Best Time to Go on Norwegian Fjords Cruises by Season

Timing depends on what you want to see and how you want to experience the fjords. The most popular time to go on Norwegian fjords cruises is summer. In summer, the sun stays up late and the fjords burst with life, but the crowds are thick.

In winter, you will have the whole place to yourself but fewer daylight hours and open attractions. Fall and spring have their own merits. Here we have the pros and cons of each season so you can determine the best time to go on a Norwegian fjords cruise.

Many travelers consider summer (June, July, August) the best time to cruise the Norwegian fjords. You will find more options for Northern Europe cruises in summer, from quick 7-day getaways to 35-day sojourns that cruise the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the British Isles.

The weather is as warm as it gets (low 70s) in Norway and the landscape is green and lush. The sun stays out long past bedtime and in June and July above the Article Circle, it doesn’t set at all. Summer is the best time to cruise the Norwegian fjords if you want to see gushing waterfalls and wildlife, such as elk and reindeer.

The drawback to cruising the Norwegian fjords in summer is (you guessed it) more people. Expect packed cars on the Flåm railway, and more tourists on Trolltonga. However, there are more traditional festivals and bonfires. Oslo and other big cities offer more open restaurants, attractions and later museum hours.

Book your Norway shore excursions well in advance and go to less-visited trails to avoid the crowds. Our cruise ships are perfectly sized for more space. Take in every spectacular sight without someone crowding your view.
 

Pros: Play in the midnight sun. Best weather for outdoor activities.

Cons: More crowds at popular attractions. 

Fall is a beautiful time to cruise the Norwegian fjords. Autumn foliage carpets the mountains in brilliant oranges and reds, drenched in golden, late-afternoon light. If you’re very lucky, you may even see the northern lights, as the days start to get shorter and they are a more common occurrence around the autumn equinox in September. A fall cruise means that the crowds will be much thinner and the cafes, cozier. That said, expect a few rainy days and a nip in the air. Temperatures in September and October are in the lower 50s/upper 40s and snow is possible.

Pros: Quieter trails and attractions. Fall foliage and harvest season.

Cons: Weather can be rainy and breezy. 

Winter (November through March) in Norway is magical with dramatic, snow-covered mountains and vibrant pink sunsets. While it is possible to visit the Norwegian fjords in winter, the season for Norwegian fjord cruises is May through October. There aren’t many options, so you will have to be flexible. You’re more likely to see the northern lights in winter, which is a major draw if you want to cross the aurora off your bucket list. However, Norway’s days are dark. In some places, the sun never properly rises, a phenomenon called mørketiden or polar night, which is sometimes called Norway’s fifth season.

Pros: You will have the whole place to yourself. Winter sports, such as snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and hot tub soaking are available in abundance.

Cons: Limited options in terms of cruises, available space and open attractions. 

Norwegian fjords cruise season typically kicks off in early May. The snow begins to melt revealing fresh greenery underneath. The rivers rush with melting water. It is the best time to cruise Hardangerfjord, as the fragrant fruit trees begin to blossom. As spring is the shoulder season, flights and hotels will be cheaper, especially in early May. Expect temperatures to be in the 40s.

Pros: Cheaper prices. Less crowds. Wildlife sightings.

Cons: Temperatures may still be brisk.

Check out our cruises to Northern Europe and explore the enchanting villages and rolling pastures that have inspired artists and poets for centuries.