Best Time to Hike in Norway

Season matters even more in Norway than in most mountain regions. With dramatic latitude, coastal weather systems, and terrain ranging from fjords at sea level to glaciers above 2,000m, choosing the right time can be the difference between a smooth hike and an impossible one.

The true hiking season in Norway is relatively short. Snow often lingers well into summer, and early autumn storms can close high trails quickly.

Generally, the main mountain hiking season runs late June to early October, but the best time for your hike depends on region, elevation, and experience.

Hiking Seasons At a Glance: When to Hike in Norway

• Spring (April–May): Great for lowland and fjord hikes; mountains still snow-covered.

• Summer (June–August): Peak season. High trails open, long days, stable conditions.

• Autumn (September–early October): Cooler, stable, colourful. Some of the best hiking of the year.

• Winter (October–April): Not suitable for mountain hiking — this is ski-touring season.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best Time to Hike by Region

1. Fjord Norway (Bergen, Ålesund, Geiranger, Hardanger)

A dramatic region of deep fjords, steep mountains, and early snowmelt at low elevations, covering much of western Norway along the North Atlantic coast.

Best Time: May–October

Climate: Coastal, mild, wet

What to Expect:

• Early-season hiking possible near sea level

• High trails (Trolltunga, Folgefonna surroundings) open late June

• Summer is warm and green

Watch Out For:

• Frequent rain

• Slippery rock surfaces

• Rapid visibility changes

Pro Tip: Visit in September for stable weather and far fewer crowds.

2. Southern Mountains (Jotunheimen, Rondane, Dovrefjell)

Norway’s true high-alpine heart, located in central–southern Norway, with towering peaks, big plateaus, and the country’s most iconic mountain trails.

Best Time: July–September

Climate: Alpine — long winters, short summers

What to Expect:

• Snow often lasts into July

• Famous hikes (Besseggen, Galdhøpiggen, Glittertind) at their best mid-summer

• Clear, crisp early autumn conditions

Watch Out For:

• Sudden storms

• Night frost in late August/September

Pro Tip: Plan serious multi-day hikes for mid-July to late September.

3. Western & Northern Coast (Stavanger, Bodø, Helgeland Coast)

A long coastal stretch spanning western and northern Norway, known for mild maritime weather, rugged terrain, and dramatic sea–mountain landscapes shaped by the North Atlantic.

Best Time: May–September

Climate: Oceanic — mild, variable

What to Expect:

• Snow-free early compared to inland

• Cool, windy even in summer

• Ideal for scenic day hikes

Watch Out For:

• Shifting weather

• Wet conditions

Pro Tip: June and September give the best balance of dryness and daylight.

4. Lofoten & Vesterålen

An island region in northern Arctic Norway, known for its Arctic-but-moderated climate and world-class coastal mountains rising sharply straight from the sea.

Best Time: June–September

Climate: Cool maritime

What to Expect:

• Snowmelt by June

• Midnight sun in June–July

• Very photogenic ridgeline hikes

Watch Out For:

• Muddy trails in the early season

• Very high winds possible

• Crowds in July/August

Pro Tip: September brings magic lighting + fewer people.

5. Northern Norway & Finnmark

A remote and wild region in far northern Arctic Norway, featuring the Lyngen Alps, Troms, and the vast Finnmarksvidda plateau — rugged, open, and shaped by extreme seasonal contrasts.

Best Time: July–September

Climate: Arctic/subarctic

What to Expect:

• Snow persists into early July

• Clear summer days

• Cold nights even in August

Watch Out For:

• Mosquitoes in July (inland)

• Rapid weather changes

Pro Tip: Late August/early September = perfect combination of colours and cooler air.

6. Lowlands & Forest Regions (Oslo, Trondheim, Østlandet)

Located in eastern and central Norway, these lowland and forested areas enjoy a much longer hiking season than the mountains, with accessible trails, mild conditions, and reliable early spring and late autumn walking.

Best Time: April–November

Climate: Continental/mixed

What to Expect:

• Early spring hiking is possible

• Warm summers, colourful autumns

Watch Out For:

• Mud in April

• Heatwaves in July

Pro Tip: Perfect for shoulder-season hiking when mountains are snowbound.

Quick Seasonal Summary

• Fjord Norway: Best May–October

• Southern Mountains: Best July–September

• Western/Northern Coast: Best May–September

• Lofoten: Best June–September

• Northern Norway: Best July–September

• Lowlands: Best April–November

Where to Check the Weather in Norway

Norwegian weather shifts quickly — especially in exposed mountain terrain.

• YR.no — Norway’s most accurate mountain forecasts

• Storm.no — Good alternative forecast model

• Varsom.no — Avalanche bulletins & snow conditions

• Windy — Excellent for wind, rain radar, and cloud cover

• Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) — Trail and hut status

Knowing when to hike in Norway helps you choose the right regions, routes, and elevations, and ensures you experience the mountains in the best possible conditions. Our Norway hiking itineraries are planned around typical seasonal weather patterns and trail accessibility, allowing you to focus on the hiking itself rather than the logistics.

If you’d like help finding the right trip or understanding which regions fit your dates and hiking level, get in touch and we’ll help you plan the ideal Norway hiking adventure.