Visiting Norway in February
February sits at a turning point of the winter months. The days slowly lengthen, light begins to return, and winter activities reach their peak.
February is winter’s final act – but it doesn’t go quietly. Snow lies thick across the landscape, cold weather persists and the Northern Lights still dance across dark skies. It’s a great time to visit Norway for snow-based activities, such as skiing and snowshoeing, and for authentic cultural experiences with fewer tourists.
Weather in Norway in February
Expect cold temperatures and stable snow conditions across most of February. But the return of the sun becomes noticeable in the far north, while further south, longer days allow us to slowly start spending more time outdoors.
Southern Norway
Snow is still common inland and in higher areas, while coastal regions experience colder, drier weather than earlier in the season. Average temperatures in Oslo hover around 0°C, but daylight hours continue to increase – rising from around 8-9 hours at the start of the month to nearly 10 hours, 30 minutes by the end.
Central Norway
Around Trondheim and the fjords, snow cover remains reliable and temperatures usually stay just below freezing. But with longer days than January, February is well suited to skiing, both traditional and cross-country.
This time of year also brings a rare weather phenomenon to Norway: polar stratospheric clouds, or ‘mother-of-pearl' clouds. These iridescent clouds occur when sunlight hits ice crystals from below the horizon and, if you’re lucky enough to witness, are a wonder to see.
Northern Norway
Above the Arctic Circle, February marks the gradual return of daylight. The sun begins to rise higher above the horizon, and by the end of the month you can expect 9 hours, 30 minutes of daylight in Tromsø.
Long nights with clear conditions continue, making February a good time to see the Northern Lights in Norway, especially from one of our ships.
Why visit Norway in February?
Compared with January’s stillness, February in Norway feels energised. Ski slopes come alive, fishing traditions take centre stage on the coast, and winter festivals bring music, food and culture to the fore.
Time to hit the slopes
Conditions for skiing in Norway in February are some of the most stable of the winter. Snow cover is deep and settled across much of the country and daylight hours increase. Visit Narvikfjellet, northern Norway’s largest ski resort and the location of the Alpine Skiing World Championships in 2029, on our North Cape Line voyage. Or why not try cross-country skiing with us in Tromsø?
The return of light in the Arctic
In Northern Norway, February marks a noticeable return of daylight after the darkness of Polar Night. The sun begins to climb higher each day, revealing Arctic landscapes in sharper detail and providing more opportunities for beautiful landscape photography.
A month shaped by tradition
February is closely tied to seasonal traditions in Norway, such as skrei (Norwegian Arctic cod) fishing along the coast or vinterferie (winter holiday) in the mountains.
On 6 February, it’s Sámi National Day, where the Indigenous communities of Northern Norway, as well as Sweden, Finland and parts of Russia, commemorate the first international Sámi congress held in Trondheim in 1917.
Where to go in Norway in February
Tromsø
Tromsø in February balances Arctic winter with cultural warmth. Long nights still offer excellent Northern Lights viewing, but the gradual return of daylight marks a shift in the city’s energy.
Sail to the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ on the North Cape Line at the beginning of the month for the annual Northern Lights Festival, when music fills local concert halls and churches. Then Sámi National Day (6 February) marks the start of Sámi cultural celebrations in the city. Watch reindeer racing, learn about traditional joik singing or warm up with a bowl of bidos, Sámi reindeer stew.
Svolvær and the Lofoten Islands
February is skrei season in Lofoten, when fishing villages such as Svolvær come alive with activity tied to the annual cod migration.
Join us on our Coastal Express voyage to witness the process. Fishing boats arrive and depart, racks fill with drying skrei, and the islands feel purposeful – shaped by a rhythm that has defined life here for generations.
Kirkenes
Far in Norway’s northeast, Kirkenes offers an authentic Arctic Circle experience. Snow blankets the surrounding wilderness, nights are long, and the landscape feels vast and remote.
Guests on the Coastal Express can join us on an excursion to the Snowhotel 365. This icy structure features rooms carved from snow and ice each winter, and there’s plenty of opportunities to take part in outdoor activities – from meeting reindeer to dog sledding with huskies.
