Alesund, perched on Norway’s scenic west coast, has a temperate oceanic climate with cool summers and mild, wet winters. The city is known for its abundant rainfall, frequent cloud cover, and dramatic daylight shifts, offering visitors lush landscapes, picturesque fjords, and a dynamic weather experience throughout the year.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Alesund’s climate is shaped by its coastal location and the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, resulting in relatively mild temperatures for its latitude. Winters (December to February) are chilly but not severe, with average highs of 3–4°C and lows around -1°C. Snowfall is common but rarely heavy, and rain is frequent, making winters damp and overcast. The city receives only 0–1 hour of sunshine per day in winter, and daylight is limited to 5–7 hours, with the shortest days in December.
Summers (June to August) are cool and often cloudy, with average highs of 14–17°C and lows of 9°C. Warm spells can occasionally push temperatures above 20°C, but extreme heat is rare. Rain falls year-round, peaking in September (up to 229 mm), while May is the driest month (about 107 mm). Sunshine is most abundant in May and June, with 6–7 hours per day and daylight stretching to nearly 20 hours at the summer solstice. The famous “white nights” from May to August mean it never gets fully dark, creating a unique atmosphere for late-night strolls and outdoor activities. Winds are moderate but can be brisk, especially during storms, and the sea remains cold year-round, warming to just 14°C in August. Alesund’s weather is famously changeable, so visitors should always be prepared for rain and rapid shifts in conditions.
| Average climate data for Alesund, Norway | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -1 | -1 | -1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 1 | -0 | -1 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 127 | 103 | 106 | 81 | 63 | 73 | 96 | 118 | 188 | 184 | 171 | 169 | 1,479 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 24 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 28 | 269 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 10 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Average UV index | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
The best time to visit Alesund is from late May to early August, when daylight is longest, rainfall is lower, and temperatures are mild. This period offers the best conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery, with the added magic of “white nights” for late-evening exploration.
The least favourable time to visit Alesund is from November to February, when days are shortest, rain and snow are frequent, and sunshine is scarce. While the city is atmospheric in winter, outdoor activities are limited, and the weather can be damp and chilly for extended sightseeing.
Alesund has a temperate oceanic climate with cool summers, mild but wet winters, and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Cloud cover is frequent, and the weather can change rapidly, so layered, waterproof clothing is recommended.
Late May to early August is ideal, with long daylight hours, milder temperatures, and the unique phenomenon of 'white nights.' This is the best season for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s natural beauty.
Yes, snow is common in winter, but it is usually light and mixed with rain. The coastal climate keeps temperatures from dropping too low, so heavy snowfalls are rare and snow cover is often temporary.
Alesund receives significant rainfall, averaging 2,000–3,000 mm annually. September is the wettest month, while May is the driest. Rain can occur in any season, so always be prepared for showers.
Winter temperatures in Alesund typically range from 3–4°C during the day to -1°C at night. Cold spells can drop temperatures below -5°C, but the ocean keeps the climate milder than inland Norway.
Yes, Alesund can be windy, especially during autumn and winter storms. Winds are generally moderate but can become brisk, so windproof jackets are useful, particularly near the coast.
Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes for wet conditions. Even in summer, bring a jumper for cool evenings. An umbrella and quick-drying clothes are also recommended for the city’s changeable weather.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (15.1 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (2 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 8.3 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (8.9 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is March (-1.1 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 3.3 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (14.4 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (5.4 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 9.6 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is September (188.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is May (62.5 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,478.9 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is December (28 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is May (16.1 days). Over the whole year there are 269.2 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 19.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 5 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is May (Average sunshine: 7 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 0 h). Over the whole year there are 3.4 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 5). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index: 0). Over the whole year the average UV index is 2.
