European state, located in the west and extreme north of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the northern and western parts it is washed by the waves of the North Arctic Ocean(Barents Sea), as well as the North and Norwegian Seas. In the northeastern region there is a border with Sweden, Finland and Russia, in the east - with Sweden. Norway is separated from Denmark by the Skagerrak Strait.
Geographically, Norway includes the Svalbard archipelago (Spitsbergen along with Bear Island), the island of Jan Mayen and about 50 thousand small islands. Most The country is mountainous, partly covered with forests, as well as mountain and tundra vegetation. Only 3.5% of the land is suitable for agricultural cultivation. Highest point country - Gallhöpiggen (2469 m) - is located on the Langfjella mountain range.
Coastal zone cut by fjords jutting into it, a third of Norway is located beyond the Arctic Circle. In Norway, there are 18 nature reserves and 86 areas under state protection. Here you can visit parks Bergefjell and Jotunheimen, which are famous for their 60 glaciers, South Spitsbergen Park, North-East Svalbard, North-West Spitsbergen and several others.
Medical resort: Mudum.
The climate within the country is not the same.
The mild temperate maritime climate in the west of the country is explained by the influence of the warm North Atlantic Current. Winter period, when the average monthly air temperature is slightly negative values, this is January and February. Average minimum temperature at this time from 0 to -4 degrees, the average maximum is from 0 to +2. The warmest time of the year is July and August. At this time, the night temperature is 10...12 degrees, the daytime temperature is 16...18 degrees. The least precipitation falls in May, from 50 to 80 mm, and the number of days with precipitation is 16. The rainiest time of the year is September, October, in which the monthly amount of precipitation is from 170 to 240 mm, and the number of days with precipitation is 21-22 .
IN central regions Norway has a temperate continental climate. Here the frosty period (with average monthly air temperatures below zero) lasts from October to March. The coldest month is January, in which night temperatures are -15...-17 degrees, daytime temperatures -6...-7 degrees. Most warm month- July. It is usually +7...+10 at night, and 17...18 degrees during the day. The driest months are March, April, May, the average monthly precipitation in them is 30-50 mm, and the number of days with precipitation is from 11 to 15. In the remaining months of the year, the monthly precipitation is 80-100 mm, and the number of days with precipitation 16-17.
In the far north the climate is subarctic. The average minimum temperature in the coldest month of the year - February - drops to -22 degrees, the maximum reaches -10 degrees. The warmest time of the year is July. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to +6 degrees, the maximum reaches +18 degrees. The driest month is July, with just over 50 mm of precipitation, and the number of days with precipitation is 15 days. The rainiest time of the year is September and October, in which on average up to 115 mm of precipitation falls per month, and the number of days with it is more than 20.
Best time to visit:
The best time to travel to Norway is from May to September. At this time, summer is already coming in all corners of the country and the country amazes with the uniqueness of its nature. Although, any time of the year is suitable for a trip to Oslo.
Ski lovers can visit the country in summer time, because even in July there is plenty of snow in the mountains.
Despite its northern geographical location, the climate in Norway is not very harsh, if you keep in mind that Siberia and Alaska are at the same latitude. The reason for the relatively warm climate is the Gulf Stream, which carries its waters from Mexico and warms the entire Norwegian coast. Ports do not freeze in winter. For example, in Stavanger there is rarely snow and temperatures rarely drop below zero degrees C.
On the other side, warm current brings and large number precipitation.
IN Bergen(record holder for precipitation) for autumn month(September or October) up to 250 mm of rain falls!
However, in the east of Norway and in the center the climate is drier and in some summer months it can be quite dry. In short, the seasons are clearly defined, and in the summer months in some years the temperature can reach up to +30 degrees C.
If we're talking about about the coast, even close Far North, for example, in Tromso, in winter it is only -4 degrees C. But as you move east, the climate becomes more continental and in the Finnmark area the temperature can drop to -50 degrees.
Seasons in Norway
Norway- one of the few countries in the world where each season is different. Despite geographical location - location in the north, Norwegian summer with warm on sunny days lasts several months.
