities of observing the aurora borealis.
Without a doubt, October to March is the best time to visit if you want to see the northern lights. Experts are so confident that the northern lights will appear on schedule that they even offer this natural wonder on a tour.
There are many ways to go on a northern lights hunt in the country: from exciting dog sledding excursions through the wilderness to overnight stays in glass igloos (ice hotels), giving everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in this magical light show.
The worst times to visit Norway
Visiting Norway is always a good choice because every month brings its own unique charms. Even in the so-called "low" season, characterized by cooler weather, you will find advantages in the form of solitude, affordable prices and, of course, the opportunity to meet the magical northern lights. According to the locals, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.
Interestingly, for some travellers, peak season may not be the best time to visit as crowds and higher prices do not always coincide with the preferences of those looking for solitude and bargains.
In order to make your trip truly perfect, we recommend that you think about what kind of experience you want to get. For example, if the magic of the northern lights attracts you, then summer may not be the best time as this wonderful phenomenon is usually not observed at this time.