Norway in November: All You Need to Know
A trip to Norway in November is a mixed bag. Deep into the autumn season, you will see sun, snow, rain, hail, and darkness compete for attention. The weather can be chaotic, but the sights are still splendid as autumn colors are in full bloom during this time of year. And with crowds at their fewest, now is a great time to visit the country’s top cities like Oslo and Bergen, head north to spot the northern lights, sail the Arctic waters, or explore the west fjords. If you are planning on shooting the Tromsø Northern Lights by night, make sure you go well prepared.
Norway Weather in November
Expect stunning views as the crisp reds and greens of autumn reveal themselves, but the Norway weather in November can be very unpredictable. In Oslo, there’s a 33 percent chance of rain or snow on an average day. It is cold in the south with average temperatures ranging between -1°C and 4°C. The north experiences little to no daylight and the weather can switch quickly from fall to winter and vice versa. So November is a great time to take cultural excursions in Norway’s top cities, where you can quickly head indoors when the weather turns.
Check out our seasonal guide to find out the best time to visit Norway.
Weather in Norway in November - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 10 | 4 | -1 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -7 | -7 | -3 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 4 | -1 | -5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 33.8 | 35.6 | 42.8 | 48.2 | 60.8 | 68 | 71.6 | 68 | 60.8 | 50 | 39.2 | 30.2 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 19.4 | 19.4 | 26.6 | 33.8 | 44.6 | 51.8 | 55.4 | 53.6 | 44.6 | 39.2 | 30.2 | 23 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 50 | 40 | 60 | 40 | 50 | 80 | 70 | 90 | 70 | 90 | 70 | 50 |
Why Visit Norway in November
While Norway’s weather will not be at its best in November, travelers will still be generously rewarded no doubt. It takes more than just rain and snow to ruin your visit to Norway. Here are some reasons why you should visit Norway in November.
- Fewer crowds: If you are looking for the most peaceful month to travel to Norway, then November is your best bet. As tourism slows down considerably during this time, this is an excellent time to visit tourist-heavy destinations and popular attractions.
- Budget travelers rejoice: Low tourist season makes November the most affordable month to travel in Norway. So take advantage of cheaper flights and hotels, even in popular destinations.
- Go city-hopping: Low-season hotel deals and discounts make November in Norway an excellent time to explore its usually expensive cities. Explore Oslo’s museums and restaurants, cruise along Tromso’s fjords, or tour Bergen.
- Foodie fun: Enjoy some fine Norwegian seafood delicacies at the Rakfisk Festival, which draws over 25,000 people annually. This food festival is centered around rakfisk (semi-fermented trout) and features over 100 vendors of rakfisk and several other local products and handicrafts.
- Winter excursions: Get a head start on winter adventures by traveling to Norway in November. Head north and try dog-sledding, ride a snowmobile, go on a whale safari, or set forth on a photography cruise for a chance to witness the magical northern lights.
- Northern Lights: You will find plenty of opportunities to witness this solar phenomenon in November, especially in the northern regions where the nights are long. Tromso, Trondheim, and Svalbard are excellent spots to see the northern lights.
Where to go and what to do
Before winter rears its head, you will find plenty of things to do in Norway in November. For a weather-proof travel itinerary, focus on exploring Norway’s top cities, where you can scurry for cover when it rains or snows. Explore Oslo’s cultural sites, top-notch restaurants, and museums, and then ride the scenic Flam Railway to Bergen. Here, you will have access to over 1,200 stunning fjords.
Some of the best places to visit in Norway in November are in the northern regions. Tromso’s longer nights offer plenty of opportunities to witness the northern lights. Take a dogsled ride across frozen fjords, learn about the Sami culture, or go cross-country skiing. Svalbard is spectacular this time of the year with its magnificent ice caves, sledding opportunities, and diverse northern lights-themed tours.
For more information, read our article on how many days to spend in Norway.
With affordable airfare, cheap hotel rooms, thinner crowds, and plenty of activities that revolve around the northern lights, it is hard not to have a great time in Norway in November. Yes, the weather can be a bit chaotic during this time of year, but Norway also offers tons of indoor attractions to keep travelers engaged and entertained. While most travelers will try to sway you against visiting Norway, we say go for it.
Get in touch with our local travel experts to plan a customized trip to Norway, or alternatively see our Norway tours in November.