In autumn, nature is filled with colors, and the air is clear and fresh. At this time of year, Norwegian landscapes resemble paintings by artists. And winter is in no way inferior to other seasons.
The large amount of snow that falls in Norway makes the country one of the best ski resorts on earth. When in April, with the arrival of spring, the air becomes fresh and nature awakens to life, Norwegians go for walks in the parks.
Winter
Winter brings a special atmosphere to Norwegian homes. In anticipation of the first snow, Norwegians put more wood in the fireplace and place candles in the dark corners of the rooms. When in November the frozen ground is covered with soft, white snow cover, the Norwegians take out their skis and sleds.
Snow-covered spruce trees and intertwining ski tracks on white snow fill the heart with joy, energy, and a thirst for new experiences.
While in many parts of Europe winter is associated with slush and mud, Norway has plenty of snow from November to April.
Norway- a real paradise for those who love skiing and snow. The cradle of skiing is the Morgedal area in Telemark, and Norwegians are rightfully considered natural skiers.
Almost the entire country is dotted with ski tracks up and down, and many of them even have night lighting installed. On numerous ski slopes you will find a variety of slopes and jumps, as well as ski rental services.
There are a lot of other entertainments - dog sledding, sleigh rides, sleds, snow scooters, running kite and much more.
Spring
When flowers emerge through last year's leaves and birds return from warmer climes, the air is filled with spring inspiration.
Spring comes first to the southwest, when wagtails arrive in March and birch trees bloom in April, while in the north there is no birch pollen in the air until June.
In May, fruit trees begin to bloom, and this is a truly unforgettable sight - everything around is picturesquely dotted with white and pink flowers. But despite the fact that Norwegians are really looking forward to the arrival of spring, many go to the mountains to see the last snow.
Skiing on the melting ski slopes in the sun is one of the most common activities in early spring. The Norwegian spring gives rise to the most unusual combinations, such as kayaking as part of a ski trip. Melting snow fills the rivers and turns them into raging streams - an unforgettable sight!
You'll also get a great experience if you stay until 17 May, when all of Norway celebrates the day the Norwegian Constitution was officially adopted in 1814.
Summer
Norwegian summer truly unique, from the rippling seas and idyllic skerries of the south to the fjords and summer ski resorts of Western Norway and the midnight sun and Sami culture of the Finnmarksvidda plain.
Norway is ideal for outdoor recreation, (hiking, cycling and fishing are three of the most popular activities in Norway in summer. The picturesque Norwegian mountains also offer you many unforgettable experiences - for example, you can choose from many well-marked hiking trails.
If fishing is more your thing, the coastline is home to cod, pollock and mackerel, and the rivers are rich in trout, salmon and other types of fish such as perch, eel, and parsley.
Summer is associated with festivals - the calendar is literally replete with culinary, music and international festivals.
Picturesque cities in southern Norway with their narrow streets and white wooden houses reminiscent of pearl beads. Here you can experience local culture first-hand while sitting on the pier and enjoying fresh shrimp caught from one of the fishing boats moored offshore.
Autumn
The fresh and cool autumn air balances the riot of colors of the yellow-red autumn landscapes. Nature is preparing for winter, the season of picking mushrooms, berries and hunting is coming.
Walk in the mountains- an unforgettable experience regardless of the time of year, but in autumn the Norwegian mountains are the most picturesque in their bright attire, the Jurassic plateaus unfold their bright colors in front of you, on a clear, blue sky Heavy and majestic dark clouds roll in. In this weather, it's nice to wrap yourself in a warm woolen sweater and go for a walk.
IN Norway a lot of mushrooms and berries. In autumn, the most typical dishes of Norwegian cuisine are roast lamb and lamb stew, and after picking apples, you can bake a delicious apple pie. There are a lot of cloudberries, blueberries and cranberries in the forests and mountains, and the rich fauna of the Norwegian rural areas makes hunting one of the most common activities in the fall.
Norway is often called one of the most beautiful countries Europe and this is no exaggeration. The ancient Japanese believed that only the landscape that includes stones, trees, and water is harmonious.
