Overview
Norway's Arctic region lies mostly above the Arctic Circle, offering phenomena like the midnight sun (late May to late July) and polar night (late November to mid-January). Winters are long and cold, while summers are cool and brief. Climate varies by location—coastal cities like Tromsø are milder, while Svalbard and inland Finnmark experience harsher, drier cold.
Temperatures
- Spring (March to May): A transitional period with temperatures rising from -10°C to 6°C (14°F to 43°F). Snow persists well into April, with May marking the start of the thaw.
- Summer (June to August): Coastal highs range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), while inland areas may briefly reach 20°C (68°F). Nights remain cool (5°C to 10°C / 41°F to 50°F), with constant daylight in midsummer.
- Autumn (September to November): Temperatures decline rapidly from 10°C to -5°C (50°F to 23°F), and snowfall begins early in northernmost areas.
- Winter (December to February): Daytime highs average -6°C to -15°C (21°F to 5°F), with nighttime lows dropping to -20°C or lower (-4°F). Inland and high-altitude areas can be much colder.
Rainfall
Precipitation is generally light, especially inland, ranging from 200 mm to 1,000 mm (8–40 inches) annually. Snowfall is common from October through April. Coastal areas like Tromsø see more snowfall and some rain due to maritime influences, while areas like Svalbard remain cold and dry year-round.
