Norway (Lofoten) · May
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
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May in Norway (Lofoten) at 10°C (50°F) is too cool for a beach holiday, but suitable for sightseeing and hiking. The best travel months are June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 10°C (50°F) during the day and drop to 5°C (41°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 17°C (63°F), the coldest nights around 0°C (32°F). The sun shines an average of 9 hours per day; there are 6 rain days with 38 mm (1.5 in) total. At 7°C (45°F), the water is still quite cool in May — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
The midnight sun, lasting until mid-July, bathes Reine and Hamnøy in golden light, and the trails up Reinebringen and to the beaches at Kvalvika are open. This is the driest and brightest stretch of the year, but also the busiest: parking and rorbuer cabins book up early. The sea stays cool at 9 to 13°C (48 to 55°F).
Packing list for Norway (Lofoten) in May
- Warm jacket
- Jumpers and warm layers
- Long trousers
- Warm shoes
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Norway (Lofoten)?
- May is not an optimal month for Norway (Lofoten) (Score: 57/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Norway (Lofoten) in May?
- In May, Norway (Lofoten) sees daily highs of 10°C (50°F). Nights cool to 5°C (41°F), with a daily average of 8°C (46°F). Peaks reach around 17°C (63°F), the coldest nights around 0°C (32°F).
- How much rain falls in Norway (Lofoten) in May?
- In May, Norway (Lofoten) receives an average of 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain over 6 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Norway (Lofoten) get in May?
- Norway (Lofoten) averages 9 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Norway (Lofoten) in May?
- Water temperature in Norway (Lofoten) in May averages 7°C (45°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
