FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING NORWAY IN MARCH
If you’re thinking about visiting Norway in March and want information on what to see and do, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all about tours to Norway in March with these answers to commonly asked questions.
How is Norway in March?
In March you can expect wintry scenes and fewer crowds at top sites compared to the summer months. Discover the stunning fjords of Western Norway or head north to explore a remote and ethereal wonderland.
March is a good time to visit Norway if you want to experience snow and northern lights but aren’t so keen on winter darkness. With sunset times starting in the late afternoon, you’ll have ample daylight for sightseeing and dark nights for aurora viewing.
What are the best things to do in Norway in March?
March is a good time to enjoy winter tours in Norway. You can chase the northern lights and visit top sites with fewer visitors around.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Norway in March:
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Spot the dancing aurora borealis in the night sky
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Visit fishing villages and head out on boat safaris in the Lofoten islands
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Admire the Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bergen
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Enjoy a Havila cruise or Hurtigruten coastal voyage along the west coast
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Cruise through Norway’s fjords in March
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Stay in a hotel made of snow and ice
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Have a go at dog sledding, ice fishing or Arctic trucking
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Travel from Oslo to Bergen with Norway in a Nutshell® in March
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Marvel at the majestic waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
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Try snowmobiling, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the countryside
Good to know: The Norwegian experts at Nordic Visitor will make sure your itinerary is tailored to your taste. Add activities like dog sledding or snowmobiling to your tour or even shore excursions as you cruise Norway in March. 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 March?
In March you can visit Northern Norway for aurora borealis tours and Arctic Circle landscapes. Meanwhile in Western Norway, you can visit the iconic fjords without the crowds.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Norway in March:
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Explore the capital
Oslo and its many highlights and museums
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Visit
Tromsø to catch 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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Sail north to see jewels of Arctic Norway like the
North Cape
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Fly north to visit the kingdom of polar bears, remote
Svalbard
If the northern lights are on your bucket list, March 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 March?
March falls towards the end of winter in Norway, so the weather is still cold. However, the days are growing longer which means you have plenty of time to explore the sites in daylight, then chase the northern lights at night.
What is the temperature in March?
As the country spans such a large distance, temperatures in Norway vary depending on location.
In Oslo the average temperature is 0°C (31°F) in March, while in Bergen it is 3°C (37°F). In Stavanger the average temperature is 4°C (40°F), in Tromsø it’s -3°C (27°F), and in Longyearbyen, the main town of Svalbard, it is -13°C (9°F).
Does it snow in Norway in March?
Yes, it does snow in Norway in March. Snow is more likely at higher altitudes and towards the north of the country, whereas the coastal areas are prone to rain.
What are the driving conditions in Norway in March?
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 in March. It’s important to note that some roads are closed over the winter months. If you want to take the wheel on a self-drive tour, we recommend you visit Norway between May and September instead.
Or, if you’d like to travel with a local guide and like-minded visitors, plan your trip for the summer to join a guided small group tour of Norway. The tour director will take you to the best spots and share their insider knowledge with you. Southern Norway is especially beautiful in the summer!
What to pack for a trip to Norway in March?
The weather in March is cold, so you must bring suitable layers and protective gear. 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 March:
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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
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Heat packs
What to wear in Norway in March?
In the Nordic countries, they have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
When travelling to Norway in March, 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 March?
In March the days are growing longer in Norway, as winter turns to spring. In the south, you’ll experience 10-13 daylight hours. In the north, expect 9-14 hours of daylight.
There is a big difference in daylight hours between the beginning and end of the month. This is partly because Norway observes Daylight Saving Time, so the clocks “spring forward” on the last weekend of March.
In early March, the sun rises at 7:15 AM and sets at 5:45 PM in Oslo. In Tromsø, the sunrise is at 7:10 AM and sunset at 4:45 PM.
By the end of the month, the sun rises at 6:40 AM in Oslo and sets by 8:00 PM. In Tromsø the sun rises at 5:45 AM and sets at 7:50 PM, meaning a significant increase in daylight hours compared to the beginning of March.
Can I see the northern lights in Norway in March?
Thanks to the dark nights it experiences, March is a great time to chase the auroras in Norway. The darker and clearer the skies, the more chances you have of witnessing the incredible solar activity. That’s why winter is the best time of year to search for the northern lights.
The optimum place to look for the aurora borealis is towards the Arctic Circle. We recommend you head to Northern Norway with a stay in Tromsø or Kirkenes.
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!
Good to know: Nordic Visitor’s itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our travel experts know their destinations inside out and will tailor your tour to suit you.
You’ll always get the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast. Your travel consultant will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.
Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
