Fjord Travel Norway logo and home link

Summer in Norway

Where endless days meet arctic cool

Girl sitting on a mountain top and enjoying the sunset in Lofoten

Ever dreamed of a summer where the sun never sets and the air feels crisp like morning dew all day long?
That's not just a dream – it's summer in Norway.

While the rest of Europe is hunting for shade, we're up here basking in the kind of summer that refreshes your soul. Welcome to what we like to call a "Coolcation".

What makes a Norwegian summer so special?

Imagine hiking without the draining effects of intense heat. With summer temperatures typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), you can stay active all day long.

Pro tip: Go hiking at midnight and experience a golden sun painting the sky in warm colors.

Photo by XXLofoten

Woman hiking on a mountain top in Lofoten with the midnight sun

Imagine dipping your toes in a crystal-clear fjord while snow-capped peaks, remnants of the cold winter, tower above you. This isn’t your typical summer holiday – it’s an adventure where every moment feels like golden hour.

Photo by Tor Hveem | HEIT | Visit Norway

woman smiling and enjoying the sun in Sørfjorden

The magic of never-ending days: the midnight sun

When we say the sun doesn't set in northern Norway during summer, we mean it literally! Above the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun turns night into an endless twilight. It defines life so much in the north, that we dare to call ourselves the land of the midnight sun.

Down in southern Norway, while we don't get the true midnight sun, our summer nights are so bright you could read a book in your garden at midnight. Trust us – it's something you have to experience to believe.

Photo by XXLofoten

hiking in the glow of midnight sun

Let's talk summer temperatures (because we know you're wondering)

Here’s the honest scoop about Norwegian summer weather: it’s refreshingly unpredictable. In southern Norway, you’ll often catch us enjoying stable weather and warm summer temperatures around 15-25°C (59-77°F). But it can also change to 10°C (50°F) and rain in a matter of moments.

Up north, mother nature likes to keep us on our toes. Pack both your t-shirts and a down jacket, and you’ll be ready for whatever adventures come your way. The Gulf Stream keeps our coastal areas surprisingly mild, even in the far north. It is also the reason why the Lofoten Islands has become a major player in fishing.

Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | Visit Norway

Girl with umbrella at Aker Brygge on a rainy day

Your perfect summer playground

When summer awakens in Norway, it's like nature flips a switch. Those imposing mountains that stood guard all winter? They shed their snow blankets to reveal hiking trails that beckon the curious and brave.

Up in Lofoten, you can join local fishermen as they point out their secret fishing spots, where cod still swim in abundance just as they have for centuries. Their weathered hands tell stories of catches that didn't get away – and maybe you'll add your own chapter to that tale.

Down in the fjords of western Norway, cascading waterfalls provide the soundtrack, while tiny villages dot the shoreline. It's a perfect time for a cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage waterways.

When the sun barely sets, time becomes delightfully fluid. There's no rush to end your fjord kayaking adventure, no need to hurry that hilltop conversation with newfound friends.

Norway stretches over 1,750 kilometers from north to south, creating distinctly different summer experiences across the country.

Photo by XXLofoten

Man holding up a large cod

Celebrate midsummer’s eve in Norway

Midsummer’s Eve, also known as Saint John’s Eve (or Sankthans in Norwegian), is a magical evening in Norway. Towns and villages across Norway light bonfires nd gather in boats to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Join in the festivities, enjoy the warmth of the fire, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It’s a time for community, music, and merriment.

Photo by Frida Neverdal | Visit Sørlandet

Midsummer Eve in Kristiansand

When should you come?

