FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING NORWAY IN FEBRUARY
Whatever you’re wondering about visiting Norway in February, we’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions. Is February a good time to visit Norway? Definitely! What can you visit during this time of year? Read below to find out all the details from our local travel experts.
What are the best things to do in Norway in February?
As February falls within the winter in Norway, this is the ideal time to visit to take part in snow activities and experience the real Scandinavian winter. And you could go in search of the northern lights at night!
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Norway in February:
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Spot the dancing aurora borealis in the night sky
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Explore the vibrant capital, Oslo
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Board the iconic tour Norway in a Nutshell® in February for breathtaking landscapes
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Learn more about Sami culture
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Enjoy a Havila cruise or Hurtigruten coastal voyage along the west coast
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Stay the night in an ice room at the Snow Hotel
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Cruise through Norway’s fjords in February
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Head north to remote Svalbard to see polar bears and attend the Polar Jazz Festival
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Try snowmobiling, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the countryside
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Attend Norway's largest winter festival Rørosmartnan
Good to know: The Norwegian experts at Nordic Visitor will make sure your itinerary is tailored to your taste. Add excursions like dog sledding or snowmobiling to your tour or even shore excursions as you cruise Norway in February. You could visit charming Ålesund and the Lofoten islands.
Plus, you’ll get all the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
What are the best places to visit in Norway in February?
February is an ideal month to visit Northern Norway and experience the true meaning of winter.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Norway in February:
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Explore the capital
Oslo and its many highlights and museums
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Visit
Tromsø to chase the northern lights in Norway’s aurora capital
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Experience snow like never before in
Kirkenes
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Stroll through the “Gateway to the Fjords”,
Bergen
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Fly north to visit the kingdom of polar bears, remote
Svalbard
If the northern lights are on your bucket list, February is a fantastic time to visit Norway. The “northern lights belt” (also called “aurora belt”) passes directly through Northern Norway. This means the best places to go for viewing the aurora borealis are the Arctic towns of Tromsø or Kirkenes.
What is the weather like in Norway in February?
As February is a winter month, the weather is usually very cold. Temperatures are below freezing in most parts of Norway and the country is beautifully blanketed with snow. It is as expected for a country that stretches into the Arctic Circle!
What is the temperature in February?
In Norway in February, the average temperature is -7°C (19°F). But as the country spans such a large distance temperatures in Norway vary depending on location.
In the capital and in Tromsø, the average temperature is -4°C (25°F) in February. In Stavanger and Bergen, it is higher with an average of 2°C (36°F) thanks to the Gulf Stream, which warms the west coast. In Longyearbyen, the main town of Svalbard, it is -13°C (9°F).
Does it snow in Norway in February?
Yes, you can expect plenty of snow-covered landscapes during your tour of Norway in February. It’s an ideal time to take part in activities such as snowmobiling or dog sledding.
What are the driving conditions in Norway in February?
Driving in Norway in winter is likely to be different than what you’re used to back home, even if you’ve experienced snowy, icy conditions before. Winter storms can bring high winds, poor visibility and slippery surfaces.
Driving over mountain passes can also require extra caution at this time of year. It’s good to note that some roads are closed over the winter months. This is why we recommend a summer road trip to Norway instead.
Between May and September, you could also join a small guided group tour, go hiking and experience the midnight sun. Southern Norway is especially beautiful at this time of year!
What to pack for a trip to Norway in February?
Temperatures are usually below freezing in Norway at this time of year, and can even reach lows of -20°C (-4°F). For that reason, it’s best you bring ample warm layers. That way, come rain or shine, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
Here is a list of packing essentials for your Norway trip in February:
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Insulated and waterproof jacket
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Wool jumpers
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Waterproof or snow trousers
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Insulated boots with a good grip
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A warm hat, gloves and scarves
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Thermal socks and underwear
If your tour includes activities like dog sledding or snowmobiling, you may also wish to bring glove liners, a balaclava and maybe even warmer heat packs. Some excursions will provide thermal suits for your protection, but make sure to check details before departing on your adventure.
What to wear in Norway in February?
In the Nordic countries, they have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
When travelling to Norway in the February, you can expect cold temperatures outdoors. They may feel even colder with the strong coastal winds (wind chill factor). To enjoy all your winter activities, come prepared with warm underlayers and insulated outer layers.
What are the daylight hours in Norway in February?
In February, the days are still short and the nights long. At the beginning of the month, in Oslo, the sun rises around 8:30 AM and sets by 4:30 PM. As the north experiences a dark winter, in Tromsø, the hours of daylight span between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM on average.
By the end of the month, the capital sees daylight hours between 7:15 AM and 5:45 PM. In Tromsø, sunrise is at 7:10 AM and sunset at 4:45 PM.
Can I see the northern lights in Norway in February?
The best time to admire the auroras in the Norwegian skies is between the months of October and March, so you’re in luck! Head to Northern Norway with a stay in Tromsø or Kirkenes for your best chances of seeing them.
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