Complete Guide to Visiting Norway in February + 10 Top Things to Do

A true winter wonderland, Norway in February offers a range of unique outdoor festivals, fun activities and a brilliant chance to see the Northern Lights, all without the tourist crowds and summer prices. Sounds good, right?

Let’s explore everything you need to know to visit Norway in February, including the weather and temperatures you can expect, average daylight hours and what to bring in your suitcase. We’ll also share our top recommendations for what to do in Norway in February, so you can have the best trip possible!

Is February a Good Time to Visit Norway?

First off, you might be wondering whether February is a good time to visit Norway. This last month of winter in Norway is, in fact, a fantastic time to visit Norway if you’re looking to enjoy a snowy vacation full of local festivities.

As an off-peak traveling month, February is a great time to head to Norway if you prefer to escape the crowds. You’ll also find off-peak prices in Norway in February, giving you a little helping hand with your vacation budget.

Oslo in February

If you’re planning to visit the Norwegian capital, you might want to know a little bit about what to expect during February. Well, Oslo in February is extremely beautiful, often snow-covered and always bursting with life and cultural activities to get involved in.

With average temperatures between 0ºC and -8ºC (32 to 17ºF), Oslo is definitely chilly in February, so it’s best to pack your winter gear if you want to go out and about exploring the incredible landscapes of Norway.

Check out our list of things to do in Norway below for some top recommendations for your time in Oslo. Whatever you choose to do in Oslo in February, you’re definitely in for a treat!

Daylight Hours in Norway in February

As winter draws to a close, days get noticeably longer in February in Norway. As this beautiful Nordic nation spans a large latitude range, daylight hours are quite different between the north and south of the country.

Lying above the Arctic Circle, Northern Norway receives between 5 to 8 hours of daylight each day during February. This includes the iconic Arctic City of Tromso and towns such as Alta and Narvik.

Further towards the south, daylight hours during February are between 9 and 11 hours on average. So, if you plan to visit any Southern Norway cities during your vacation, including Oslo, you’ll have plenty of time to go out and about exploring – perfect!

Can I See the Northern Lights in Norway in February?

Yes! You can see the Northern Lights in Norway in February. In fact, February is an amazing time to spot the spectacular aurorae in Norway, as the Northern Lights season in Norway lasts from September to March.

With longer nights and dark skies, the winter months are the optimal time to witness these incredible dancing lights in Norway. You can check the Norway Northern Lights forecast to find out the probability of seeing the lights on a particular day.

Weather and Temperature in Norway in February

February in Norway is the time when winter is drawing to a close, although temperatures remain cold throughout the month. Weather and temperatures in Norway in February vary depending on where exactly in the country you’re planning to visit.

In South Norway, you can expect snowfall, some windy conditions and average temperatures of between 0ºC and -8ºC (32 to 17ºF). The further north you go, the colder it will (generally) get. Temperatures in North Norway usually range from between -4ºC and -10ºC (25 and 14ºF).

An important thing to note if you’re planning to visit West Norway is that the Gulf Stream tends to create milder and rainier conditions along the coast, so bring along an umbrella if cities like Bergen are on your travel list!

If we can guarantee one thing about the weather in Norway in February, it’s that weather conditions are bound to be changeable – you may even experience all four seasons in one day! Be prepared for changes in the weather and make sure you’ve got a range of clothes with you, then you’ll be all set.

Norway in February Packing List

Wondering what to bring with you for your Norway February vacation? We’ve got you covered with our list of essential items to pack.

• Waterproof and windproof coat – Grab your coziest winter parka and you’ll be all set for your trip to Norway in February. It’s ideal if you have a coat that’s both waterproof and windproof, so you’re protected from the elements.
• Hat, gloves and scarf – For sure, you’ll need a hat, gloves and a scarf to keep warm during February in Norway. A hat that also covers your ears is best.
• Thermal layers – Our best tip for dressing well for Norway in February is to layer your clothing, including a thermal base layer. That way, you can stay warm no matter the weather.

