Norway Weather in January: Travel Tips for First-Timers

In Norway's low elevations in the south where the big cities are, January is cold, the nights are freezing, and snowfall is moderate. In the high elevations and in the north, it is freezing. Norway's ski resorts are open, and prices are high. You can enjoy touring the cities with more moderate prices.

Read on for our Norway weather information and travel advice including average temperatures and rainfall, places to go, and travel tips…

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• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Wear

Norway Weather in January: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: -3–2°C (28–36°F)
• Total rain/snow: 14 cm (5 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 15
• Humidity: 80%
• Sunshine hours/day: 1 hour

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January Climate Comparison (Averages) for Norway's Top Tourism Areas

Norway's weather is usually cold during the day in January in the far south where the biggest cities are. There is only an average of 1 hour of sunshine and less than 7 hours of daylight in Oslo. It might feel gloomy. It is peak tourism season at the ski resorts.

Southern region: The big cities such as Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen are on the southern coast at about 60° degrees latitude, and the highs only reach about an average of 2°C (36°F). The average nightly lows are approximately -3°C (28°F). There is moderate rainfall.

Northern region: Arctic tourism towns such as Tromsø and Longyearbyen are north of latitude 69° and within the arctic circle. The average daily highs are about -2°C (28°F) or below. The lows are -6 (21°F) or lower depending on the latitude. There is moderate snowfall and about 18 minutes of daylight in mid-January.

The Best Places to Visit in Norway in January

Touring Norway in January typically features winter sports and adventure at the ski resorts and the northern arctic adventure towns as well as comfortable urban tourism. Though it is freezing, you could tour the cities, see the snowy countryside and nature, ski, and experience the exotic northern lights and near total night.

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1. Oslo — Experience Norwegian Culture and Visit the Highlights

Oslo, the capital, has a population of only 700,000 people, and it is the main travel hub with the main international airport and the main train hub station for international travelers. Oslo is in low season by the second week of January, but many Norway visitors arrive to transfer to other places.

The average daily high is 0°C (32°F), and the average lows are -5°C (23°F). There is freezing weather, but the snowfall is low. When it is inclement, you could visit the museums such as the Viking Ship Museum, Museum of Oslo, and the National Museum.

Since there is an average of 1 hour of sunshine, you might be able to see the northern lights in Nordmarka, a forested region nearby, because the area is shielded from the city lights by hills. You could also do cross-country skiing or snowshoe treks near the city.

2. Tromsø — For Experiencing the Northern Lights, Near-Total Night/Twilight, and Enjoying Winter Sports Adventures

Tromsø is called "the Gateway to the Arctic" because it has an international airport and is in the arctic circle. You could use it for travel to places further north such as Longyearbyen. The average daily high is -2°C (28°F). The nightly lows are -6°C (21°F). There's about an hour of daylight.

Although small at about 78,000 people, Tromsø is a tourist hotspot because it has international cultural influences and is a springboard to thrilling outdoor adventures. Though it is almost 400 km above the Arctic circle, Tromsø's weather is moderated by the Gulf Stream.

The moderate snowfall and low temperatures allow for dog sledding, reindeer sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. People love seeing the northern lights and the eerie long twilight. Tromsø is served by multiple daily flights to Norwegian cities, buses, and ferries.

3. Svalbard Islands — See the Northernmost Tourist Town and Astounding Nature

The strong, warm Gulf Stream current reaches all the way to Svalbard, a group of islands far to the north of Norway at about 78° latitude, so you'll find a diversity of habitats there. Longyearbyen is Svalbard's largest town with 2,300 residents and polar bears. You can have a comfortable stay there.

There is no daylight in January. The average highs are slightly warmer at -10°C (14°F), and the lows are -16°C (3°F). There is low snowfall. When the weather is inclement, you might want to visit the Svalbard Museum or shop in the stores. When it is clear, you might see the northern lights.

You could enjoy a dog sled excursion or enter an ice cave. Longyearbyen has Svalbard Airport Longyearbyen (LYR). You could take flights directly from Oslo and other cities. All tourists must show their passport or national ID card to travel there.

4. Lillehammer — Enjoy One of the Best Ski Resort Areas in Scandinavia, Ancient Buildings, and Wild Norwegian Food

Lillehammer is a town that became famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1994, and it is conveniently only a two hour drive from Oslo. The best ski resort is Hafjell, and there are museums, Olympic facilities, and good dining and shopping venues.

The Lillehammer region is famous for the spectacular and beautiful mountains and valleys, and it is perhaps Europe's best cross-country ski area. It is also an agricultural area with a rich food heritage, and you could eat moose meat, traditional sweet cheese, locally grown vegetables, fish, and cured meat.

The daily highs are -4°C (25°F). The lows are -10°C (14°F). There is less than an hour of sunshine daily on average. Half of the days of the month have low snowfall. When it snows, you might want to walk in the small town center and visit the shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Crowds and Costs for Traveling in January

After the end of the winter holidays, by the second week of January, most of Norway's tourist highlights are in low season in January. The urban areas are in low tourism season, but the mountain resorts and the far northern tourist towns are in high season.

The gloomy darkness and cold keeps most international tourists away from the towns and cities, but many relish the extreme weather and exotic darkness for skiing and winter sports at some of Northern Europe's best ski slopes and highest mountains such as those near Lillehammer.

The celestial fireworks of the auroras appear to add to the fun and adventure and provide some light for sports activities in nature. Fares for travel and hotel accommodations are lowest in the city, but high in the ski resort and northern tourist towns.

You might want to book ahead to ensure suitable accommodations especially if you plan to be there near the holiday in early January.

Public holidays in January:

New Year's Day is January 1 annually. It is a day off for most Norwegians, and schools and businesses close.

What to Wear in January

For comfort, dress in layers with a heavy outer coat.

Here is a packing list for a few essentials in Norway:

• Warm hat
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Warm waterproof boots with good traction. You might wear them in-flight to travel lightly.
• Heavy winter coat
• Swimwear for hot springs and spas
• Cardigans or thermals
• Gloves
• Polarized glasses to reduce the glare

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Norway

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