What's the difference between fall in Southern and Northern Norway?

The north generally sees snowfall earlier than Southern Norway (except in the mountains). Both Northern Norway and Western Norway have milder lowland temperatures by the coast. As fall progresses, the nights grow longer more quickly in the north.

Can you go hiking in October in Norway?

Yes, but this may depend on where you want to go. The Pulpit Rock is normally open through September and into October. Trolltunga and Besseggen will become inaccessible earlier than this, depending on the snow and ice conditions. Check UT.no for the latest updates. Always bring crampons and plan for shorter daylight and cold weather. In October, there is around ten hours of daylight.

Can you see the northern lights in autumn?

Yes, typically from late September to early October. October often has good conditions, particularly in Northern Norway. The northern lights are unpredictable, but autumn combines enough darkness with milder temperatures than deep winter, so it's one of the most practical times to try your luck. Fjord Norway is least likely to see the northern lights in autumn.

What should you pack for Norway in the fall?

Pack for cold, wet weather and dress in layers: wool underwear, a fleece or down jacket, and a windproof, waterproof outer jacket. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are also required. You should also bring a hat and gloves from early October. An umbrella doesn't work well in a proper Norwegian autumn storm — a hood is a better option if you're going to be outside a lot. If you plan to go on a long walk, bring a headlamp: the days are growing shorter.

Is it cheap to travel to Norway in the fall?

Fall is less busy than summer, and prices for accommodation and activities fall from August. September is the most popular autumn month and can have slightly higher prices than October and November. Airline tickets are generally cheaper than in July and August. It’s rarely necessary to book very far in advance, except to Lofoten, Oslo, or Bergen in September

Autumn in Norway: Weather, fall colors and quiet fjords

With fewer visitors than in summer, yet plenty of activities, experiences, and natural beauty, exploring Norway in autumn is highly recommended. The foliage on the mountainsides along the fjords changes color as the midnight sun begins to shorten. Our guide will show you what autumn (or fall) has to offer and help you decide whether it's the right season for you to discover Norway.

By: The Fjord Tours team

8 min readUpdated: Aug 27, 2026

Hillside houses and fall trees reflect in the Aurlandsfjord as boat glides by.

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Summary

Autumn at a glance

Fall in Norway lasts from September to November, and temperatures drop from 10–15°C in September to close to zero in November. The autumn leaves are at their most colorful and vibrant in September and early October.

At night, the northern lights return. If you're lucky enough, you can catch them as early as September or October, depending on how far north you are. Another good thing about the fall is that it's low season, with lower prices, shorter lines, and fewer tourists than in summer.

What is autumn like in Norway?

Norway has major variations, meaning that autumn looks different depending on where you are.

In the mountains and in the north, the leaves change color as early as August. In Bergen and Oslo, temperatures often remain mild until well into October. By November, the first snow has usually fallen in most places.

Autumn is peak season for all the ingredients, such as fresh seafood, mushrooms, game, and apples. Even if you don't go out to forage, fish, and hunt, you can still enjoy fresh, tasty flavors on your plate!

When is it autumn?

Autumn meteorologically starts on 1 September and lasts until 30 November. In September, the warm summer temperatures drop, but you still have twelve hours of daylight, and the days can be surprisingly mild in many places.

October is somewhat darker and cooler but can still have wonderful hikes in the fields and mountains. November feels more like a winter month all over Norway and is when the first ski centers can open their lifts to the public.

What are fall temperatures?

In the south and along the coast, daytime temperatures are typically between 10 and 15°C in September, and between 5 and 10°C in October.

In Bergen and along the entire west coast, it’s mild but rainy, while Oslo and the rest of Eastern Norway are drier and colder.

In the mountains and in Northern Norway, snow may fall as early as late September.

Bring a windproof jacket, wool clothes and waterproof shoes if you are looking to explore the outdoors in the autumn (and an umbrella for urban adventures). We recommend checking the Norwegian weather website yr.no for the latest forecasts.

September and October — what's the difference?

September is autumn's safest bet, when you can still easily explore pretty much everywhere in nature. There is often an Indian Summer, or what the Norwegians call a 'homestead summer', a period of warm, summerlike weather, which usually occurs at the end of September.

In October, Norwegians switch to winter tires, and you can expect snow in the mountains and in Northern Norway. Considered a major delicacy in Norwegian cuisine, lobster can only be trapped in October. In the first weeks of October, schools all over the country have a week-long break (once reserved for helping to harvest potatoes).

Person taking a photo of Preikestolen in autumn

What can you do in Norway in the fall?

A popular saying in Norway goes that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. This attitude explains why Norwegians enjoy outdoor activities year-round, and fall is no exception.

