When is the best time to visit the Norwegian Fjords

The Norwegian Fjords are arguably among some of the most breathtaking locations in the world, especially when you’re visiting on a cruise. Calm blue waters sit quietly against dramatic mountains, and lush flora and fauna lie pretty next to crashing waterfalls; it truly is paradise on Earth.

Are you looking to visit Norway but want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your holiday? Well, look no further than a Norwegian Fjords cruise, where you can get closer than ever to these magnificent vistas.

In this guide, we take you through the best times of the year you should be planning your visit to the fjords to ensure you’re getting the most out of your cruise holiday. Keep reading to find out when the best time is to cruise the Norwegian Fjords.

Best Time to Visit the Norwegian Fjords by Season

Visiting Norway is a magical experience, regardless of the time of year. Still, depending on the experience you are looking for, some months in the year offer something completely unique.

Whether you are looking for blooming flora, abundant wildlife, snow-peaked mountains or dramatic glaciers, we’ll discuss it all in the sections below.

Charli from the blog The Break of Dawns explains a little more about the Norwegian Fjords and their history on her website: “Tourists have been travelling around these fjords since the early 19th century. One of the hotels in Flam has actually welcomed English Lords since the early 1800s when they’d sail to the village on their yachts.

“While Norway is chock-full of fjords (1190 to be exact), only two are UNESCO-protected, the Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord. The Nærøyfjord is also the narrowest in the entire world, making it one of the most dramatic sceneries in all of Norway. Mountains elevate to nearly 3300 feet above the pure teal waters. At some points, the walls of the fjords close in to only 800 feet wide.”

Spring (March – May)

Spring in the Norwegian Fjords is a time of awakening, marked by longer days and warmer weather. Foliage begins to bloom, with fruit trees starting to bear their goods and display magnificent pink and white blossoms, and the dramatic hills and mountains regain their deep green hues. Although the temperatures are warmer, you’ll still get to see snow-capped peaks for that authentic Arctic experience.

Waterfalls in Norway reach their peak in spring as the snow melts, allowing the water to cascade from great heights into the fjords. As you slowly sail down these meandering channels, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful scenes that not only look visually spectacular but sound equally as impressive. Whilst on your cruise, keep an eye out for Vøringsfossen, Steinsdalsfossen and the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Not only is the flora booming in spring, but the fauna also comes back to life, making it the perfect time for nature lovers to cruise. Look to the skies for eagles and sea birds, look to the shores for puffins and reindeer and look to the waters for whales, dolphins and seals.

Temperatures typically range between 2 °C and 12 °C in spring, and these milder temperatures generally mean the crowds are quieter, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and peaceful cruise experience that allows them to avoid the crowds.

The team at Fjord Norway explains the exciting changes spring can offer visitors: “The spring months of March, April and May is perhaps when the weather is at its most unpredictable – and most exciting! This time of year, an enormous change takes place as the snow melting in the mountains turns into rivers and roaring waterfalls. The serene winter landscape awakens, with birds chirping over the sound of a running stream. You can sometimes experience all four seasons in a single day, with rain, sun or even a rapid-fire hailstorm.”

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Summer (June – August)

Summer is peak cruise season in Norway, and the fjords become a hotbed for those looking to enjoy the extended daylight hours and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. Running between June and August, you can expect up to 19 hours worth of daylight in some areas, making it the perfect time to fit in as much sightseeing as possible, not to mention the warmer weather that makes the season even more enjoyable.

Summer isn’t just a time of beautiful weather and flourishing landscapes; it is a time for celebrating vibrant cultures and immersing yourself in local festivals and events. The small towns and villages of Norway come alive in the summer months, with food and music festivals commonplace and cultures and communities opening their doors to allow visitors to immerse themselves fully.

If you’re a lover of outdoor activities and getting active on your port days is something you enjoy, then the summer months are the ideal time for you to visit Norway. The mountain trails open up, and vast sweeping views can be experienced from almost anywhere you look. Take to the waters and enjoy the calmness from a kayak or canoe, offering you a great new viewpoint of your surroundings, not to mention a great vantage point for wildlife spotting.

Autumn (September – November)

Between September and November is a time of changing colours and quieter crowds, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid busy ports. The autumn colours in Norway are vibrant, with dramatic oranges, browns, and deep reds topping the hillsides. These landscapes are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and avid walkers.

Temperatures in autumn are similar to those in spring and, therefore, slightly milder than the ones you might experience in summer. These temperatures are ideal for those who enjoy sightseeing, making a wander around the local ports and town comfortable and pleasant.

One of the main draws of Norway in the autumn months is the chance to see the Northern Lights. The autumn months mark the start of the period when the Aurora Borealis can be seen most commonly due to the nights becoming longer and darker and visibility increasing. Being on a cruise ship gives you a prime vantage point, minimal light pollution and 360-degree views of the clear night skies, so your chances of seeing the dancing lights are higher than ever during these months.

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Winter (December – February)

The winter season is a time of quietness in the Fjords, as no cruises travel here between December and February. Scandinavia can be harsh during the winter months, with unpredictable weather conditions and heavy snow often expected, making it unsafe for cruise ships to navigate the winding canals.

However, if you’re looking to experience Norway in the winter, then cruises to Norway do still travel between December and February and can be breathtaking as you float between snow-capped mountains to the southern parts of the country.

There is plenty to see in Oslo, the country’s capital, during the colder months. Visit Norway shares one of the city’s winter traditions: “Located in the heart of Oslo, Vigelandsparken, or Frognerparken as the area is also called, becomes even more majestic during winter. Put on a warm jacket, and see how the more than 200 sculpture masterpieces transform into icy fantasy figures, ready to make your Instagram glitter even more.”

Answering FAQs about cruising to the Norwegian Fjords

Can you cruise the Norwegian Fjords year-round?

Our Norwegian Fjord cruises run from April to September, allowing you to choose between a Spring, Summer and Autumn itinerary. The harsher winter months provide cold conditions, and the limited daylight makes sightseeing hard, so we choose not to sail during these times to ensure only the best experiences.

Alternatively, our Norway cruises run year-round and can open up destinations such as Oslo and Kristiansand, as well as often stopping at other Scandinavian countries.

Which season is the most popular to cruise the Fjords?

Summer is the most popular season to cruise the Norwegian Fjords. This is because of the extended daylight hours and the fairer weather conditions, thanks to the Midnight Sun.

When should I cruise the Norwegian Fjords to see the Northern Lights?

If you want to see the Northern Lights, the best time of year is between September and March, as this is when activity is highest and nights are darkest. We offer a selection of Northern Lights cruises that can take you to the Arctic Circle during these months and help you chase the aurora.

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Whether you choose to chase the Northern Lights and waterfalls in early Spring or prefer the laid-back vibe of autumn, a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords is an experience you won’t forget. Hopefully, this guide has answered your queries about when is the best time to cruise to the Fjords.

Our small-ship cruises operate to the Fjords from April to September and can get you to the heart of this beautiful region. Browse our full range of Norwegian Fjord Cruises today and find an itinerary to suit you.

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