Weather in Norway now:
The dramatic landscapes of Norway are entirely consistent with this principle: forested, rocky mountains hang in jagged fangs over the sea or numerous lakes. The sky changes its color from piercing blue to whitish milky jelly. A narrow and elongated strip of land from north to south, pressed to the sea mountain range, this is Norway - icy, windy, frozen in the North and optimistically sunny in the south.
Climate of Norway by month:
Spring
Spring in Norway is short and bright as a flash - the snow melts and flowers, for example, rhododendron bushes, immediately begin to bloom. Only in the south is it a large shrub, and in the north are tiny bushes. The flow in mountain rivers and streams is intensifying. The days are getting longer very quickly. Birds return in huge flocks, especially many geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. Animals are in a hurry to have offspring, and tracks of an elk and a calf are not uncommon for those who like to walk in the forest and know how to read forest marks.
Of course, not all days in spring are sunny; there are gloomy and rainy ones. But, basically, spring is characterized by flowering. One view flowering plants passes into another until the lilac blooms, and after that, one might say, summer begins. We are, of course, talking about the more southern part of Norway, where the country's capital, Oslo, is located. Spring is also loved for Easter, a holiday that both adults and children look forward to here.
Summer
Summer - it approaches the shores of Norway along with schools of mackerel and herring. Thousands of fans flock here for amazing fishing for these types of fish. fishing. However, people also come here to fish for cod, salmon, and trout. They are caught in the sea, in mountain lakes and rivers. Summer, Norway, fishing - the combination of these words is very familiar and understandable.
In the summer, Norway, as throughout Scandinavia, celebrates the Midsummer Festival, which falls in the third week of June. By this time, daisies, cornflowers, poppies - favorite flowers for summer holiday. The first new potatoes are ripening, strawberries are ripening - these treats should definitely be on the holiday table.
Autumn
Norwegian autumn, if, of course, we talk about golden autumn, is very beautiful, because all of Norway is covered with forests that seem golden during this period. The trees turn yellow just instantly. This period is very short - two to three weeks.
Rarely does a day pass without rain and fog, which are so dense above the ground that traffic on the roads becomes dangerous. But if the sun suddenly comes out, then the beauty of nature makes everyone happy. The sky becomes clear, the water in the lakes looks like a mirror, the forests seem golden. Sometimes they never manage to fly around completely - an unexpected snowfall hides everything under deep snow.
Winter
The southern coast of Norway is washed by the Gulf Stream, which is why there is no winter here. Snow does not fall as often as we would like, the ice does not always freeze at the skating rink, the temperature rarely drops below 0. But only on the coast - a couple of tens of kilometers inland - and everything is fine in winter, and if you move north, you will see and the polar winter, and the northern lights, and permafrost. Winter in these places is not only harsh, it is the mistress here: it rules the roost for all other seasons. They have a limited “stay period” in Norway, but they can “stay” here in winter as long as they want.
In areas high above sea level, snow already lies in a dense carpet in mid-October, even in the middle part of the country. Having gone down a couple of hundred meters, you can quite easily find yourself in a warm golden autumn. It is quickly getting dark, and the country is in a real frosty sleep. If it were not for the beloved holiday of Christmas, for which thousands of glowing garlands are hung, winter would seem completely gloomy. In spring, the snow lies for a very long time: ski lovers spend the Easter holidays at Norwegian ski resorts.
Norway is located in northern Europe on western territories Scandinavian Peninsula and adjacent islands. Cold country attracts tourists primarily with its pristine nature - glaciers, fjords, valleys, waterfalls, lakes and much more. The Northern Lights and white nights are also interesting attractions for visitors to Norway.
Climate zones of Norway
Amazing sights were created under the influence of three climatic zones.
Maritime temperate climate dominates the south and all along west coast Norway. Warm waters Gulf Stream from Atlantic Ocean create a mild, wet winter for the sea coast. in winter temperatures are kept around 0°C, high humidity. The fallen snow does not remain for a long time; in the south, instead of snow, it rains. The amount of precipitation decreases from west to east. Summer cool, the air warms up to +25°C, and as you rise into the mountains it becomes colder. In hot months the water reaches a maximum of +19°C. Autumn characterized by frequent rains and strong winds, with the least precipitation in spring.
