The Best Time to Visit Norway for Northern Lights and Fjords

Behold—the land of fjords, northern lights, and temperatures that make you reconsider your life choices (even in summer). Wondering about the best time to visit Norway for all this epic stuff? Look no further!

In this guide, I’ll break down when to go to Norway for the best aurora displays and jaw-dropping fjord views. As someone who’s visited the country multiple times, I’ll also let you in on the cheapest time to go to Norway, and what it's like to visit Norway in each month of the year, including when’s best to catch the famous midnight sun.

Fun fact: There are more tourists than residents during peak seasons in Norway. Which is fine… unless you prefer your aurora show without feeling like you’re among the paparazzi.

Need help planning your own Norwegian adventure? Check out my two-week itinerary.

Visiting Norway is always a good idea! Even though, some months are just better than others

The best months to visit Norway: A quick guide

• May–September: Perfect for fjords, hiking, and experiencing the midnight sun.
• October–March: Best for northern lights, snow sports, and winter vibes.
• May–July: Warmest and sunniest months but expect crowds and mosquitoes.
• October–January: The wettest months in Norway, but great for northern lights.
• January–March and September–November: Cheapest months to visit.
• December: A Christmas wonderland with festive markets and winter sports.

 

 

My personal opinion on the best time to visit Norway

From my own experience, I can say that the best time to visit Norway is the summer. I last visited in July, and the long days made my experiences across the country so much better. This was despite all the mosquitoes, as well as the tourist swarms.

I prefer visiting in the summer, but it depends on what you want to see in Norway
 

I’d rather pay on-season prices to see the fjords and attempt to avoid loads of other visitors than get frostbite after trudging around a Christmas market drinking overpriced grog. That’s the bottom line for me, personally.

But ultimately, the best time to visit Norway depends on what you’re looking for: northern lights, fjords, or simply what best you can get for your buck.

Looking for some inspiration for the best cities to visit in Norway? I recommend Ålesund and the surrounding area; read this article to find out why.

Hotel tip: I have a bone to pick with hotels in Norway. Most of them are overpriced with horrible design (unless you love “grandma vibes”). That’s why sharing good finds is priceless! Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri, Aurland, is great: a row of modern, comfy rooms in little individual huts that once belonged to fishermen. I’m not saying there isn’t a hint of grandma, but mostly I was able to unsee it. Plus, fjord views!

 

The best time to visit Norway to see the northern lights

The best time to visit Norway for the northern lights is during the winter months, between October and March. And if it came down to it, I’d say that October is probably the best month. This is because the weather is slightly milder (for Norway, that is) than it is in the middle of winter. The skies are clear enough before the heavy winter snow hits, and at the same time, the nights are long enough.

Spotting the Northern lights is the dream of many!
 

When’s the best time of day to see the northern lights? Well, if you didn’t know that they come out when it’s dark, well done for having gone your whole life avoiding this piece of information. But to be more specific, 11 pm–2 am is your best opportunity window.

Tip: To optimize your chances of seeing the lights, make sure you go somewhere that lies within the auroral zone in Northern Norway, between 65° and 72°. Essentially, this is within the Arctic Circle. Tromsø would be a good city to visit as it’s right in the middle of these latitudes. Alternatively, if you want somewhere more off-grid, try the Lofoten islands (just don’t ask me how to get there).

Another tip: There are loads of aurora forecasts to be found online. It certainly won’t hurt to keep an eye on them, even before you plan your trip to Norway.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

 

The best time to visit Norway to see the fjords

The best time to visit Norway for the fjords is between May and September. This is when the weather is mild and the days are long. I mean, super long—prepare for midnight sun in the north!

Summer (between June and August) is the warmest time to go to Norway, when temperatures on and around the fjords can reach 20 °C (68 °F). It’s not surprising, then, that this is when you get the largest flocks of fjord fanatics coming to cruise, kayak, and hike among these beautifully dramatic landscapes. (I can’t talk; I was one of them this summer.)

Read about my experience hiking Kjerag, the highest peak around the stunning Lysefjord.

 

 

However, it must be said that in the fall shoulder season, vibrant colors do paint the fjords a special kind of pretty. And the winter can also a good time to explore Norway’s fjords if you'd like to see them in among fewer crowds. Just be aware that you’ll have much fewer hiking opportunities, and naturally, it’s frickin’ freezing.

Lysefjord

 

The cheapest time to visit Norway

If you’re budget-conscious, take note: the cheapest time to go to Norway is during the whole country’s low season from late fall to early spring. It’s particularly cheap (again, for Norway) in November, January, and February—excluding the holiday period around Christmas and New Year’s.

During these months, you’ll get lower prices on accommodation, flights, and even some activities, as the tourist influx slows dramatically. But y’know, it slows dramatically for a reason. Three main ones, in fact: limited daylight hours, less accessibility to fjords and mountain passes, and that icy fresh weather.

Fun fact: With temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F), southern coastal cities like Bergen and Stavanger are actually the mildest places in Norway in winter. For the love of God, pack your thermals.

Whether you visit Stavanger in winter or summer, check out my article on the top things to do in and around the city.

 

 

But be warned: Don’t think you’ll necessarily luck out with cheaper prices if you’re heading to Norway specifically for winter activities such as skiing, dog sledding, or catching the northern lights. "Off-season” doesn’t really apply here.

Photo from the Nykkjesoyfossen hike
 

Still not decided on the best time to visit Norway? Here’s a pros-and-cons breakdown of what to expect in the country in each month. (Because most tourists, including myself, go to Norway for outdoor activities, these pointers are focused primarily on the weather.)

