Best Time to Visit Oslo, Norway

Alisa Navitskaya
Triptile Blog
Published in
5 min readNov 5, 2021

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The country of Vikings, trolls, and the most beautiful, inaccessible fjords in the world, Norway is nestled on the northern edge of the European continent, located in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The first place travelers discover is the stunning capital of Norway, Oslo, which offers its guests many magnificent extravaganzas.

But when is the best time to visit Oslo? It depends on what season you want to explore. Norway is incredibly diverse and offers a lot of eclectic entertainment. There are seasons of ecotourism, excursions, sea holidays, sea cruises, yachting, northern lights, and skiing. There are also the season of festivals and the season of sales. Many tourists prefer to combine several goals at once (and they are absolutely right!). Here we have collected some information about the best time for a trip to Oslo and other Norwegian destinations, which events are the most exciting, and how to take the best from every season of the year!

Oslo in Winter

During the winter months, many travelers enjoy their holidays in this picturesque country. Norway’s ski resorts are the best for the New Year holidays, and they allow you to ski while relaxing in comfort. However, Christmas is the main winter holiday in Norway. Oslo in December turns into a real Christmas fairy tale! Christmas markets are full of lights and a feeling of enchantment. In winter, it can be quite cold anywhere in the country but does depend on the region. During the day, the temperature in Oslo usually ranges from 0 to -17 degrees Celsius. As you move into the central part of the country, the weather becomes even colder. Arctic temperatures usually drop below -20°C, and there are blizzards. Nevertheless, those who dream of seeing the majestic northern lights and who aren’t deterred by the cold weather should visit during the winter. Since January and February are the coldest months, be prepared for severe frosts on Valentine’s Day. During these months, check out the many activities offered at the ski resorts.

Winter in Norway. Photo by Michael Fousert

Norway in Bloom

Spring marks the end of the ski season on Norwegian lands. When the snow has just come off the majestic fjords in March and April, and the sun has lit up the hilly expanse, it is still too early to swim in the sea or go hiking. The temperature in many parts of the country is still above zero, so short walks along the coast will be beneficial — cool sea air acts as the basis of phytotherapy, saturating the body with iodine and speeding up metabolism. To experience Norway as much as possible during the warm season, it is best to visit Oslo during the May holidays, when winter finally leaves many cities and spring begins to fully come into its own. When the forests bloom, the landscapes of the Norwegian mountains and fjords are breathtaking. Excursions, yacht trips, and cruises in late spring are the most interesting for beginner and experienced travelers alike.

Oslo Summertime

Norwegian summer is, without a doubt, the best time to relax during your Norway trip. Summer vacation in the mountains is very comfortable thanks to the weather. Oslo and Bergen are great places to visit in June, including the spectacular Troll’s Road and the Flom railway. In June, “white nights” are held all over the country to celebrate the extended hours of the sun.

By July, which is the height of the summer season, there will be ample time for swimming and sunbathing at the country’s beach resorts. The seawater in this area is heated to acceptable temperatures thanks to the Gulf Stream. Tourists rate Sjesanden in Mandala as one of the best beaches. Similar conditions can be found on the coast of Oslo. The charming houses on the nearby islands have good conditions for those who are vacationing with children. Summers here are usually warm. During the day, the temperature ranges from +22 °C to +26 °C. On the west coast, it is usually 18 °C, while in mountainous areas, it does not exceed 13 °C. In the Arctic, even in summer, the weather is always cold.

When you are there on vacation, summer is the best time of the year to go on a cruise through the fjords of Norway. In addition, the fishing season in Norway lasts from June to September.

Green Fjords. Photo by Robert Bye

Norwegian Fall

Since the first snowfall in many regions occurs in October, the beautiful autumn season in the Viking Country ends quickly. One of the best times to visit Norway is September, when the weather is pleasant so that you can see the best sightseeing routes. Thanks to the mountains that protect Oslo from Atlantic cyclones, it is still delightful in Oslo this month. During the holiday season, the first snow usually falls in Oslo. By the end of autumn, you will already be able to plunge into the extravaganza of ski resorts that are already beginning to function before the winter cold fully develops.

Breathtaking mountains of Norway. Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

“Nature has no bad weather”. This winged expression very accurately embodies Norway. Each season reveals this country from different, beautiful, and unique sides, allowing the traveler to experience all of the hidden gems of Norway. The most convenient way to touch every thread of the beautiful tapestry of Norway is to use the Triptile! Thanks to its optimized systems, you can create your unique Norwegian journey, starting with Oslo or other regions, and then expand the horizons of your adventures. Include top activities in your journey and enjoy the country to the fullest, finding an inexhaustible source of inspiration on your journey. Our life is an adventure that begins with a single step, and only we decide how incredible it will be!

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

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