Norway in January: Weather, Northern Lights & More

Norway in January is the best time to see the Northern Lights and attend the Northern Lights Festival hosted in Tromsø! You can visit charming and colorful towns and cities like Ålesund or Bergen.

January is also the perfect time to visit the Norwegian coast and see the majestic orcas, humpback whales, fin whales, and harbor porpoises. The only drawback is that the daylight hours are less and the nights are longer!

Table of Content

Is January a good time to visit Norway?
Weather in January in Norway
Events & Festivals in Norway During Winter
Best Things to Do in Norway in January
Best Places to Visit in Norway in January
Why Choose OneVasco?
FAQs

Is January a good time to visit Norway?

Norway in January

January is a good time to visit Norway if you enjoy sunny and dry winters. The green, purple, and red lights dancing across the dark sky are some of the most remarkable natural occurrences to witness in the world. Temperatures in January range from between -6 and -1°C.

Pros	Cons
Cheaper flights Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø Winter sports Frozen fjords Fewer crowds Ice hotels Free activities Off-seasons deals	Unpredictable weather Limited daylight hours Coldest month Expensive

Weather in January in Norway

Here’s a Norway weather guide for January:

Temperatures	Oslo: -5°C to 0°C Bergen: -2°C to 2°C Trondheim: -4°C to 1°C Stavanger: -1°C to 3°C Tromsø: -8°C to -2°C
Precipitation	Oslo: 40-50 mm Bergen: 150-200 mm Trondheim: 50-70 mm Stavanger: 100-120 mm Tromsø: 40-50 mm
Average Daylight Hours	Oslo: 6-7 hours Bergen: 6-7 hours Trondheim: 5-6 hours Stavanger: 6-7 hours Tromsø: 4-5 hours

Events & Festivals in Norway During Winter

Here are some festivals and celebrations in Norway during January that you must explore:

Northern Lights Festival

Northern lights festival

Alt text: Northern lights festival

The Northern Lights Festival, or Nordlysfestivalen, is a renowned music festival held annually in Tromsø, Norway, during winter. The live music performances are held outdoors with the stunning backdrop of the Arctic landscape. These concerts set the mood for the occurrence of northern lights!

Dates: 23rd January to 1st February

Entrance: Starting at $24

Official Website: https://www.nordlysfestivalen.no/en/

Website: Buy tickets

Tromsø International Film Festival

The Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) is an annual film festival held in Tromsø, Norway, during the third week of January. The festival features screenings, workshops, industry events, and social gatherings, providing a platform for filmmakers and film enthusiasts to connect and celebrate the art of cinema. You can watch multiple films with ticket cards!

Dates: 13th January to 19th January

Location: Tromsø, Norway

Entrance: One ticket card starts at $20

Website: https://www.tiff.no/en/

Best Things to Do in Norway in January

Here’s a list of the best activities in Norway for January to make your trip memorable:

Northern Lights

Aurora lights in Norway

Norway is the best place to embark on a Northern Lights hunting expedition, venture into the dark countryside, or join a guided tour to increase your chances of spotting this elusive natural wonder. The clear skies, minimal light pollution, and cold, dry weather are optimal viewing conditions.

Popular viewing spots include Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, and other locations above the Arctic Circle.
Book Tours: Norway Visitor, Get Your Trip, Norwegian Travel
Fees: Starting at $100

Ice and Snow Hotels

Your Norway trip is incomplete without a night in an ice or snow hotel! Your room would be made of ice and snow – but don’t worry, the hotel will give you a warm sleeping bag and reindeer covers to keep you warm. These hotels can get very cold, so keep your thermals on and a parka! Room prices start at $100

Sculptures, Museums & Monuments

Norway is home to spectator sculptures and monuments like Tiger Sculpture, Haraldshaugen, Sailor’s Monument, and the Swords in Rock. Each symbolizes a unique historical moment. You can find various museums such as the Viking Ship Museum, National Museum, Munch or Fram Museum.

Ride the Flamsbana Railway, Sognefjord

The breathtaking train journey on the Flåmsbana Railway is one of the most scenic railway lines in the world. You can enjoy panoramic views of the Sognefjord, cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, and snow-capped mountains. Stop at charming villages and explore their local culture and scenery.

Book Tickets: Norwegian Railway Website – VY

Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Take a scenic cruise through the majestic Norwegian fjords, witnessing towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages along the coast. You can discover hidden coves, explore charming fishing villages, and encounter wildlife such as seals, eagles, and even whales. You will spot glaciers calving into the fjord, creating a thunderous spectacle.

National Drink of Norway, Aquavit

Sample Aquavit, the national drink of Norway, is a distilled beverage flavored with herbs and spices such as caraway, dill, and fennel. Try traditional Norwegian dishes like smoked salmon, gravlax, and other seafood specialties. Visit a local distillery to learn about the history and production of Aquavit and sample different varieties.

Visit Norway’s Picturesque Villages

Cities in Norway

Explore charming coastal towns like Bergen, Ålesund, and Stavanger, known for their colorful wooden houses, picturesque harbors, and vibrant atmospheres. Discover hidden gems like Reine in the Lofoten Islands and Lofthus in the Hardangerfjord region, offering a glimpse into traditional Norwegian life.

Skiing and Snowmobiling

Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding at renowned resorts like Trysil, Hemsedal, and Geilo, offering challenging slopes for experienced skiers and gentle slopes for beginners.

Explore the vast network of cross-country skiing trails winding through forests, across frozen lakes, and through breathtaking winter landscapes.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding through the snowy landscapes of Norway, pulled by a team of energetic and friendly huskies, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you glide through snowy forests, across frozen lakes, and over rolling hills.

