Norway (Fjord Norway)
Norway · Europe
The best time to visit Norway (Fjord Norway) is May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 20°C (68°F), with peaks around 27°C (81°F); in winter, nights average 1°C (34°F), dropping to around -6°C (21°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Norway (Fjord Norway) – What you should know
The fjord country around Bergen in western Norway is one of the wettest regions in Europe: the mountains trap moist Atlantic air, and even the driest months average around 100 mm (3.9 in), while October brings over 300 mm (11.8 in) on 17 rainy days. It stays mild, though — daytime highs average 4°C (39°F) in January and 19°C (66°F) in July, around 27°C (81°F) on the warmest days. Waterproofs are standard kit here, not a precaution.
The most reliable weeks are May and June: with seven hours of sunshine a day and roughly 100 and 125 mm (3.9 and 4.9 in) of rain, they are among the driest and brightest months of the year. In May the waterfalls run strongest on the snowmelt, the orchards along the Hardangerfjord are in blossom, and the high mountain roads are usually open again. July is warmest at 19°C (66°F) but already brings 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain and under six hours of sunshine.
August and September are considerably wetter: 230 and 250 mm (9.1 and 9.8 in) on 15 to 16 rainy days, with only three to four hours of sun. The fjords reach their warmest at around 16°C (61°F), though swimming is still only for the hardy. For fjord cruises, ferry trips on the Nærøyfjord or hikes above the Geirangerfjord, keep the plan flexible — fog and rain fronts often pass through within hours.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)9 (48) | 5° (41°)0– (32–)9 (48) | 7° (45°)3– (37–)12 (54) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)24 (75) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)26 (79) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)27 (81) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)25 (77) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)22 (72) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)18 (64) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)10 (50) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)6 (43) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)5 (41) | 2° (36°)-3– (27–)7 (45) | 4° (39°)-2– (28–)8 (46) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)15 (59) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)17 (63) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)17 (63) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)15 (59) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 4° (39°)-4– (25–)9 (48) | 2° (36°)-5– (23–)7 (45) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 1 | 2h UV 1 | 4h UV 3 | 7h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 6 | 5h UV 5 | 3h UV 3 | 2h UV 2 | 1h UV 1 | 1h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 7° (45°) | 6° (43°) | 6° (43°) | 7° (45°) | 9° (48°) | 11° (52°) | 14° (57°) | 16° (61°) | 15° (59°) | 13° (55°) | 10° (50°) | 9° (48°) |
🌧Rain Days | 17d264mm (10.4") | 15d245mm (9.6") | 14d179mm (7.0") | 10d124mm (4.9") | 10d100mm (3.9") | 10d125mm (4.9") | 14d155mm (6.1") | 15d230mm (9.0") | 16d252mm (9.9") | 17d307mm (12.1") | 16d274mm (10.8") | 18d300mm (11.8") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
April offers great weather in Norway (Fjord Norway) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Norway (Fjord Norway)
December – March
Dark, wet and surprisingly mild: in Bergen and along the fjords it rains on 14 to 18 days a month, and December barely sees an hour of sun. The lanes of Bryggen are empty, cafés and candlelight stand in for the view, and anyone who has come to hike is in the wrong place.
April – June
Snowmelt sends the waterfalls roaring, the orchards in Hardanger are in blossom and the days lengthen fast. With six to seven hours of sunshine a day this is the most dependable time for fjord trips; up on the mountain passes some roads may still carry snow.
July – September
High season on the fjords: cruise ships crowd into Geiranger, the ferries are full and the evenings stay light. The weather can swing between fog, showers and sun within hours, and the water reaches about 16°C (61°F) in August, which is for the brave only. Plan flexibly and you are rewarded with clear mornings.
October – November
Autumn brings the most rainy days of the year and plenty of wind; the mountainsides turn rust and gold just before the sun nearly disappears. Many cabins, ferries and viewpoints close or run less often, but it is quiet.
Events & Festivals
May
- Constitution Day (17 May) in Bergen· 17 May
Norway's national day starts in Bergen with a gun salute at 7 am, followed by parades through the city centre. Unique to Bergen are the buekorps – drumming boys' brigades, a 19th-century tradition that has survived only here.
June
- Bergen International Festival (Festspillene)· late May to early June (15 days)
Running since 1953: two weeks of classical music and theatre, plus opera, dance and family events at venues across the city.
- Nattjazz· late May to early June (9 days)
Jazz festival in the former sardine factory USF Verftet on Bergen's waterfront, with more than 60 concerts on several stages under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Norway (Fjord Norway)?
- The best time to visit Norway (Fjord Norway) is May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Norway (Fjord Norway)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Norway (Fjord Norway) average 20°C (68°F), with peaks around 27°C (81°F); in winter, nights average 1°C (34°F), dropping to around -6°C (21°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Norway (Fjord Norway) get?
- Norway (Fjord Norway) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 14 rain days per month. The driest months are April, May, and June.
- How warm is the water in Norway (Fjord Norway)?
- Water temperature in Norway (Fjord Norway) ranges from 6°C (43°F) (March) to 16°C (61°F) (August). That makes the sea cool for swimming all year round.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