Our Top 10 Things to Do in Norway in February

Wondering what to do in Norway in February? Take a look through our list of the top 10 things to do during February in Norway for some vacation inspiration!

Take to the Slopes to Enjoy an Incredible Skiing Experience

Norway’s ski slopes are renowned for a reason; the idyllic Norwegian mountains make the perfect place to enjoy some winter snow among incredibly beautiful, wild nature. Keen skiers will love heading inland to take to the slopes and enjoy a day of gliding on the snow.

If you’re sticking around in Norway a little longer, you might also like to join in with the historic Birken Ski Festival (Birkebeinerrennet). This legendary 54 km ski race starts in Rena and ends in Lillehammer, taking you across two mountains and treating you to some incredible scenery along the way.

The idea behind Birken Ski Festival has its origins in the 13th century, when the King’s heir was saved from enemies during the Norwegian Civil War by citizens skiing this route across the mountains with the little boy. Since 1932, Birken Ski Festival has been held every year to honor this history, with participants even being required to carry a backpack weighing at least 3.5 kg to symbolize the weight of carrying a child.

Learn about the Sami People During Sami Week

Sami Week takes place every February in Norway, with people coming together to celebrate the culture, history and legacy of the Sami people. Usually held in early February, Sami Week also includes the Sami National Day on February 6th, which is the date when the first Sami congress was held in Trondheim in 1917.

This special event takes place in Tromso and is the perfect opportunity for travelers to learn more about how the Sami people live, as well as take part in fun events, including workshops, concerts, exhibitions, reindeer racing and lasso throwing! You’ll also find an Arctic winter market to enjoy, where you can see some beautiful Sami arts and crafts, plus sample traditional foods and even purchase reindeer meat.

Soak in Norway’s Musical Culture at Polar Jazz Festival or Kristiansund Opera Festival

Music lovers will have the chance to watch some of the most talented Norwegian and international musicians perform during the epic music festivals held in Norway during February. Both the Polar Jazz Festival and Kristiansund Opera Festival take place in Norway in February every year.

The world’s northernmost music festival, the Polar Jazz Festival is held in Longyearbyen in Svalbard during the first weekend of February to celebrate the approaching end of the dark season. Beautiful music of many genres, including but not limited to jazz, echoes across the archipelago during this unique music festival.

Back on the mainland, the Kristiansund Opera Festival brings together some of the most talented professionals and amateurs to create an epic opera experience. With full-scale opera performances, concerts, musicals and lectures to attend, there’s no shortage of brilliant events to get involved with during the 17 days of this festival.

Visit the Breathtaking Norwegian Fjords

Taking a trip to Norway’s stunning fjords is undoubtedly one of the top bucket list items for your Norwegian vacation. These narrow bodies of water carve their way through the country’s mountains, creating spectacular panoramas.

Some of our favorite fjords in Norway are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Naeroyfjord and Geirangerfjord, plus the incredible Hardangerfjord. Whichever Norwegian fjord or fjords you choose to visit, we’re sure you’ll be amazed at their beauty.

One of the best ways to experience Norway’s fjords is by taking a fjord cruise, where you can glide along the pristine water enjoying the views of lush green forests, mountains and valleys. Alternatively, if you prefer a more active experience, you can get up close to Norwegian nature by taking a hike along the fjords.

Explore Oslo’s Fascinating Cultural Highlights

While in Norway, a trip to Oslo is a must! The country’s capital is bursting with fascinating cultural sites to visit, including the spectacular Frogner Park, Oslo Opera House, Akershus Fortress, the Royal Palace and Oslo City Hall.

In terms of museums and galleries, you’ll be spoilt for choice for which ones to visit. The largest collection of art across all Nordic nations is housed in Oslo’s National Museum, including works by Monet, Picasso and Cezanne. There’s also the famed Munch Museum and Vigeland Museum, showcasing the work of some of Norway’s most prolific artists.

For those visitors interested in learning more about the history of polar exploration, the Fram Museum is the place to be and, if you fancy braving the February cold, we highly recommend checking out the fascinating open-air Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, which includes over 160 buildings!

