10 Really Good Reasons to Visit Norway in September (2024)
As a Norwegian native and passionate traveler of my own country, I’ve explored every nook and cranny of this stunning country in all seasons.
But let me tell you a little secret: September is my absolute favorite time to experience Norway. Even though the air is turning a bit crisp, September still has warm, lazy days, long, light evenings, and a calm beauty that I have not found anywhere else.
It’s like the country puts on its most enchanting outfit; nature explodes in colors: reds, yellows, greens, oranges, and purple – especially in the mountains.
So, grab your cozy sweater like the locals do, and let me walk you through why Norway should be at the top of your travel bucket list in September.
Is Norway A Good Destination In September?
Is the Pope Catholic? Does a bear… well, you know. Yes, Norway is, in fact, a great destination in September! I would even say it is downright spectacular.
September in Norway is like catching the grand finale of summer, and the sneak preview of autumn all rolled into one glorious month.
Visiting Norway in September will give you comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, and nature will show off its most vibrant colors. It’s not summer, not winter, but it’s super pleasant and stunning.
It’s the sweet spot between the bustling summer season and the chilly winter months, offering a unique blend of nature experiences that will make you wonder why you didn’t discover this gem of a travel time sooner.
Also read: Travel Guide: How Many Days In Bergen Is Enough? Advice From A Local
1. The Weather In Norway In September
September weather in Norway – it’s like Mother Nature decided to give us a little boost of energy before winter comes knocking.
Average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), with some days even reaching a balmy 20°C (68°F). As you might know, Norway is a long country, so the average temperatures will be higher in the south than in the north above the Arctic Circle in places like Lofoten and Tromsø.
Still, in the south and west, it is not too hot or too cold; it is just right for exploring both cities, mountains, and fjords. You might get a few rainy days, but that’s kinda part of the charm (we say in Norway, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing).
Plus, there’s nothing quite like cozying up in a café with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate while watching raindrops dance on the fjords.
For a city getaway, you just need to pack a light jacket and an umbrella, and you’re mostly good to go.
If you are planning to hike the mountains in September, however, you need to prepare your gear and packing list, as the weather in higher altitudes can change quickly and be unpredictable.
Also read: 7 Best Ways to See Norway On Your Holiday (plane, train, road trip++)
2. Hiking In Norway In September
Here we are at the spectacularness of September in Norway, the Epic Hiking Adventures. If you love hiking in general, you are going to be blown away by hiking in Norway this month.
The trails are less crowded than in the summer, the air clear and crisp, the mosquitoes have mostly buzzed off, and the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking.
As autumn begins to paint the landscape, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds.
The crisp air makes for perfect hiking conditions, whether you’re tackling the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) or meandering through the tranquil forests of Oslomarka Forest.
And the best part? You can probably reward yourself with a handful of wild blueberries or lingonberries along the way. Just remember to leave some for the local wildlife – they appreciate a good berry snack, too.
Apart from that, when hiking in Norway, make sure to leave nature as you found it.
We do that religiously, which is why Norway is so clean, with no rubbish anywhere. Throw something outside a trash can, and a Norwegian will come and give you an overhaul.
Popular September hikes:
- Besseggen Ridge
- Romsdalseggen Ridge
- Rondane National Park
- Jotunheimen National Park
- Rallarvegen in Finse
- Aurlandsdalen Valley Hike
- Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata Westwall (airy!)
Also read: 113+ Amazing Things To Do Across Norway
3. Water Temperatures In Norway In September
Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat it – swimming in Norway in September isn’t exactly like dipping your toes in the Caribbean.
But still, the water temperatures, hovering around 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F), are surprisingly refreshing. If you’re feeling brave, take a quick plunge into a fjord – it’s invigorating, to say the least.
For the less adventurous, the coastal waters are still warm enough for a paddle or some water sports. And let’s not forget about the hot springs scattered across the country.
Unfortunately, these are not the natural kinds of hot springs like you find in volcanic Iceland.
But there are a lot of artificial ones, as Norwegians love to have warm pools and jacuzzi outdoors in the winter and sit in the hot water while the snow is falling around them.
📍 TravelToNorway Tip: If you are not convinced about dipping in the fjord, you can visit the floating saunas in Oslo or Bergen, where you can skip out for a minute, jump in the frisky fjord, and get right back into the warm cabin in less than a minute!
Also read: Best Things To Do In Bergen Norway
4. Accommodation Prices In Norway In September
Your wallet might breathe a small sigh of relief when you book accommodation in Norway for September, at least if you invest some time to do your research.
