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August is the tail end of summer in Norway. The weather across the country during this time of year is as spectacular as ever, and exploring Norway in August means discovering its highlights before the infamous Norwegian chill rears its head. Longer days and warm temperatures offer endless opportunities for outdoor excursions. However, be prepared for high-season crowds and skyrocketing prices. This is also the perfect month for scenic hikes in fjords as well as surfing, fishing, and island-hopping. Similarly, several major festivals like the Bergen Food Festival and the Nordic Light Photo Festival add flavor to the month.

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Norway Weather in August

Warm orange sunrise at the Preikestolen in the summer in Norway
Enjoy the warm sunrise after hiking atop Preikestolen in Norway

Longer days and pleasant weather conditions make August one of the ideal durations to visit Norway. Expect temperatures to hover between 10 and 18°C during this time of year, even though highs may exceed 21°C. Pack a raincoat and be prepared for intermittent rain showers. The midnight sun offers longer days (between 14 to 16 hours of daylight), which means you have more time for outdoor activities.

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

Weather in Norway in August - Rainfall and Temperatures

JulAugSep
Avg Daily (°C)222016
Avg Nightly (°C)13127
Avg Daily (°F)726861
Avg Nightly (°F)565445
Avg Rainfall (mm)709070

Why Visit Norway in August

Old traditional Norwegian houses. Geilo, Norway.
Geilo offers a list of winter outdoor adventures, from alpine and cross-country skiing to snowshoe trekking.
The norwegian flag in the aft mast of a wooden boat.
Captivate yourself in the serene waters of Norway by taking a public or a private cruise

August is one of the most popular months to visit Norway, and with good reason. Warm weather and extended daylight hours reward travelers with more opportunities to explore the country’s most popular sights. But do not forget to come prepared. August is still a high season, so you are likely to jostle with crowds in tourist-heavy destinations and encounter problems with hotel availability if you do not book in advance.

Regardless of the high season’s drawbacks, August is still a spectacular month to visit. Here is why you should book your tickets for Norway in August.

  • Fantastic weather: Summer offers respite from Norway’s bitter cold, allowing you to go on outdoor excursions without freezing your socks off. Now is a great time to explore the country’s natural sights or take a cultural trip around its famous cities.
  • Fun in the midnight sun: On average, Norway receives around 14 hours of daylight in August. But head further north towards the Arctic Circle and you will be rewarded with even more. Extended days mean more time to explore the country’s most popular sights.
  • A flurry of festivals: The country hosts several exciting food and music festivals in August. Taste global brews in the Bergen Beer Festival, watch international pop and rock performers in Trondheim’s Pstereo, or enjoy jazz, ballet, and opera performances at the Oslo Jazz Festival.
  • Unforgettable outdoor excursions. August is all about enjoying the great outdoors. Take on the country’s fjords by cruise, car, or on foot. Embark on a scenic hike to the Troll’s Tongue, or go island-hopping in the gorgeous Lofoten.
  • Wildlife-watching: Go on a cruise in Spitsbergen during your trip to Norway in August and stand a chance to spy on seals, walruses, and Arctic shorebirds. Else, head to Sto in Vesteralen for a wildlife-packed safari tour under the midnight sun.

Where to go and what to do

The sight of Bergen in Norway during a bright summer afternoon
Bergen is situated between the scenic Hardangerfjord in the south and the longest fjord Sognefjord north of Bergen and is therefore called the heart of the fjords

With the summer yet to come to a close, now is the time to explore Norway’s charming towns and spectacular geological wonders. August is perfect for ambling around, so you might want to visit its national parks, hike through popular trails and discover the country’s fjords during a cruise trip.

Start with the country’s main draw – its marvelous fjords. Naeroyfjord, the world’s second-largest fjord, is one of the best places to visit in Norway during summer when clear skies allow you to enjoy spectacular views for miles. Venture north of the Arctic Circle in Tromso, where endless days allow you to wander around white sand beaches, hike in mountains or go on midnight-sun cruises.

For a less-crowded version of the Lofoten Islands, visit Vesteralen in northern Norway. Spy on local wildlife on a kayak tour, or go cycling through inlets for beautiful views of mountains and seas. You might also want to try your hand at fishing on southern Norway’s Skagerrak Coast, where cods, herrings, haddocks, coalfish, and mackerels thrive.

What to bring

The charming town of Stavanger in Norway
Norway may be one the countries that possess villages that literally and metaphorically shine at night
Panoramic view of woman taking photo of Andalsnes on a platform at the top
If you have a knack for hiking or mountaineering, Norway is one of the best places to do so

If you are wondering what to wear in Norway in August, keep in mind that the warm weather is not always predictable. Summer in Norway may range from bright skies to rainy days, so it is best to layer up and carry a waterproof raincoat.

Travelers looking for the perfect weather conditions to enjoy Norway’s stunning sights should consider a trip in August, before summer ends and the autumnal rain and cold creep in. Longer days guarantee plenty of opportunities to embark on outdoor activities, while several major festivals make the month even more exciting. However, do keep in mind that this month is popular among travelers heading for Norway. So be sure to plan your accommodation months ahead to avoid the high season’s expensive prices.

Plan the perfect customized trip to Norway by getting in touch with our local travel experts, or you can take a look at our tours to Norway in August.

Other Related Articles:
Norway in July
Norway in September

Published by David Lee, updated on August 5, 2022

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