Spring in Norway: Weather, waterfalls and blooming landscapes

Norway is a very long country, and spring doesn’t arrive everywhere at the same time. In the south, the snow begins to melt in March, while the mountains and the highest villages keep their snow until well into May. This is exactly what makes it worth planning your trip carefully: spring arrives at different times depending on where in Norway you intend to go.

In one word: lovely! The capital, Oslo, and the coast experience milder temperatures and get leaves on the trees from April. In the mountains and in the north, it can snow even in May, and the ski centers in the mountains remain open until Easter or even longer.

The days are getting longer, from around 10 hours of daylight in March to almost 18 hours by the end of May.

In the south and along the coast, daytime temperatures are typically between 5 and 15°C from April. Southern Norway can sometimes experience up to 20°C in April. Bergen and the west coast are milder, but it rains considerably more. In Northern Norway and in the mountains, winter persists in many places through March and April.

Dress in layers: light wool underwear, fleece, and a windproof outer jacket cover most situations. Check the Norwegian website yr.no for up-to-date weather forecasts.

April marks a transition between winter and spring. In the mountains, scenic roads like Trollstigen and some parts of the National Scenic Routes may be closed at times due to snow. Some sites and activities don’t open until later in the spring. On the other hand, there are even fewer tourists than in May, and the prices are lower.

May is the highlight of spring for many, with strong contrasts between white snow on the mountain peaks and green valleys and blue fjords.

Some of the best experiences are directly related to the snow melting, which makes Norwegian nature burst into life in spring.

May is one of the best months for fjord cruises. The Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord both have waterfalls that reach full strength when the snow melts from the glaciers above. The Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the other waterfalls in the Geirangerfjord are visible from a distance. In fact, you can hear them before you see them!

The Hardangerfjord is known for its orchards and blossoms. Thanks to a unique microclimate, Hardanger apples are delicious and are the secret behind the region's award-winning ciders and juices.

In May, the hillsides are covered with white and pink flowers from apple, pear, and cherry trees that have been growing here for over 700 years, ever since English monks first came to the fjords. Make sure to try some local flavors from the region. Many farms have roadside stalls where you can buy baskets of fruit and berries. Look for the signs!

In the mountains, the snow remains until it's almost May. Easter is often the peak season for cross-country and downhill skiing. Norwegians traditionally love spending Easter in a mountain cabin, skiing, eating chocolate and oranges, and reading crime fiction. This means that ski resorts such as Hemsedal, Myrkdalen, Voss and Geilo may be fully booked, so book early. With snow in the mountains and waterfalls rushing into the fjords, spring is the best time to combine skiing with beautiful fjord scenery.

Low-lying hiking trails are accessible from April in southern Norway. The most famous high mountain hikes, Preikestolen, Trolltunga, Besseggen, are normally accessible to everyone in May, depending on the snow conditions. Always check local conditions before setting out and bring crampons if you are unsure if there may be ice in the terrain. Remember that the weather can change quickly.

Read more on hiking in Norway.

The 17th of May is Norway's national day and is by far the biggest celebration of the year for Norwegians.

All over the country, there are lively parades in the streets, a wide array of unique national costumes and festive costumes on display, and plenty of food and champagne. Many people start the day early with a big breakfast with friends and family, followed by a big celebration that lasts until late evening.

Book accommodation early: hotels and restaurants quickly fill up around the 17th of May.

Experiencing the fjords as the weather grows warmer may be the best reason for choosing spring. The Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord are normally open for ordinary boat traffic from April. In spring, daylight returns to warm the fjords, making nature burst back to life.

One of the world's most famous fjords is a top highlight of spring and definitely deserves a visit on its own. The blossoming happens in a short timespan, usually from the last week of April to mid-May. The Hardangerfjord has orchards on steep hillsides, but also beautiful glaciers, high mountains and quaint villages and towns that burst to life after a cold winter.

Bergen is the main gateway to the Norwegian fjords. The city's markets, restaurants and museums are all open in spring, but it’s not necessary to book a table weeks in advance.

The city is alive with culture, including the prestigious Bergen International Festival, and it's a great time for exploring historic buildings and narrow cobblestone lanes and sampling delicious local baked goods, regardless of the weather (which is rainy!).

Spring arrives a little late in Oslo, but from May the parks are full of life, and the popular outdoor cafés are open. Attractions such as Holmenkollen and Nordmarka are easily accessible all year, as are the royal residence and the bustling main street, Karl Johan. Make sure to visit the city's many museums, including MUNCH, where you can see the artist's iconic work, The Scream.

March and early April are normally the last chance to catch the northern lights. In Tromsø and Lofoten, it's still winter and you can experience both dog sledding and snowmobile safaris. Starting at about the end of April, the ice and snow begin to disappear, and the cities and fishing villages come to life. The midnight sun arrives in May.

You want to experience the Norwegian fjords without the big summer crowds. You want beautiful scenery without needing bright green valleys and fjords. You want to experience waterfalls at their peak and are flexible about the weather. You have a budget and want to get the most out of your money. You want to be here on the National Day on the 17th of May and experience something authentically Norwegian that you won't find anywhere else.

You want to have warmer weather and the full range of experiences and activities available. You want to experience the midnight sun. If so, June to August is better — read about summer in Norway.