Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Norway in July

Blossoming fruit trees, flowering gardens and lush green forests – Norway in summer is truly beautiful! Enjoy Norway's majestic mountains, spectacular fjords glittering in the sunlight, and more in Norway in July.

Planning your perfect Norway getaway vacation? Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Norway in July, so you can get the lowdown on where to go and what to see.

Why Visit Norway in July?

First of all, why is visiting Norway in July the best plan ever? Well, with the warmest weather and longest days, July is the perfect time to visit Norway. When you visit Norway in July, you’ll find that almost all tourist sites, attractions and key roads are open and available for you to enjoy. (This is not the case during the winter months, when many places and routes remain accessible due to harsh weather).

So, with an amazing variety of activities to choose from and beautiful weather to enjoy them in, what’s not to like? What’s more, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacles like the Midnight Sun, that are only visible during the summer months in Norway.

Note that July is a popular time to visit Norway, so you’ll need to plan your trip. That includes reserving your accommodation and renting your campervan in Norway, well ahead of time. Many Norwegians take holidays in July and, combined with many tourists, this means places can be busy at this time of the year.

Weather in Norway in July

Summer sees by far the best weather in Norway. During July, you can expect sunny days, clear skies and extended daylight hours. The weather in Norway in July is by far the most stable of any other time of year. So, you’re very likely to have some glorious summer days for your Norway adventures. The natural scenery at this time of year is incredibly beautiful – you’re in for a treat!

Norway's temperatures in July average between 13 to 18°C (57 to 65°F), providing you with warm and mild days for all your exploring. If you like it a little hotter, you’ll also be pleased to know that maximum Norway temperatures in July are between 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F).

Although Norway gets its fair share of sunlight during July, be prepared that the weather can still be changeable. So it’s always good to bring a jacket just in case.

Things to Do in Norway in July

Ready to start planning your July Norway itinerary? Check out our list of the best things to do in Norway in July for top attractions and activities to enjoy during Norway's summer peak!

1. See the Midnight Sun

July is the perfect time to see the Midnight Sun in Norway. Norway's northerly position within the Arctic Circle is responsible for the amazing phenomenon. In Svalbard, for example, the sun never sets during the summer months! It can be seen for 24 hours a day.

On the mainland, nights become extremely short, with Oslo experiencing almost 19 hours of daylight and a 11pm sunset. If you want to experience the proper Midnight Sun (perhaps atop a mountain with a glass of champagne!), you’ll need to travel a little further up to Northern Norway.

2. Hike to Pulpit Rock or Trolltunga

Pulpit Rock is a world-famous, spectacular hike you can take to a unique mountain plateau. It offers incredible views over the fjord below. This 4-hour, moderately difficult hike is a fun day trip to get up close and personal with Norway’s beautiful natural scenery.

Another of Norway’s most popular hikes, the walk to Trolltunga offers amazing, panoramic views, again over a stunning fjord. This hike takes 8-12 hours depending on which route you take and is for experienced hikers. Both of these hikes are among our favorite things to do in Norway in July to spend some quality time in nature.

3. Go Swimming at Norway’s Beaches

Whether you fancy a swim, a game of beach volleyball or a relaxing afternoon by the waves, July is the perfect time to enjoy Norway’s beaches. With warm enough water to enjoy bathing in the sea, we recommend taking a trip to one of the country’s beautiful beaches during your time here.

If you’re staying near the capital, you might like to check out Paradisbukta beach in Oslo. Literally translating to ‘Paradise Bay’, this beautiful beach is known for its picturesque sunset views. It is also a great spot for water and beach sports. Further afield, we recommend Godalen Beach in Stavanger and the gorgeous Seljesanden Beach in Nordfjord.

4. Visit the Lofoten Islands

July is the perfect time to soak in the stunning scenery of the Lofoten Islands. You can take a scenic drive through this stunning island archipelago during July. Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing and a whole range of other fun activities.

The breathtakingly beautiful nature at Lofoten is unrivaled. You’ll be able to explore forests, mountains and rural beaches to your heart’s content. Fancy learning more about the history of the Lofoten Islands? You can do that too at the many fascinating museums and galleries here.

5. Take the Flam Railway

One of the most famous train rides in the world, the Flam Railway in Vestland takes you through some of Norway’s most beautiful natural landscapes. This 20-kilometer train route passes through gorgeous lush forests, cascading waterfalls and majestic mountains.

Sit back and relax as you soak in the awe-inspiring views along the Flam Railway route. You can also take a trip to the Flam Railway Museum if you’re a train enthusiast and want to learn more about this historic train line!

6. Enjoy a Norway Fjord Cruise

An amazing thing to do during your trip to Norway in July, taking a fjord cruise will allow you to enjoy some of the most unique and beautiful nature in the country (and the world!). Exploring the heart of Norway’s fjords by boat lets you get as close as possible to these stunning natural marvels.

Glide along the water as you relax in the tranquility and serenity of the fjords. Consider taking a peaceful fjord cruise after a busy day exploring Norway's many attractions. Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. The perfect way to end your day!

7. Visit Historic Norway Villages

Norway is bursting with beautiful, quaint and historic villages, just waiting to be explored! Norway's villages offer a variety of attractions, including colorful houses and bustling harbors. And let's not forget about independent arts and crafts shops!

Some of the most popular villages to visit in Norway are the beautiful Reine in Lofoten and Lillehammer in Southern Norway. The latter is also a ski resort. If you want to go further afield, you can even explore the world’s most northerly settlement with a population greater than 1,000 in Longyearbyen in Svalbard.

8. Soak in the Beautiful Norwegian Waterfalls

Let Norway’s cascading waterfalls soothe your soul as you take a trip to visit some of the most beautiful Norwegian waterfalls. Want to see the highest waterfall in Europe? You can do so in Norway by taking a trip to the majestic 865-meter tall Vinnufossen!

Norway has a whole range of amazing waterfalls to visit. Some of our favorites are the magical Seven Sisters in Geirangerfjord, the unique Steinsdalsfossen near Bergen (that you can even walk behind!) and the jaw-dropping Voringsfossen in Eidfjord.

9. Explore Norway’s Vibrant Cities

July is a great time to explore Norway’s cities. You can grab an ice cream and walk along the harbor and sample some traditional Norwegian cuisine in the sunshine. Take a trip to the famous shopping districts, or enjoy a quiet afternoon exploring the many galleries and museums.

The vibrant capital, Oslo, is a must-visit during your time in Norway. Other bucket-list cities to visit on your Norway July trip are Bergen, Tromso, Alesund, Trondheim, Kristiansand and Stavanger – pick whichever call to you the most!

10. Go Camping Among Norway’s Beautiful Nature

There’s nothing like camping for getting close to nature. Wild camping is a perfect activity for Norway in July. The weather is good enough to sleep outside (especially in the south) and the best, free wild camping spots are all accessible during summer.

You can also enjoy camping in comfort by hiring a campervan in Norway. Perfect for driving around during the day and picking a new, beautiful camping spot each night. One night you might fancy a lakeside stay and the next a stunning forest view – the world’s your oyster!

Get Ready to Visit Norway in July!

Inspired for your own trip to Norway in July? We hope so! Get set for your very own Norway adventure by gathering a list of your own must-see attractions, and exploring accommodation and travel options now.

Thinking of taking a Norway road trip this summer? We’ve got you covered with our range of affordable motorhomes to rent in Norway, including 4x4s and motorhomes. Take a look at what we offer for some road trip inspiration. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country this July!