Summer may be the most popular time to visit Norway, but autumn has plenty going for it too.
There are fewer tourists about during the fall, for starters. The woods and forests also look stunning in their autumn colours. And perhaps best of all, there are enough hours of daylight to get out and about during the day, but still enough hours of darkness to be in with a chance of seeing the northern lights.
So if you fancy hiking in the hills, foraging in the woods, or simply cosying up in front of a roaring fire, autumn can be a great time to visit Norway.
How cold is Norway in autumn?
Autumn temperatures vary enormously across Norway. September can still bring mild, sunny days in the south, while November often feels distinctly wintry, especially in the mountains and far north. On average, you can count on daytime temperatures between 0°C and 10°C.
In early September in the south of the country you can get some lovely warm sunny days, while in the far north daytime temperatures may not rise above zero at all. Even if the days are warm and sunny, autumn is when nighttime temperatures start to plummet, so make sure you have enough warm clothing for the evenings.
Coastal areas tend to stay milder than inland and mountain regions, but wherever you go, be prepared for the weather to change quickly.
What should I wear in Norway in autumn?
Norway is some 1700km long, so the climate varies dramatically from the snowy north to the milder south.
And in any part of the country you can experience rain, sun, howling gales and even snow in the course of one day. Waterproofs are essential and visiting in the fall is a great excuse to get yourself a lovely cosy woollen Norwegian jumper for those chilly evenings. Layers are your best friend at this time of year. Pack a waterproof jacket, a warm fleece or woollen jumper and sturdy shoes, especially if you’re planning to spend time outdoors. If you’re heading into the mountains or travelling in late autumn, bring a hat and gloves too.
Is September, October or November a good time to visit Norway?
September is a lovely time to visit Norway, with autumn colours beginning to appear, fewer tourists around and still plenty of daylight for hiking and sightseeing.
October brings shorter days and cooler temperatures, but it’s a great time for cosy cabin stays, city breaks and northern lights trips in the far north.
By November, winter is starting to take hold in many parts of the country. It’s a quieter time to visit, but some mountain roads, hiking trails and seasonal attractions may already be closed.
You won’t get the long, light evenings that you can expect in summer but there are plenty of advantages to visiting Norway in autumn. There are fewer tourists, so you can visit many of the country’s main attractions without the crowds. Not only that, but flights to Norway and accommodation tend to be cheaper than in the peak summer season.
Can you see the northern lights in Norway during fall?
The simple answer is yes – if you’re far enough north, and have a bit of luck!
In northern Norway, the northern lights season can begin as early as late August, once the nights become dark enough. September and October are particularly appealing because you can spend the day exploring and still have a chance of seeing the aurora after dark.
In fact, autumn is one of the prime times for aurora spotting as the nights are dark, but there are still enough hours of daylight for daytime activities too.
The lights can occasionally be seen as far south as Oslo during strong solar activity, but northern Norway is a much more reliable choice if you’re planning a trip around them.
The best things to do in Norway in autumn
There’s plenty to do in Norway in autumn, whether you fancy getting out into the mountains, exploring a city or simply finding somewhere cosy to escape the rain. Here are some of our favourite ways to make the most of the season.
Go foraging in the woods
Autumn is the season for picking lingonberries (tyttebær) and cloudberries (multer) in Norway as well, of course, as mushrooms. Some 1000 different species of mushroom grow in Norway, and everyone has the right to pick and eat them.
Autumn is a great time for picking lingonberries (tyttebær) and mushrooms in Norway’s forests. Cloudberries (multer) are another Norwegian favourite, although their season generally falls earlier, in summer.
Norway’s right to roam generally allows you to pick wild berries and mushrooms, although there are some local restrictions and special rules for cloudberries in parts of northern Norway. Several of the species are poisonous, but if you know what you’re doing you can head off into the woods to forage on your own. If you fancy trying your hand at foraging, this guided berry and mushroom tour in Bodø takes you into the Arctic countryside in search of seasonal treats, including cloudberries if you’re lucky. Tours run until mid-October, with what you find depending on the weather and time of year.
Take an autumn hike
If you’re in Oslo, this guided forest hike takes you to some spectacular viewpoints overlooking the fjord, with freshly made Norwegian waffles to enjoy along the way.
Autumn is a great time to tackle Norway’s famous hikes, with fewer crowds and spectacular scenery. But snow and ice can arrive early in the mountains, so we recommend joining a guided tour, such as this Kjerag boulder hike with transport from Stavanger or this guided hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
Hit the museums and galleries
The city of Oslo is perfect for an autumn mini-break, with top-class museums and galleries, all quieter than in the peak summer season. So if you want to view some world-class art without the crowds head to Oslo’s Munchmuseet or the Astrup Fearnley Museet of contemporary art.
We love this guided walking tour of Oslo, which takes you past famous sights like the Opera House and Aker Brygge, with plenty of fascinating stories and a few lesser-known corners of the city along the way.
Take a scenic train journey
Autumn is a beautiful time to explore Norway by train, with colourful forests, mountains and fjords to admire along the way. The train journey from Oslo to Bergen is one of the country’s most scenic routes, and you can make the trip even more memorable with a detour on the Flåm Railway , which winds its way down through a spectacular mountain valley.
Go mountain biking
With its challenging mountainous terrain, Norway is a great destination for mountain biking. But you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy it. This guided mountain bike tour through Bømoen Forest near Voss takes you along fun, flowing trails that are ideal for beginners and intermediate riders.
Baja Bikes rent out mountain bikes in Bergen – we recommend tackling Mount Fløyen for a day’s biking on mountain trails.
Warm up in a hot tub or sauna
When the temperatures start to drop, there’s nothing better than warming up in an outdoor hot tub or a traditional Norwegian sauna. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights while you’re relaxing.
For something a little different, try this floating sauna in Flåm, where you can soak up the spectacular views of Aurlandsfjord, warm up in the sauna and even take a refreshing dip in the fjord if you’re feeling brave.
Cosy up in a cabin
There’s nothing better than holing up in a cosy wooden cabin after a long day exploring Norway’s mountains and fjords.
This cabin near Geiranger is a lovely place to escape the autumn chill, with beautiful scenery right on your doorstep. Spend your days exploring the surrounding area, then settle in for a relaxing evening and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Look out for the northern lights
If you’re lucky, you might spot the northern lights on your own, but joining a guided tour can improve your chances. This northern lights minibus tour from Tromsø
takes you in search of clear skies, with a campfire, hot drinks and snacks to keep you warm while you wait. Photos are included, too.
So, is Norway worth visiting in autumn?
Absolutely, as long as you know what to expect. September is a lovely time for hiking and autumn colours, October brings darker evenings and the chance of seeing the northern lights, while November is better suited to city breaks and cosy escapes than ambitious mountain adventures.
The weather might not always play along, but with fewer crowds and some spectacular scenery, autumn has plenty to offer. Have you visited Norway at this time of year? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
See also:
The best time to visit Norway
Seeing the northern lights in Norway
The 12 best fjords in Norway
