FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING NORWAY IN JULY
If you’re wondering where to go in Norway in July and what to see and do, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all about tours to Norway in July with these answers to commonly asked questions.
What are the best things to do in Norway in July?
There are plenty of things you can do during your trip to Norway. In July, the days are long and the nights are short, so you can spend more time sightseeing on your vacation in Norway.
Plus, with the mild summer weather in Norway, you can take advantage of the plentiful outdoor activities. Go kayaking in the fjord area or hiking at places like Pulpit Rock.
Here are 10 of the best Norway travel experiences in July:
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Marvel at the majestic waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
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Enjoy a coastal voyage along the west coast
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Cruise or kayak through dramatic fjords like the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord
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Drive the scenic Atlantic Ocean Road
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Board Norway in a Nutshell® in July to experience breathtaking landscapes
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Hike in national parks for the country’s best vantage points
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See Arctic wildlife and experience midnight sun in remote Svalbard
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Hop from one island to another in the Lofoten archipelago
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Celebrate St Olaf’s Day with the locals at food festivals, markets and processions
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Go along to summer music festivals such as Moldejazz and Trænafestivalen
Good to know: Nordic Visitor itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our Norwegian experts know the country inside out and will tailor your itinerary to create a tour of Norway that suits you.
What are the best places to visit in Norway in July?
July is an ideal month to visit Norway and explore the top attractions.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Norway in July:
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Explore the capital
Oslo and its many highlights and museums
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Visit charming Norwegian villages such as
Flåm
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Stroll through the “Gateway to the Fjords”,
Bergen, and the historic city of
Trondheim
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Hike up iconic landscapes like the
Pulpit Rock, or see them from the water
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Fly north to visit the kingdom of polar bears, remote
Svalbard
What is the weather like in Norway in July?
As July is a summer month, the weather is some of the warmest of the year with low humidity. This is thanks to the Gulf Stream, which warms the west coast. However, you may expect some rain.
The temperature should be fairly stable at this time of year. July has some of the highest temperatures of the year, with the average being 16°C (61°F) in Oslo, but sometimes reaching up to 20 or 25°C (68-77°F).
What is the temperature in July?
As the country spans such a large distance, temperatures in Norway vary depending on location.
In Oslo the average temperature is 16°C (61°F) in July, while in Bergen and Stavanger it is 14°C (57°F). In Tromsø it’s 12°C (54°F), and in Longyearbyen, the main town of Svalbard, it is 7°C (45°F).
Does it snow in Norway in July?
It is unlikely to snow during your tour of Norway in July, as it is the middle of summer. If you’d like to experience snow, visit Northern Norway between December and March.
What are the driving conditions in Norway in July?
If you decide to take on a road trip in Norway, you won’t regret it! It’s an excellent way to experience the country at your own pace. In July, the weather and road conditions are usually ideal to take the wheel and you have plenty of daylight for the journey.
In general, the roads in Norway are of a high standard and are well-maintained. It’s also good to note that Norwegians drive on the right side of the road, like in North America. Rural roads generally have two lanes, but can be narrow and winding, particularly in mountainous areas.
Would you rather take in the view and let someone else do the driving? You could discover Norway on a small group tour or travel via trains and cruises.
What to pack for a trip to Norway in July?
While the summer weather is usually stable, you can expect all seasons in a day while visiting Northern Europe.
As summer nights can still be chilly, especially in the mountains or on the decks of cruise ships, it’s best to bring summer clothes as well as 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 July:
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Shorts and trousers
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Short and long sleeve shirts and at least one warm jumper or fleece
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Waterproof jacket
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Waterproof trousers
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Hat and gloves
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Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
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Sunglasses, sun hat and SPF lotion
An umbrella can also come in handy, and wildlife watchers may wish to bring binoculars. You might also want to bring an eye mask as the nights can be quite bright, due to the midnight sun.
What to wear in Norway in July?
In the Nordic countries, they have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
Look at the forecast before travelling and dress appropriately. Bring summer clothes for any warm days, but make sure to bring layers to adapt to the wind, rain or sunshine. If you go hiking or are out at sea, make sure you bring waterproof and windproof clothing.
What are the daylight hours in Norway in July?
In July the days are very long in Norway. In fact, if you visit the north, you’ll get to experience the midnight sun phenomenon whereby the sun doesn’t set at all.
In the south, you’ll experience 17-19 hours of daylight in July. In the north, expect between 21-24 hours of daylight.
There is a difference in daylight hours between the beginning and end of the month. In early July, the sun rises at 4:00 AM and sets at 10:40 PM in Oslo. In Tromsø, the sun doesn’t go down for nearly the whole of July.
By the end of the month, the sun rises at 5:00 AM in Oslo and sets by 9:45 PM. In Tromsø, the sun rises at 2:15 AM and sets at 11:20 PM.
Can I see the northern lights in Norway in July?
It is unlikely you’ll see the northern lights during your stay in Norway in July, as the nights are too short and don’t get very dark.
If you’re keen to see the northern lights in Norway, you should plan your trip for the winter, between October and March. The long nights mean dark skies, which make it easier to see the colourful solar activity.
Head to Northern Norway with an aurora borealis tour in Tromsø or Kirkenes to chase the northern lights.
Can you see the midnight sun in July in Norway?
Yes, if you’re planning a trip to experience the midnight sun in Norway, then July is an ideal month to visit. Head to Northern Norway where the sun doesn’t set for most of the month. You could also experience the midnight sun in late May and throughout June.
Some of the best places to visit in Norway for midnight sun are Tromsø, the Lofoten islands, North Cape and Kirkenes. These destinations are all located within the Arctic Circle and you can visit them on a cruise, travelling up the west coast to the north of Norway.
How to tour Norway in July?
Though many of Norway's top natural attractions can be visited in under a week from Oslo, July is a wonderful time to slow down the pace. Venture further into the Norwegian countryside – either on your own or with tour guides.
Travel independently around Norway
To travel at your own pace while soaking up all the fantastic views, you could explore Norway by train or cruise.
Your exciting rail adventure will take you through the mountains to cities like Bergen or Trondheim. If you want to embark on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world – Norway in a Nutshell® – July is a great month to do it.
Summer is also a good time to cruise Norway’s fjords and seas. Opt for a Havila or Hurtigruten journey to sail along the rugged west coast with one of the country’s best cruise lines. You can add shore excursions to places like charming Ålesund and the Lofoten islands.
A road trip in Norway
July is an ideal month for those who would like to take the wheel for a tour of Norway. Drive from Southern Norway to the western fjords at a relaxed pace. Experience incredible roads like the steep, twisting Trollstigen or the dramatic Atlantic Ocean Road.
At this time of year, the road conditions are excellent for touring, and you have plenty of daylight hours to drive and explore.
A small group tour of Norway
In July, you can choose from a range of guided small group tours to see the wonders of Norway. You could even discover other Scandinavian countries along the way.
These guided tours offer an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local guide. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 15 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.
Partially guided tours in Norway
A partially guided tour is a great way to combine solo travel with guided excursions. In July, you could head north to discover Svalbard. Explore the largest settlement, Longyearbyen, by yourself and join fun activities every day such as boat and husky safaris.
Good to know: Whichever of these travel styles you choose, 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.
Your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.
As a Northern European tour operator, Nordic Visitor specialises in organising trips to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas and travel tips to help you explore the region your way!
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