Oslo
The Norwegian capital is calm and quiet at this time of year, with snow remaining across the city. It’s a great time to explore its wealth of museums and galleries without the crowds – including the Munch Museum, dedicated to the world-famous Norwegian artist.
And as the starting point of our North Cape Line itinerary, what better place to start your Norwegian adventure?
What to do in Norway in February
Join a king crab safari
Imagine travelling across a frozen fjord on a snowmobile-driven sleigh to cut a hole in the ice and haul out a king crab. Our winter king crab excursion in Kirkenes allows you to catch and then eat this tasty crustacean, via chefs at the nearby Snowhotel.
These creatures patrol the seafloor of the waters near this Arctic outpost town, making Norway one of the world’s finest producers of king crab.
See the magic of the Northern Lights
February is an excellent time to see the Northern Lights in Norway, as aurora activity remains strong throughout the month. Your best chance to see them is above the Arctic Circle and beneath the Auroral Oval – the invisible ring around the magnetic North Pole where aurora activity is most powerful.
Both our North Cape Line and Coastal Express voyages pass through this region, and minimal light pollution at sea gives you even better viewing conditions.
Immerse yourself in Sámi culture
February brings a special opportunity to learn about Sámi history, culture and heritage thanks to the weeklong celebrations surrounding Sámi National Day on 6 February. Our North Cape Line itinerary stops at Tromsø, allowing you to take part in the annual festivities happening across the city.
Back on the ship, you can sample Sámi-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. One of our Culinary Ambassadors, Máret Rávdná Buljo, is a custodian of Sámi food traditions and uses her inherited knowledge to develop new menus for our onboard restaurants, including the Brasserie Árran on our Signature voyages.
Try cross-country skiing
Norway's cross-country trails are at their best in February, winding through forests, valleys and open plateaus.
It’s a simple, immersive way to experience Norway’s beauty in winter – moving steadily through snow-covered landscapes, with just the sound of your crunching footsteps breaking the silence. And don’t worry if you’re new to the sport – our cross-country skiing excursion is ideal for beginners to master the basics.
A taste of Norway in February
This time of year is all about seafood. Along the coast, fresh skrei and Arctic king crab take centre stage, reflecting the winter harvest from cold northern waters.
It's also a month for dishes tied to tradition. To celebrate Sámi National Day on 6 February, bidos – rich reindeer stew – is a popular choice. Elsewhere, bakeries fill with sweet Fastelavnsbolle (Shrovetide buns) filled with cream and jam to celebrate the beginning of Lent.
What to pack for Norway’s weather in February
Norway during February calls for practical, well-chosen layers. A waterproof outer shell, an insulated mid layer and a thermal base layer all help to regulate your temperature during outdoor activities. Sturdy winter boots will keep you comfortable on snowy ground, while accessories such as gloves, a hat and a scarf are essential.
Dressing appropriately for the conditions allows you to spend more time outside and make the most of your time in Norway. As we say in Norway, det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær – there’s no such thing as bad weather here, only bad clothes.
Explore Norway in February with Hurtigruten
Travel tips: Visiting Norway in February
Absolutely. February is an ideal time to see the Northern Lights in Norway due to long nights and cold, clear conditions – especially north of the Arctic Circle.
Yes. February may be cold, but you’ll be rewarded with clear skies, fewer crowds and picturesque frozen landscapes when visiting at this time of year.
Bring practical layers, such as a waterproof outer shell, insulating mid-layers and a warm base layer. You’ll need study footwear with good grip and a hat and gloves, especially for the northern regions. And don’t forget lip balm to combat Norway’s dry winter air.
February is nearing the end of the season for whale watching but it’s still possible to see orcas and humpback whales along the coast around Tromsø. In Northern Norway, you may see reindeer on snowy plateaus, and sea eagles in the fjords – especially on our sea eagle safari excursion.
In Svalbard, look out for Arctic foxes in their white winter coats.