As the peak summer season winds down a little, so do the prices. You’ll find that hotels, hostels, and even those charming little cabins in the woods offer more competitive rates, although nothing is Norway can be considered cheap, directly.
Anyway, this means you can either save some kroner for extra adventures or splurge on that fancy fjord-view room you’ve been eyeing that was out of reach in the peak season.
And the best part? You won’t have to battle the crowds for the best spots.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy bed and breakfast in western town Bergen or a sleek design hotel in the capital, Oslo, you’re more likely to snag a great deal and enjoy a more personalized experience in September than in the peak-season summer months.
It is a good idea to book in advance for the best deals – the secret about September in Norway is starting to get out (at least among avid hikers; as I said, Norway is a hikers-heaven this time of year).
Also read: Best Places To Stay In Norway From South To North!
5. September Is Shoulder Season In Norway.
Shoulder season is a magical time for travelers when the summer crowds have thinned out, but the winter chill hasn’t set in yet. You may or may not know that Norway has four distinct seasons, and the changes are not subtle – you will feel it when the seasons change in Norway.
September in Norway is the epitome of shoulder season perfection. You get all the perks of summer – long days, relatively warm weather, and accessible attractions – without the hordes of tourists.
And the real autumn has not started yet; weirdly, just as the calendar turns to the first of October, it tends to change into colder and darker weather quite fast.
Especially in the last half of the month, you will have shorter queues for popular sites, easier reservations at top-notch restaurants, and a more authentic experience overall.
You might even find yourself chatting with locals at a café or having a whole scenic viewpoint all to yourself. It’s like the country is taking a collective deep breath after the summer rush, and you get to enjoy Norway at its most relaxed and genuine.
6. Transport In Norway In September Is Easier
Traveling around Norway in September is a lot smoother than in the peak summer months and also easier than in the winter.
In the summer, we get lots of road trippers and camper van enthusiasts winding their way from the south, via all the fjords, and all the way to the North Cape.
Also, train and bus seats are often sold out in advance for the entire month of July.
With fewer tourists clogging up the roads in September, driving becomes a joy rather than a test of patience. Cruise along the most scenic routes, stop whenever you please to snap that perfect fjord photo, or simply soak in the view.
Public transport is also a breeze – buses and trains run on their regular schedules but with more breathing room. And for those island-hopping dreams? Ferries are still operating frequently, minus the summer crowds.
Even domestic flights are less likely to be affected by the unpredictable winter weather that can sometimes throw a wrench in travel plans later in the year.
So whether you’re zipping through the countryside on a train or navigating the fjords on a ferry, September offers a hassle-free way to explore all that Norway has to offer.
Travel Sites and Apps In Norway:
- Oslo: The Ruter App
- Bergen: Skyss Ticket App
- Train: Vy.no
- Car Rental: Discover Cars
📍 TravelToNorway Tip: The Oslo Pass is a great asset for keeping costs down if you stay for a couple of days; it includes free travel on all transport options in the city, including ferries, free entrance to a variety of sights, and discounts on a lot more.
Also read: Your Ultimate Guide To Transport in Norway
7. The September Light
The September lights in Norway are special – they’re like nature’s own Instagram filter. As summer’s midnight sun gives way to autumn’s softer glow, you’re treated to a light show that photographers only dream about.
The days are still long enough to pack in plenty of sightseeing, but the sun sits lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape.
This magical light makes the autumn colors pop even more, turning every vista into a potential postcard. This is a great reason to have at least one mountain hike on your Norway itinerary for September.
As night falls, you might even catch the first glimpses of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, at least in the northern regions. It’s a time when the air feels clearer and crisper, making everything seem more vivid and alive.
From the sun glinting off a fjord in the late afternoon to the soft twilight that still seems to linger for hours in the evenings, September lights in Norway has a certain kind of magic.
8. Warm Enough To Sit Out At Night (With A Blanket)
Picture this: you’re sitting at a cozy outdoor café, wrapped in a soft blanket (cafes will give you that in Norway) under a warming lamp, sipping on a steaming mug of cocoa or a locally brewed beer.
The air is crisp but not cold, and the setting sun paints the sky in shades of pink and orange. This isn’t a fantasy – it’s a typical September evening in Norway. Many restaurants and bars keep their outdoor seating open well into September, often providing heaters and blankets for added comfort.
It’s the perfect time to enjoy al fresco dining without the summer heat or pesky insects.
Whether you’re people-watching in Oslo’s trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood or enjoying a seaside dinner in Bergen, outdoor seating in September lets you soak in the atmosphere and make the most of those long, lingering evenings.