Continental temperate climate gives a colder winter in the center and east of the country. Warm sea air masses delayed as they pass inland through mountainous terrain, so temperatures in the cold months drop to -20°C and snow begins to fall from late autumn to early spring. In summer, the air warms up to +17°C during the day, and up to +10°C at night. IN winter time Daylight hours are much shorter than summer days, but in summer there are white nights. In autumn, within a couple of weeks, the foliage changes color and falls off, and if you climb to the tops of the mountains, you can go from autumn to winter. There are strong winds in the mountains in any season. Spring is the driest time of the year.
Subarctic climate V northern regions, located above the Arctic Circle, makes Norway's weather here truly harsh. In some places there are eternal glaciers; the snow does not melt even in summer. Winter sun does not rise during the day, which gives the impression of constant night. At night in winter, the northern lights are observed, the air is cold (about -20°C, rarely can drop to -40°C), often it's snowing, it's stormy off the coast. Spring is late, sometimes begins in May, and there are strong winds. Summer is short, dry and cold (up to +18°C). Autumn is rainy and windy.
Tourist seasons in Norway
More than 2 million foreign tourists visit Norway every year. Most of them are citizens of Scandinavia, the USA, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK. There are few Russians traveling around Norway, but many of them come on bus tours.
Excursions around natural resources Norway (fjords, forests, glaciers, etc.) and attractions major cities(Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, Stavanger, Flåm) can be carried out all year round. But it is better to go on a trip from May to September, when the weather is comfortable for travel, there are few rainy and windy days, and the humidity is low.
Season skiing open from November to May. The best places Trysil, Hemsedal, Hafjell, Geilo, Nurefjell, Hovden, Kvitfjell and the winter park in Oslo are considered. You can ski down the snow-capped mountains in July, but only in the north of the country and only in the first half of the day, before the sun melts the snow cover.
Fishing can be done throughout the year. A permit for fishing in the sea is not required, unlike inland waters. The best catch is recorded in northern regions from April to October. Fishing on the lakes is allowed from June to September.
Beach season in the country lasts from June to August. The water heats up to +18°C, but sunbathing is comfortable. It is warmer in the south of the country (Kristiansand, Oslo), in the west (Stavanger, Selje) there are beautiful beaches.
The Northern Lights can be seen from mid-October to February. For it to appear, the weather must be clear, the time must be from 21:00 to midnight. The best place contemplation will be the northern regions of Norway: Tronso, the Svalbard region, the North Cape.
Since Norway is located above the Arctic Circle, the summer months are white nights. From June to early August, the sun drops to the horizon in the evening and hangs there all night until dawn, sometimes illuminating the tops of the mountains.
Cruise tours are a popular holiday destination. Liners and yachts travel around the maritime part of the country all year round, but it is warmer to go on a cruise from April to September.
Weather in Norway by month
January
In the west and south of Norway there are frosts and sleet. It's frosty in the center. Cloudy days last almost the entire month.
In the northern regions (Tromso, Spitsberg) it is cold (up to -20°C), polar night, the sun does not rise above the horizon for days. The northern lights appear.
The best holiday would be the ski resorts (Trysil, Geilo, Hafjell). In Oslo, Christmas markets open at the beginning of the month. There are many tourists in new year holidays, the prices are too high.
February
Cold month. Real winter is observed in the center and north. Severe frosts, periodic snowfalls, strong winds, short daylight hours. Western regions warmer (about 0°C) and less windy, snow does not last long, clear days few.
Mostly tourists go to ski resorts. In the north in clear night you can see the northern lights. And on the coast of the country it is just the season for seafood delicacies: shrimp, mussels, lobster.
March
Spring is not particularly felt, but daylight hours are increasing sharply. Temperatures rise several degrees. It is warmer in the west and south, the first flowers are appearing, and there are more sunny days. There are gusty winds. It is cold in the mountains and there is snow.
In Trondheim and Holmenkollen there are international competitions in alpine skiing. Snow slopes are open for ski lovers (Hemsedal, Kvitfjell, Lillehammer). You can go fishing along the sea coast.