 

Visiting Norway in January: Frozen but pretty

• Pros: Aurora borealis shows galore. Snow sports are in full swing, with cozy lodges to warm up in afterward. The few hours of daylight give the landscape a moody, magical glow. It’s relatively cheap.
• Cons: The sunlight makes an occasional cameo appearance, if you’re lucky. And unless you’re built like a polar bear (or that mad, cold water-swimming Dutch guy), the temperatures will be a serious shock to your system.

 

Visiting Norway in February: Valentine’s in Northern Norway...?

• Pros: Still prime northern lights season! Ski resorts are also lively, and the days are a little longer than they are in January. Norway’s a pretty romantic place to be for Valentine’s Day, too. Surprise your significant other with a stay at an Arctic ice hotel (if you like weird and extravagant things).
• Cons: It’s still cold enough to convince your fingers they no longer belong to you.

Valentine's Day in Norway? I highly recommend it!

 

Visiting Norway in March: The thaw

• Pros: Hints of spring; longer days and more daylight for adventuring. It’s the sweet spot for winter sports without the extreme cold. The aurora is still visible—just about.
• Cons: It’s technically spring, but nobody told the snow. Expect icy paths and some muddy slush, the winter-spring purgatory where skis work, but your snow boots might need to double as waders.

 

Visiting Norway in April: Quiet hiking trails and rain showers

• Pros: The country is starting to wake up! Some fjord cruises start up again and waterfalls are dramatic, but there’s also a decent chance you’ll have scenic hiking trails to yourself. Also, flowers bloom (if only for about 10 seconds).
• Cons: It’s a confusing stew of the elements: sleet, sun, rain, repeat. The contents of your suitcase need to be prepared for every possible weather scenario.

A bit rainy, but still beautiful

 

Visiting Norway in May: A top shoulder-season month

• Pros: The best month of the spring shoulder season. The days are long, the waterfalls are in beast mode, and the fjord cruises are in full operation again. You’re catching the last window before the summer rush. The perfect time for hiking in the mountains and going on scenic drives.
• Cons: Prices start to creep up. The weather might still demand both sunscreen and snow boots in the same day.

 

Visiting Norway in June: Midnight sun, mosquitoes, and the masses

• Pros: Summer is here! The midnight sun gives you round-the-clock daylight, particularly in Northern Norway, so you can explore for as long as you want. It’s green, vibrant, and, dare I say, warm(ish).
• Cons: With the sunshine comes the mosquitoes, especially near water. And they’re not the only annoyance—June is the most popular month to visit Norway, so it’s officially people season. (Read: expensive and crowded.)

Shorts on and off we go!

 

Visiting Norway in July: The warmest month in Norway

• Pros: The fjords are sparkling, there’s no shortage of festivals (such as Stavanger’s Gladmat, the largest food festival in Scandinavia), and the weather is as warm as it gets. All the greatest things about Norway are in peak condition. Plus, the midnight sun is still around.
• Cons: You and everyone else have the same idea, so there are crowds, high prices, and more crowds. Also, mosquitoes are still rife. Hope you like insect-repellent cologne.

 

Visiting Norway in August: Still summer, but wetter

• Pros: The pleasant weather holds on (or at least, tries its best), with a good number of daylight and sunshine hours. The summer crowds begin to disperse somewhat.
• Cons: Prices stay steep in popular spots. August in Norway is significantly rainier than in June or July.

 

Visiting Norway in September: Another top shoulder-season month 

• Pros: The influx of tourists slows down and the waterfalls and fjords start to turn moody and misty again. Prices start to dip in early fall as the shoulder season starts. September is the ideal month for budget-conscious, sandal-wearing seekers of tranquility (or hippies, as I call them).
• Cons: Some tours have already stopped for the year. Unpredictable weather can mean mild sunshine or an icy surprise. The scenic colors are still shy as the leaves haven’t quite turned yet.

A relaxing September in Norway

 

Visiting Norway in October: Proper fall plus electronic music 

• Pros: Hello, fall colors! The landscapes go full art museum as the leaves fall and the northern lights season starts again. Prices are manageable and the air is crisp in the best way. October is when the famous Insomnia Festival happens in Tromsø (though this could be a pro or a con, depending on how you feel about electronic music).
• Cons: Shorter days are coming; I highly recommend you time your visit for early October, before the clocks go back. It's the middle of fall, i.e. the middle of the rainy season. Also, an honest note: “crisp” does quickly turn to “frosty”.

 

Visiting Norway in November: See spectacular nature for cheap(er)

• Pros: November is one of the very cheapest months to visit Norway. Very few tourists means all the nature is basically yours. The aurora is out to play, as are whales and orcas off the Norwegian Sea coast.
• Cons: Good luck with getting daylight; you’re probably more likely to meet the aurora than the sun, especially in the north. Expect rain, sleet, and snow—maybe even all in the same day. Most tourist spots have closed for the winter.

This is one of the views on the Kjerag hike

 

Visiting Norway in December: A very Christmassy vacation

• Pros: The country goes full-on Christmas fairy tale. Think winter wonderland: cozy markets, colorful lights against the snow, and all-around festive magic. Winter sports season begins. In the north, this is the perfect time to go aurora-spotting.
• Cons: Short days, long nights, and real-deal cold weather—even in the south. Off-season and holiday opening times apply nationwide. And naturally, Christmas means Christmas prices, so expect to pay a premium to feel like you’re inside a snow globe. (Tip: If you’re a Jehovah’s Witness or you just hate Christmas, December probably isn’t the best time for you to go to Norway.)

 

 

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