Jam in the Mountains at Ice Music Festival

If there’s one unique festival you just have to take part in during your Norway February vacation it’s definitely the Ice Music Festival. This amazing ‘glacial instrument’ festival merges science and art to create a truly incredible spectacle at Bergsjo in South Norway.

All of the instruments and even the venue for the festival are constructed from snow and ice – how incredible is that?! Definitely a sight to see at least once in your life, the Ice Music Festival is usually held in the first week of February and features a range of events, including concerts, presentations, and even ice bathing and sleigh riding experiences!

For an otherworldly experience of music, art, literature and climate science, Norway’s Ice Music Festival is the place to be.

Go on a Northern Lights Hunt

One of the best reasons to visit Norway in February is the fantastic chance you have to witness the Northern Lights during this time of year. Watch this incredible color show light up the Norwegian skies during your vacation and experience your jaw drop at their beauty!

Whether you choose to take a guided Northern Lights tour or set off on a self-guided adventure, you’re sure to have an incredible time. We recommend joining a guided tour with an expert host for the best experience, as you can learn all about the aurorae and get to know the best places to spot the lights.

Wander Round Norway’s Picturesque Villages and Towns

A must-have experience while in Norway is touring the country’s charming villages and gorgeous towns. For a taste of authentic Norwegian life, you can head to some of the most picturesque coastal villages, including the beautiful Geiranger in Fjord Norway and the pretty ski-resort town of Lillehammer in South Norway.

With breathtaking natural views and a range of quaint cafes to enjoy a hot chocolate and a taste of the local produce, visiting Norway’s villages offers a unique chance to experience Norwegian village life and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the cities. As an off-season month, February is a great time to enjoy the smaller towns and villages around Norway in peace and quiet.

We’re sure you’ll be blown away by the truly incredible views you’ll be treated to in these rural towns. Trust us – it’s well worth the drive off the beaten path!

Experience Winter Like a Norwegian By Going Snowkiting or Snowshoeing

Daredevils have to try some of Norway’s most popular winter sports during their February vacation. You’ll most likely come across certain winter sports you’ve never heard of during your time in Norway, such as snowkiting or snowshoeing.

Snowkiting is an exhilarating experience using either skis or a snowboard (plus a kite, of course!) where you glide across fresh, powder snow using the force of the wind. A fun thing to do during your Norway February vacation is to take a weekend snowkiting course, so you can learn the basics and take to the slopes in no time!

Snowshoeing, on the other hand, is more suitable for those travelers wanting to experience a peaceful time among Norway’s mountains, as this popular winter tradition simply involves hiking through the snowy Norwegian landscapes and enjoying the incredible views. You’ll need specialized equipment to traverse these tranquil environments safely, including snowshoes and trekking poles. We recommend joining a guided snowshoe tour for the best experience.

Sample the Delicious Norwegian Cuisine

February is the perfect time to seek out a top-rated restaurant to sample some delicious and hearty Norwegian cuisine. After a day of exploring Norway’s incredible (yet chilly) landscapes, you can head into the warmth of one of the country’s authentic restaurants to settle down for a virtual culinary tour!

Some Norwegian favorites we recommend trying during your vacation are the country’s famed fish, seafood, meat and cheeses. In particular, we recommend pickled herring, torrfisk/stockfish (wind-dried cod) and brunost (sweet brown cheese). While in Norway, you can also enjoy some popular sweet treats, including farm-fresh berries and waffles.

Of course, your trip to Norway isn’t complete without sampling Norway’s national dish: farikal. This lamb and cabbage stew is the perfect cozy meal to warm you up on a chilly February evening and can be enjoyed along with some lefse (soft Norwegian flatbread).

Plan Your Own Magical February in Norway!

Inspired to make your own dream February in Norway trip a reality? Let’s get planning by finding the perfect campervan rental in Norway, ready for the trip of a lifetime around this incredible country. With the freedom to travel wherever you want whenever you want, exploring Norway by campervan is the ultimate vacation solution.

We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!