April
Spring comes to the west and south. The snow is melting, the air is warming, and flowering is beginning. Rains are rare. In the north, the air warms up to 0°C, and frost falls at night.
There is an influx of tourists. Boat trips to fjords, forests and waterfalls are popular. Warm for excursions to major cities of the south and west. The ski season is ending, except in the north.
May
It's getting warmer all over the country. Everything is blooming, only snow can be seen on the mountain tops. Precipitation is a rare occurrence. The winds are light and warm. But the weather can be changeable. Daylight hours increase to 17 hours a day. Frosts occur in the north.
A good time for excursions to natural attractions. Walks around Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim are especially beautiful.
June
Norwegian summers are cool. The air in the southern regions warms up to +20°C, in the north it is less warm. It rains several times a month, with more precipitation falling in coastal areas.
Opens from June beach season in the area of Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger, but it’s only comfortable to sunbathe, the sea water is +10°C. From the middle of the month in the north (Tromso) white nights begin. Good weather for all types of excursions. There are many tourists, prices are rising.
July
The warmest month. Temperatures can rise to +25°C, except in the north, where it is cooler. The nights are cold everywhere (about +10°C). Rains are rare, more often in the west. Lots of sunny days. Daylight hours are 18-20 hours a day, and in the north - 24 hours.
Peak tourist season. Lovers of cool water can swim on the beaches near Oslo. The absence of heat and normal humidity contribute to long excursions along the fjords and glaciers. Prices for tourist services are high.
August
Temperatures are starting to cool, but it's still warm. Humidity is normal. The number of sunny days is half the month, the rest of the days are cloudy. Daylight hours are reduced to 16 hours a day.
Tourists visit fjords and valleys; excursions to major cities. A good time to go fishing (Tromso, Trondheim, Hitra). It's cold to swim on the country's beaches, but it's nice to sunbathe.
September
It's noticeably colder. Cloudy days becomes larger than in summer, it rains more often, and humidity rises. The weather can change dramatically. There are strong winds, especially in mountainous areas. Daylight hours are reduced to 12 hours.
The number of tourists is decreasing, as are the prices for services. Having an umbrella and warm clothes on hand, you can visit the natural attractions of the country.
October
Rainiest month. It snows in the north. The air in October becomes cold (up to +10°C during the day). High humidity, most days are cloudy. Strong winds are blowing.
Even in cold autumn Norway is beautiful for its landscapes: deciduous trees change colors to golden-red against the backdrop of snow-white mountains. Tour prices are low.
November
From November, winter comes to Norway and frosts begin. After lunch, the sun sets and it becomes dark, and it often rains and snows. Strong winds blow from the sea in the west and north.
Cloudy weather is not conducive to long trips along the fjords, but you can visit the cultural attractions of Oslo. The ski season opens in the mountainous regions.
December
The air becomes frosty in December, only in the west and south is it around 0°C. Humidity decreases, often happens strong wind. Daylight hours short, and beyond the Arctic Circle (Tromso) the sun does not rise above the horizon. Snow falls, but in the west and south it melts quickly.
Peak ski season (Hemsedal, Hafjell, Geilo). At night in the north, in clear weather, the northern lights appear. At the end of December, tourists come to celebrate the Christmas holidays.
What to take with you to Norway
The peculiarity of the Norwegian climate is frequent change weather. While a person is getting ready to go outside, the sun is shining, but when he leaves the house, it may already be raining. Therefore, a tourist will need an umbrella.
When climbing mountains and autumn period Waterproof and windproof clothing is required. And on snowy peaks in clear weather, sunscreen and sunglasses will come in handy.
When going to Norway in the summer, you can take shorts, T-shirts and sneakers, but for the evening you should always have a jacket and pants with you, as it gets cold.
In winter, spring and autumn, it is worth dressing in warm clothes and reliable shoes, especially in coastal regions, when strong winds blow and the feeling of cold intensifies. Warm socks, gloves and a hat will come in handy. It is worth dressing in several layers of clothing, as this will help keep you warm, and if it gets hot, you can remove an extra sweater. Woolen items retain heat better.
When going to ski resorts, you can take your own equipment on the trip, and if you don’t have such equipment, you can rent equipment at the ski lifts.
