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Geiranger, nestled at the end of Norway’s iconic Geirangerfjord, features a cool subarctic climate with mild, short summers and long, wet, snowy winters. The village experiences abundant rainfall, dramatic seasonal daylight swings, and lush green scenery. With breathtaking fjord views and ever-changing weather, Geiranger is a spectacular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers year-round.
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.
The climate of Geiranger
Geiranger’s climate is shaped by its fjordside location and mountainous terrain, resulting in four distinct seasons and significant weather contrasts. Summers (June–August) are mild and relatively short, with average highs of 16°C in July and lows around 9–11°C. July is the warmest month, offering up to 6–7 hours of sunshine daily and nearly 20 hours of daylight at the solstice. Rain is frequent, with July and August each seeing 150–170 mm of precipitation over 17–18 days. The fjord and surrounding peaks remain lush and green, and the sea temperature reaches about 17–18°C, making swimming possible for the hardy. Humidity is high, and gentle breezes are common, but winds can pick up during storms.
Winters (November–March) are cold, long, and very wet, with average highs near -2°C in January and lows dropping to -8°C at night. Snowfall is abundant, especially in January and February, with monthly totals exceeding 160 mm and up to 20 snowy days. Days are short and dark, with only 1–2 hours of sunshine and 5–7 hours of daylight in December. The fjord rarely freezes thanks to the Gulf Stream, but the surrounding mountains are snow-capped, creating a magical winter landscape. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are transitional, with rapidly changing weather, cool to mild temperatures (4–13°C), and frequent rain. May is the driest month, while October and December are the wettest. Winds are generally moderate, averaging 10–15 km/h, but can be brisk at higher elevations or during storms. Geiranger receives about 1,800 mm of precipitation annually and enjoys 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, supporting lush vegetation and spectacular waterfalls.
| Average climate data for Geiranger, Norway | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | -6 | -5 | -3 | -0 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 3 | -2 | -5 | 11 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -9 | -9 | -8 | -5 | -1 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | -1 | -6 | -8 | -9 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 145 | 101 | 115 | 69 | 58 | 74 | 97 | 103 | 157 | 161 | 150 | 173 | 1,403 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 23 | 19 | 20 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 25 | 241 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Average UV index | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Travel info
- Spring (March–May): Cool and fresh, with highs from 4–10°C. May is the driest month. Snow lingers on the peaks, and waterfalls are at their fullest – bring layers and rain gear.
- Summer (June–August): Mild and lively, with highs of 14–16°C. Frequent rain and long daylight hours. Perfect for fjord cruises, hiking, and waterfalls – pack waterproof clothing, light layers, and sun protection. Expect crowds and brisk breezes.
- Autumn (September–November): Cool in September (up to 13°C), cooling to 2°C by November. Rainfall increases, and days shorten. Early autumn is great for hiking and fewer tourists – bring layers and rain gear.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and snowy, with highs near -2°C and lows down to -8°C. Frequent snow, rain, and short days. Dress warmly and bring waterproof boots. Ideal for tranquil fjord views and winter sports in the region.
- General tips: Weather is unpredictable – always dress in layers and carry rain gear. Even in summer, evenings are chilly. Book early for summer cruises and tours. Winds can be strong at higher elevations. Daylight hours vary greatly by season.
The best time to visit Geiranger
The best time to visit Geiranger is from late May to early September, when temperatures are mildest (13–16°C), days are longest, and the fjord is vibrant with cruises, hiking, and outdoor activities. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing, exploring waterfalls, and enjoying the lush, green landscapes, though rain is frequent and crowds are common.
The worst time to visit Geiranger
The least favourable time to visit Geiranger is from November to March, when temperatures are coldest, days are shortest, and frequent rain, snow, and darkness can limit outdoor activities. While winter offers peaceful fjord views and magical snowy scenery, many tourist services are closed and travel can be challenging.
Frequently asked questions
Geiranger has a cool subarctic climate with mild, wet summers and long, snowy winters. Rain falls year-round, with the wettest months in autumn and winter. Snow is abundant in winter, and summers are short but lively.
The best time to visit is from late May to early September, when the weather is mild, days are long, and the fjord is lively with cruises and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn are also scenic but wetter and quieter.
Yes, Geiranger receives about 1,800 mm of precipitation annually. Rain is frequent year-round, with July, August, October, and December being the wettest months. May is the driest month.
Winter highs average -2°C, with lows dropping to -8°C at night. Snow is common, especially in January and February, and days are short and dark. The fjord rarely freezes due to the Gulf Stream.
Summer highs in Geiranger typically reach 16°C in July, with cool nights around 9–11°C. Heatwaves are rare, and evenings remain chilly even in midsummer. Long daylight hours make summer ideal for outdoor activities.
Winds in Geiranger are generally moderate, averaging 10–15 km/h, but can be brisk during storms or at higher elevations. Strong winds are more common in autumn and winter.
Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, waterproof clothing for frequent rain, and sturdy shoes for hiking. Even in summer, bring a jumper or jacket. In winter, warm clothing and waterproof boots are essential.
Minimum and maximum temperatures in Geiranger
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (10.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (-6 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 2.2 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (5.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (-9.1 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is -2.8 °C.
Rainfall amount in Geiranger
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is December (172.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is May (58.5 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,403.3 mm of rainfall on average.
Rainfall days in Geiranger
The month with the most days of rain is December (24.9 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is May (15 days). Over the whole year there are 241 days of rain on average.
Daylight hours and sunshine hours in Geiranger
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 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 7 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 1 h). Over the whole year there are 3.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
UV index in Geiranger
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 2.1.
- Geiranger climate overview
- Climate table
- Related travel information for Geiranger
- The best time to visit Geiranger
- The worst time to visit Geiranger
- Frequently asked questions
- Temperature summary
- Rainfall amount summary
- Rainfall days summary
- Daylight hours and sunshine hours summary
- UV index summary
- Other recommended travel destinations