Every summer month has its charm:

  • June brings Saint John's Eve celebrations and nature in full bloom.
  • July offers our warmest temperatures and most stable weather (if we have something called stable weather).
  • August treats you to late summer's golden light and the first hints of autumn colors.
Rainbow over the fjord village of Vik in Sogn

What to pack for a Norwegian summer

Before you embark on your Norwegian summer adventure, a bit of preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some essential tips to help you get ready:

  • Pack layers: Norwegian summer weather can be as unpredictable as it is refreshing. One moment you might be basking in the sun, and the next, a cool breeze might remind you of winter. Bring a mix of lightweight, breathable clothing for those warmer temperatures, and don’t forget warmer layers for the cooler evenings. A waterproof jacket is a must-have for those sudden showers.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the sun rays can be surprisingly strong in Norway. Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and keep your lips moisturized with a good lip balm. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later.
  • Bring hiking shoes: Norway is a hiker’s paradise, and summer is the perfect time to explore the trails. Whether you’re planning a casual stroll or a challenging trek, sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots are essential when visiting Norway. They’ll keep you comfortable and ready for any adventure.
  • Check the weather forecast: Norwegian weather can change quickly, so it’s essential to stay informed. Use the Yr.no app or website for up-to-date weather information. This will help you plan your activities and pack accordingly each day.

Summer festivals and events in Norway

Our summer festivals offer something you won't find anywhere else. Thanks to those extended daylight hours, there's no true nighttime darkness during most events. Plus, our mild temperatures mean you can focus on the music, not the heat.

The summer months start strong with Bergenfest in June, where international stars and Nordic favorites perform against the backdrop of historic Bergenhus Fortress.

Meanwhile, OverOslo transforms the Grefsenkollen hill into an amphitheater with breathtaking views over Oslofjord – imagine watching artists perform while the sun sets over the capital.

July is when our festival scene truly comes alive. The extraordinary Trænafestivalen has to be experienced to be believed – it's set on a tiny island in the middle of the Norwegian Sea, where you can watch concerts in a natural cathedral cave!

If you're more of a mountain person, head to Vinjerock, where hiking boots are as essential as your festival wristband. It's a festival that combines mountain adventures with music. And don't miss Høllafæst in Lofoten, where Norwegian party spirit meets summer vibes.

As summer begins to wind down, the festival energy keeps going strong. The Øya Festival turns Oslo into a celebration of sound, showcasing everything from international headliners to emerging local talent.

Up north, Rakettnatt lights up Tromsø with an urban music festival that takes full advantage of the still-bright August nights. Festningen in Trondheim closes the season in style, with concerts held in a historic fortress overlooking the city.

Festival in Henningsvær in Lofoten

The coolcation revolution

While other destinations swelter under intense summer heat, Norway rocks a different kind of summer escape. We call it a "Coolcation" – where refreshing temperatures meet unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're kayaking through Norwegian fjords or enjoying the view aboard the Norwegian Coastal Express, the weather works with you, not against you.

Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | Visit Norway

Woman on deck at Hurtigruten

Extended adventure hours

Thanks to our extended daylight hours, you're not racing against the clock or the heat. Want to start your hike at 9 PM? Go for it!

Or how about watching the sun rise from the plateau on Preikestolen? The light rises as early as it sets late.

The comfortable temperatures and bright nights mean you can plan your activities around your preferences, not the weather.

Hikers photographing the sunrise at Preikestolen (pulpit rock)

A new way to summer

We're not just offering an escape from the heat – we're inviting you to rethink what a summer holiday can be. In Norway, you won't find yourself hiding from the midday sun or planning your day around heat warnings.

Instead, you'll discover a summer that energizes you, where each day brings new possibilities for adventure, and where nature's air conditioning creates the perfect conditions for exploration.

Photo by Yrjan Olsnes - Visit Hardangerfjord

Girl on fjord cruise in Balestrand

Pack your hiking shoes, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience summer the Norwegian way. In the land where the sun rarely sleeps, every hour is golden hour, and every path leads to something extraordinary.

Welcome to summer in Norway – where cool meets unforgettable.

Photo by Didrick Stenersen | Visit Oslo

Sunset at Tjuvholmen in Oslo

Do you want to take it one step further and live completely timeless?

With daylight around the clock, it's easy to lose track of time. Visit Norway tested what it's like to live completely without the constraints that time impose on us.

Norway summer tours: explore our curated experiences

Dive deeper: more summer stories