The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, roughly translated as enjoying the great outdoors, involves camping, bike rides, mountain hikes, boat trips, and saunas floating on the fjord: everything is possible, even in the autumn months. It's not just the people that are active either. Autumn is deer rutting season and time for the annual bird migration.

Hiking and outdoor activities

The most famous hiking destinations, like Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock), Trolltunga and Besseggen, are accessible in September, when there are noticeably fewer hikers than in July. The terrain can be slippery if there’s rain or sleet, so check local conditions and wear proper footwear.

From October, many boat routes and mountain lodges close, and snow and ice can make the hiking conditions more demanding. Most famous hikes become inaccessible from October onwards. Check UT.no for the latest updates.

Northern lights safaris

The Northern Lights may be visible in Northern Norway from September through autumn.

In Tromsø and Lofoten, October and November are statistically very good months since the nights are long and the sky is dark, without it being as cold as in January. The conditions for solar activity to occur need to be just right, and you are never guaranteed that the northern lights will appear. Autumn can also make the amazing lights dance across the night sky in the south and west. When that happens, Norwegians' social media experiences a surge of northern lights pictures.

Fjord Norway lies farther south in the country and has less chance of seeing the Northern Lights in autumn.

Fjord cruises in fall

The fjords never close and are just as beautiful in fall as the rest of the year, with mountainsides in a variety of yellow, red and brown hues.

Western Norway is milder than the rest of the country, but you should still dress in layers so you can head out on deck. The Geirangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord are wonderful destinations in the autumn months; the sun becomes a magical golden hour of light before setting.

Berry and mushroom season

There is a strong Norwegian tradition for picking mushrooms and berries. Lingonberries, blueberries and chanterelles are commonly found in forests and fields from August to October. This is not a tourist activity in an organized sense, but a key part of Norway's love of the outdoors that local hotels and visitor farms are more than happy to help you access.

Traditional moose hunting

September and October are moose hunting season in Norway. In many places, moose hunting is something to take seriously. The villages gather in traditional hunting teams, and you can meet hunters on the trail. Moose hunting is very common in the country with the exception of Western Norway, but you can still travel safely outdoors in these areas. Small game hunting is also common in the Norwegian countryside.

Restaurants and fall menus

Cafés and restaurants move indoors again in September, after the summer's many long outdoor evenings. Autumn is peak season for numerous ingredients such as lamb, game, mushrooms and seafood, combined with freshly harvested produce, berries, and more. This also characterizes the menu, especially at more traditional restaurants.

The Norwegian concept of hygge, a sense of cozy well-being (think warm rooms, candles, and good company), is perhaps best experienced when it's dark out, and the rain is pounding against your window on a fall evening.

A stunning aerial view of Bergen, showcasing colorful buildings, ships, and a cable car making its way up the mountain.

Where should you travel in Norway in the fall?

Western Norway and the fjords

Western Norway is a great destination year-round, including in the autumn.

The mountains along the Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord turn yellow and red from September, and the waterfalls are once again cascading strongly after the summer.

Lofoten

Starting in September, the steep mountains towering above small fishing villages dress in autumn colors. The sea is still warm enough for kayaking. Whale watching is available year-round, and the Northern Lights can appear on clear nights from late September or early October. Lofoten is a very popular destination and is usually full of tourists in July but is quieter and more inexpensive in September.

Bergen and Oslo

Bergen is an excellent base for fall experiences, with a wonderful city in itself and ready access to the most popular fjords by train, boat, or bus. Oslo has an active cultural scene in the autumn, with festivals, concerts and exhibitions. If you are traveling from Oslo to Bergen or vice versa, Norway in a Nutshell® is a popular way to seamlessly experience Norway’s top highlights.

Tromsø and Northern Norway

Tromsø is by far the number one northern lights destination in the fall. Although the northern lights are traditionally associated with winter, the season kicks off in late September and continues through October and November.

Tromsø has a wide selection of guided northern lights tours that you can combine with culinary and cultural experiences. Further north and on Svalbard, autumn brings decreasing daylight and increased wildlife activity along the coast.

Person on rock bridge above fjord at sunset, surrounded by rugged peaks and warm sky hues.

Is fall right for you?

Fall is suitable for you if…

Visit Norway in autumn if you want to experience the Norwegian fjords and mountains without summer's traffic and long lines at destinations. You want a slight chance of seeing the northern lights and are okay with unpredictable weather. You want good photo conditions, when the fall light and bright foliage provide a completely different motif than summer. You're traveling on a budget and want more for your money than you can get in July.

Consider a different season if…

Avoid autumn if you want the warmest weather and the chance to try a full range of summer or winter experiences. You want all the mountain trails and hikes to be accessible. You want to experience the midnight sun and the longest days of summer. You prefer to experience a real Norwegian winter with snow and northern lights when the sky is at its darkest.

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