9. Norwegians Exploit September To The Fullest, And You Should Too!
If you want to know the true value of something, watch how the locals treat it. And let me tell you, we Norwegians squeeze every last drop of joy out of September.
It’s like we’re all secretly in on this amazing deal – one last hurrah before the long winter sets in.
You’ll see us out in force, hiking in the mountains, having picnics in the parks, and filling up outdoor café terraces. We know that September is our last chance to soak up the warmth and light before the days grow short and the temperatures drop.
Festivals and cultural events are in full swing, from food fairs celebrating the autumn harvest to outdoor concerts making the most of the mild weather.
It’s a time when the whole country seems to come alive with a special energy, a collective determination to make the most of this golden month.
So, if you visit in September, don’t be surprised if you find yourself caught up in this infectious enthusiasm – it’s all part of the Norwegian September magic!
10. Festivals In Norway In September
Festivals in Oslo
Skin Fest is an orange wine festival in Oslo on September 7th, the first of its kind in “Norden,” the northern countries. The Oslo Skin Fest intends to share the experience of enjoying orange wines in an authentic festival setting, which is probably a great event for wine lovers.
If you are into Latin dances, there is also a Kizomba Dance Festival on The Zone for three days from September 6th to 8th, a little bit outside the center of Oslo.
By:Larm is a music festival that started in 1998 and is held in various locations in Norway every year. In 2024, it will be in Oslo from September 12th to 14th, with a long line-up of Norwegian and foreign artists.
This is an established and popular festival that normally attracts a diversity of music lovers from all over!
Festivals in Bergen
In Norway’s “capital of the west,” Bergen, you can join the Bergen International Music Festival from the 26th to the 28th of September, with a variety of artists across different genres from all over the world.
Also, in Bergen, they have a Beer Festival on September 13th and a Medieval Festival from September 21st to 22nd.
Festivals in Trondheim
In Trondheim, the first medieval capital of Norway, you find a food festival, or Tour de Food, on Thursday the 26th and Sunday the 29th of September, respectively. Here, you can visit a variety of food trucks offering a variety of national and international taste experiences from food trucks!
For any visiting beer lovers, there is also the Trondheim Craft Beer Festival on September 27th and 28th and the Legend Metal Fest on September 27th for any heavy rockers out there!
Festivals In Lofoten In September
Lofoten is one of the most beautiful areas in Norway, an archipelago above the Arctic Circle outside of Bodø, where you can get to by flying to Svolvær or Evenes or taking the ferry over from Bodø if you do not want to go here on a road trip (which is also possible).
In September, you can participate in the Lofoten Country Festival from the 5th to the 8th of September in Leknes, with a variety of country music bands playing.
From the 20th of September until the 20th of October, there is also an art festival in Lofoten called Lofoten International Art Festival.
Across the different islands, a variety of national and international artists have interesting exhibitions held in a variety of venues throughout the Lofoten archipelago. Check their website using the link above for more information!
Festivals In Tromsø In September
Above the Arctic Circle, in the town often referred to as the Paris of the North, you find the Open Out Art Festival in Tromsø from September 7th through to September 14th.
Festivals At The North Cape
At the top of the world, in the North Cape municipality, you find the northernmost Film Festival in Europe from September 11th through to the 15th, the Nordkapp Film Festival.
Four full days for anyone who would love to visit the North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe, and combine that with a bonanza of movies, debates, and socializing!
FAQs Norway In September
Can I See The Northern Lights In Norway In September?
You juuuust might, but you probably have to put northern Norway on your itinerary for a real chance to get a peak at the Aurora Borealis this early in the season.
Generally, you can expect the northern lights to appear in October in Norway as the nights get darker, and the further north, the bigger the chance – preferably above the Arctic Circle.
Wrap-Up Norway In September
There you have it, folks – ten compelling reasons why September is the ultimate time to visit Norway.
From the perfect hiking weather and budget-friendly accommodation to the enchanting September light and infectious local enthusiasm, this month offers a unique blend of experiences that capture the very essence of Norway.
It’s a time when nature puts on its most spectacular show, and the country reveals its true character, free from the busy summer crowds.
So, why not break away from the typical summer vacation mold and give September in Norway a try?
Trust me, as a local who’s seen it all, I can promise you this: a September trip to Norway isn’t just a vacation – it’s an adventure that will leave you with memories (and Instagram posts) to last a lifetime.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a fjord to admire and some cloudberries to pick. Velkommen til Norge i September!
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