Norway in May: Weather, Midnight Sun and More!

Although other destinations in Europe might see warm weather around May, Norway remains on the chilly side, although still far from icy temperatures. Expect mild temperatures anywhere from 5°C to 15°C in Norway in May, so remember to bring some warmer layers! Northern areas may see some snow. Also, pack your raincoat or an umbrella as the country sees between 3 and 8 days of rain in May and you might get caught out on a day or two of your stay. Heading to Norway in the latter half of May will see better temperatures, with some days reaching around 20°C.

Always checking the 14-day forecast the week before you are set to travel will give you the best indicator of what to take with you for your booked dates and location. 

For a seasonal overview, read our article on the best time to visit Norway.

There is still plenty to do in Norway’s shoulder season month of May, and here are some good reasons why you shouldn’t miss it on your travel itinerary.

• A quieter break: The shoulder season for Norway is a great time to visit the country ahead of the busier summer season. This means that you beat the crowds and get to enjoy the very best the country has to offer before the rush. The only sacrifice is slightly cooler temperatures, but for those booking in late May, it will likely be pleasantly warm.
• See the country in all its springtime glory: Heading to Norway in spring rather than summer means that you get to see a side of this country that is often missed. Explore nature in full bloom, with wildflowers and fruit trees blossoming around the picturesque fjords, and waterfalls at their full strength with the spring rainfall.
• The best time for a city break: May can be the perfect time for a city break in Norway, as the blend of mild weather works best with an itinerary filled with indoor and outdoor activities like those found in urban and cultural hubs. Enjoy exploring key cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim without the tourist rush, allowing you to get into places that would normally be hard to book or are prone to longer queue times.
• Enjoy the midnight sun: In the north of Norway between May and July the sun rarely ever sets. This makes it perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where the dark won’t be able to stop the fun! See locals enjoying nighttime swimming and surfing, or even go for a scenic hike after your evening meal as if it were still the afternoon!

May is a time of celebration in Norway— National Day of Independence occurs on the 17th of this month. Expect colorful parades and streets and people dressed in bunad, the country’s traditional costume. Each city has something different on offer, from children’s parades watched over by royalty in the capital Oslo to the traditional neighborhood drummers known as Buekorps in Bergen. One thing all of these celebrations have in common is a joyous atmosphere and lots of ice cream!

If the sun is out in Norway after the cold winter, then it means only one thing: utepils! Norwegian locals relish the chance to enjoy their first beer outside in the sun, and so in May, you will find lots of bars and restaurants with people outside enjoying the weather. It’s an infectious atmosphere that it is hard not to get involved in.

If you head up north, the chance is still there for a spot of spring skiing, or vårskiturer. The last of the fine, powdery snow melts around the end of April and the beginning of May, however, there are still places where you can take to the slopes, such as Narvikfjellet which has good conditions right up until June. Alternatively, go for a scenic glacier hike, as trails usually open up in May after the winter season.

Explore springtime and nature at its finest with a trip to the fjord region. The unique geography with snow-capped mountains provides shelter for various orchards including apple and cherry trees—making for a beautiful sight when the blossoms are on full display. Additionally, enjoy some of the first bits of Norwegian produce of the year at farmers' markets that open up all over the country.

Although most of Norway’s cities are very easily walkable, a good pair of walking or hiking boots is essential if you intend to go off the beaten path. A rainproof coat will also help in case of any showers, and bringing clothing that can be layered is a great way to adjust your temperature as the day warms and cools quickly and easily.

All in all, a spring break to Norway in May is nothing to sniff at and lets you enjoy the infectious joy of both the colorful scenery and the people you meet along the way. It’s the perfect month for nature lovers and a great way to beat the crowds in popular destinations and the bigger cities. It also provides some of the best from each surrounding season, from winter skiing to the midnight sun of the summer months.

If you would rather things a touch warmer, then the high season of June and July, although busier, might be more your thing.

A diverse range of activities and distinctive experiences are ready to be explored by any traveler visiting the country this month. Join the adventure by contacting our local travel experts, who can tailor a customized Norway trip just for you.