Winter Kayaking

Winter kayaking

For adventurous tourists, kayaking through the fjords in winter is a unique experience of the icy landscape. You will see the dramatic scenery of the fjords from a different vantage point, including towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains.

Sea Eagle Safari Tour

Take a boat tour to observe majestic sea eagles in their natural habitat, soaring above the dramatic coastal scenery. Learn about the ecology and behavior of these magnificent birds of prey from experienced guides. Challenge yourself to capture stunning photographs of these majestic birds in flight against the backdrop of the spectacular Norwegian landscape.

Reindeer Sledding

Norway has a unique tradition of reindeer sledding, guided by experienced Sami reindeer herders. Sami Culture is an indigenous tri,p and you can learn about their deep connection with reindeer. Enjoy a scenic ride through the snowy landscapes, admiring the vast wilderness and the beauty of the Arctic environment.

Arctic Whale Tours

You have to take a whale-watching tour in the Arctic waters of Norway, hoping to spot magnificent creatures like humpback whales, orcas, and minke whales. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Arctic landscape, including icebergs, glaciers, and the vast expanse of the ocean.

Traditional Fjordside Farms

Visit traditional fjordside farms, offering a glimpse into rural Norwegian life. Sample the delicious local produce, including fresh dairy products, cheeses, and jams. Learn about traditional farming practices and the challenges of farming in a harsh climate.

Food Halls

Oslo is home to various food halls where you can enjoy a variety of restaurants and cafes, visit local joints, and try fresh foods! These food courts where world cuisines. Here are some that you must try:

Mathallen Food Hall
Oslo Street Food
Paleet Food Hall
Vippa Hall
Barcode Street Food

Best Places to Visit in Norway in January

Add these top tourist spots in Norway for January:

Tromsø

Tromso in Norway

Tromsø is often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is a vibrant city nestled within the Arctic Circle, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and proximity to the Northern Lights. It is the perfect blend of nature and urban life – you can marvel at the Northern Lights and shop at WAY NOR Tromsø.

Attractions:

The Arctic Cathedral: A striking modern church with panoramic views.
Tromsø University Museum: Explore the region’s history, including Viking and Sami cultures.
Fjellheisen Cable Car: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic city views and surrounding fjords.
Northern Lights Hunting: Embark on a guided tour to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.
Arctic Aquarium: Discover the diverse marine life of the Arctic.

Nærøyfjord

Norway in winter

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nærøyfjord is a breathtakingly narrow, steep-sided fjord renowned for its dramatic scenery and serene beauty. You can stay in the Viking village of Gudvangen, which lies at the end of this narrow fjord, to immerse yourself in the culture and see old Viking buildings!

Attractions:

Scenic Cruise: Take a scenic cruise through the fjord, admiring the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages.
Hiking Trails: Explore the surrounding mountains and enjoy stunning fjord views from various viewpoints.
Kayaking: Experience the fjord from a different perspective by kayaking through its calm waters.
Visit Flåm: Explore the charming village of Flåm, known for its picturesque scenery and the Flåm Railway.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Sample fresh seafood and other local delicacies at restaurants and cafes along the fjord.

Oslo

Oslo in winter

The vibrant capital of Norway, Oslo, offers a blend of modern architecture, historical landmarks, and stunning natural scenery. The best way to explore Oslo is by walking – if you want to give your strolls more direction, sign up for its fantastic walking tours. With experts, you can discover the hidden gems, try amazing food spots and get a glimpse into the Viking culture!

Attractions:

Vigeland Sculpture Park: Explore the world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist, featuring over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
Viking Ship Museum: Discover the fascinating history of the Vikings and see well-preserved Viking ships.
Oslo Opera House: Admire the striking modern architecture of the Oslo Opera House and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its rooftop.
Akershus Fortress: Explore this medieval fortress and enjoy stunning views of the Oslofjord.
Museums: Visit world-class museums such as the Munch Museum, the Fram Museum, and the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design.

Trondheim

Trondheim in Norway

Trondheim is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage and offers a charming blend of old and new. The city has a tramway that you can hop on and explore through! They have a railway station called Hell Station, so you can stroll through the colorful neighborhood of Bakklandet or book a unique stargazing tour.

Attractions:

Nidaros Cathedral: Visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the crowning place of Norwegian kings.
Gamle Bybro: Cross the historic Old Town Bridge, a city landmark.
Rockheim: Explore the history of Norwegian music at the Rockheim Museum.
Trondheim Harbour: Enjoy a stroll along the harbor and admire the colorful buildings and bustling atmosphere.
Explore the surrounding nature: Take a day trip to explore the beautiful scenery of the surrounding countryside.

Svalbard

Svalbard in January

Svalbard is a remote archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean and offers a unique and unforgettable Arctic adventure. To reach the island, you can fly from Oslo (approximately 3 hours) or Tromsø (approximately 1.5 hours). The accommodation options are limited, so plan and be prepared to experience Polar Nights in the city!

Attractions:

Northern Lights: Witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, a breathtaking display of natural light.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot polar bears, whales, walruses, and Arctic foxes in their natural habitat.
Glacier Hiking: Explore glaciers and enjoy breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape.
Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of dog sledding through the snowy landscapes.
Visit Longyearbyen: Explore the main settlement of Longyearbyen, with its charming Arctic atmosphere.
Polar City Break: A holiday to enjoy nature and city life in the darkness. You can explore some fantastic restaurants and take on an arctic culinary expedition!