FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING NORWAY IN AUGUST
Whatever you’re wondering about visiting Norway in August, we’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions. Is August a good time to visit Norway? Definitely! What can you visit during this time of year? Read below to find out all the details from our local travel experts.
How is Norway in August?
August is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Norway. As it’s a summer month, temperatures are relatively warm and there are ample daylight hours for sightseeing.
The natural landscapes are at their best, giving you plenty to explore and ideal photography opportunities. The popularity of summer vacations may mean more visitors at top attractions.
What are the best things to do in Norway in August?
There are plenty of things you can do during your trip to Norway. August is an ideal time to visit because the gorgeous natural sights are easily accessible via car, train or cruise, and there is a host of activities available to you.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Norway in August:
-
Marvel at majestic waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
-
Explore the vibrant capital, Oslo
-
Enjoy a Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage along the west coast
-
Cruise through dramatic fjords like the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord
-
Drive the scenic Atlantic Ocean Road
-
Board the Norway in a Nutshell® tour to experience breathtaking landscapes
-
Hike in national parks for the country’s best vantage points
-
See Arctic wildlife on boat safaris in remote Svalbard
-
Music fans can attend one of the capital’s many events, from Øya to the Oslo Jazz Festival
Good to know: Our Norway itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our Norwegian experts know the country inside out and will tailor your itinerary to create a tour of Norway that suits you.
What are the best places to visit in Norway in August?
August is an ideal month to visit Norway and explore its top attractions.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Norway in August:
-
-
-
Visit charming Norwegian villages like
Flåm
-
Stroll through the “Gateway to the Fjords”,
Bergen, and the historic city of
Trondheim
-
-
Hike up iconic landscapes like the
Pulpit Rock, or see them from the water
-
Fly north to visit the kingdom of polar bears, remote
Svalbard
What is the weather like in Norway in August?
As August falls within the summer months, the weather is usually warm with low humidity. However, it is one of the months that brings the most rainfall.
You can expect stable temperatures while you’re exploring Norway at that time of year. August actually has some of the highest temperatures of the year, with the average being 15°C (59°F) in Oslo, but sometimes reaching up to 25 or 30°C (77-86°F).
What is the temperature in August?
As the country spans such a large distance, temperatures in Norway vary depending on location.
In the capital, the average temperature is 15°C (59°F) in August. In Stavanger, it is 17°C (63°F), in Bergen 14°C (57°F) and in Longyearbyen, the main town of Svalbard, it is 6°C (43°F). Summer temperatures can bring highs of 25 or 30°C (77-86°F) in certain places.
Does it snow in Norway in August?
As August is during the summer season, it is unlikely to snow during your tour of Norway. Even at higher altitudes, you’ll find that most of the snow has melted off the high peaks.
What are the driving conditions in Norway in August?
If you decide to take on a road trip in Norway, you won’t regret it! It’s an excellent way to experience the country at your own pace. In August, the weather and road conditions are usually ideal to take the wheel and you have plenty of daylight for the journey.
In general, the roads in Norway are of a high standard and are well-maintained. It’s also good to note that Norwegians drive on the right side of the road, like in North America. Rural roads generally have two lanes, but can be narrow and winding, particularly in mountainous areas.
Would you rather take in the view and let someone else do the driving? You could discover Norway on a small group tour or travel via trains and cruises.
What to pack for a trip to Norway in August?
While the summer weather is usually stable, you can expect all seasons in a day while visiting Northern Europe.
As summer nights can still be chilly, especially in the mountains or on the deck of a cruise ship, it’s best to bring summer clothes as well as warm layers. That way, come rain or shine, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
Here is a list of packing essentials for your Norway trip in August:
-
Shorts and trousers
-
Short and long sleeve shirts and at least one warm jumper or fleece
-
Waterproof jacket
-
Waterproof trousers
-
Hat and gloves
-
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
-
Sunglasses, sun hat and SPF lotion
An umbrella can also come in handy, and wildlife watchers may wish to bring binoculars. You might also want to bring an eye mask as the nights can be quite bright, due to the midnight sun.
What to wear in Norway in August?
In the Nordic countries, they have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
When travelling to Norway in the summer, you can expect relatively stable temperatures, but it’s best to be ready for all weather.
Look at the forecast before travelling and dress appropriately. Bring summer clothes for the warm days, but make sure to wear light layers to adapt to the wind, rain or sunshine.
If you go hiking or are out at sea, make sure you bring waterproof and windproof clothing, as well as a layer of wool.
What are the daylight hours in Norway in August?
In August, you can enjoy plenty of daytime brightness to explore Norway at your heart’s content. In the south, you’ll experience 14-17 hours of daylight, while in the north, you can experience some remnants of the midnight sun with 15-21 hours.
There is also a big difference in daylight hours between the beginning and end of the month. In early August, the sun rises at 5:00 AM and sets at 9:45 PM in Oslo. In Tromsø, the sunrise is at 2:25 AM and sunset at 11:10 PM.
By the end of the month, the sun rises at 6:15 AM in Oslo and sets by 8:20 PM. It reduces as well in Tromsø, with daylight hours between 5:00 AM and 8:20 PM.
Can I see the northern lights in Norway in August?
With the short nights in August, it is unlikely you’ll see the northern lights during your stay in Norway.
If you’re keen to see the auroras in Norway, you should visit between October and March. The long winter nights mean dark skies, which are required. Head to Northern Norway with a northern lights tour in Tromsø or Kirkenes for your best chances to see them.
How to tour Norway in August?
Though many of Norway's top natural attractions can be visited in under a week from Oslo, August is a wonderful time to slow down the pace. Venture further into the Norwegian countryside – either on your own or with a guide.
Travel independently around Norway
To travel at your own pace while soaking up all the fantastic views, you could travel around Norway by train or cruise line.
Your epic rail adventure will take you through the mountains to cities like Bergen or Trondheim. Make sure your tour includes one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world – the Norway in a Nutshell® experience.
To cruise Norway in August, you could opt for a Hurtigruten journey to sail along the rugged west coast. You can add shore excursions to places like charming Ålesund and the Lofoten islands, or even combine it with a road trip or train travel.
A road trip in Norway
August is an ideal month for those who would like to take the wheel for a tour of Norway. Drive from Southern Norway to the western fjords at a relaxed pace. Experience incredible roads like the steep, twisting Trollstigen or the dramatic Atlantic Ocean Road.
At this time of year, the road conditions are excellent for touring, and you can enjoy long daylight hours to drive and explore.
A small group tour of Norway
In August, you can choose from a range of guided group tours to see the wonders of Norway. You could even discover other Scandinavian countries along the way.
These guided tours offer an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local guide. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 15 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.
Partially guided tours in Norway
A partially guided tour is a great way to combine solo travel with guided excursions. In August, you could head north to discover Svalbard. Explore the largest settlement, Longyearbyen, by yourself and join fun activities every day such as boat and husky safaris.
Good to know: Whichever of these travel styles you choose, you’ll get all the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.
Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
