Norway (Lofoten) · January
Low seasonNorway · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 2° (36°)-5– (23–)7 (45) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)6 (43) | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)7 (45) | 5° (41°)0– (32–)10 (50) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)17 (63) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)22 (72) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)24 (75) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)22 (72) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)17 (63) | 8° (46°)2– (36–)13 (55) | 6° (43°)0– (32–)10 (50) | 4° (39°)-2– (28–)8 (46) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-7– (19–)4 (39) | -2° (28°)-7– (19–)4 (39) | -1° (30°)-7– (19–)3 (37) | 1° (34°)-4– (25–)5 (41) | 5° (41°)0– (32–)9 (48) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 11° (52°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 9° (48°)2– (36–)12 (54) | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)10 (50) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)7 (45) | 0° (32°)-5– (23–)5 (41) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 0 | 2h UV 1 | 5h UV 2 | 7h UV 4 | 9h UV 5 | 10h UV 5 | 10h UV 5 | 7h UV 4 | 5h UV 3 | 3h UV 1 | 2h UV 0 | 0h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 6° (43°) | 5° (41°) | 4° (39°) | 5° (41°) | 7° (45°) | 10° (50°) | 13° (55°) | 14° (57°) | 12° (54°) | 10° (50°) | 9° (48°) | 7° (45°) |
🌧Rain Days | 8d88mm (3.5") | 9d87mm (3.4") | 9d87mm (3.4") | 7d42mm (1.6") | 6d38mm (1.5") | 5d31mm (1.2") | 5d34mm (1.3") | 6d44mm (1.7") | 9d70mm (2.7") | 10d78mm (3.1") | 10d77mm (3.0") | 10d105mm (4.1") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
January is the coldest winter month in Norway (Lofoten) — with highs of only 2°C (36°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 2°C (36°F) during the day and drop to -1°C (30°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 7°C (45°F), the coldest nights around -7°C (19°F) — frost does occur. With 1 sunshine hour per day and 8 rain days (88 mm (3.5 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 6°C (43°F), the water is still quite cool in January — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Around the turn of the year the sun stays below the horizon and storms lash the islands. The wooden drying racks in the fishing villages still stand empty — stockfish goes up from February. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, temperatures hover around freezing. Many accommodations are shut, but the northern lights over the peaks are hard to beat.
Packing list for Norway (Lofoten) in January
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Norway (Lofoten)?
- No — January is not among the recommended months for Norway (Lofoten) (Score: 10/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Norway (Lofoten) in January?
- In January, Norway (Lofoten) sees daily highs of 2°C (36°F). Nights cool to -1°C (30°F), with a daily average of 1°C (34°F). Peaks reach around 7°C (45°F), the coldest nights around -7°C (19°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Norway (Lofoten) in January?
- In January, Norway (Lofoten) receives an average of 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Norway (Lofoten) get in January?
- Norway (Lofoten) averages 1 sunshine hour per day in January — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Norway (Lofoten) in January?
- Water temperature in Norway (Lofoten) in January averages 6°C (43°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.