Visiting Norway in October
October in Norway offers fewer crowds, bold colors and the first glimpse of the country's winter magic.
Norway in October is when the landscape takes on its boldest colors and the north takes its first steps toward winter. Valleys glow in deep amber, fjords mirror fiery forests, and Arctic nights return with skies alive in green aurora. Coastal towns are calmer, the harvest fills our kitchens, and the rhythm of daily life slows as we prepare for the cold season ahead.
October isn’t a beginning – it’s a turning point. The last full month of fall, the first taste of winter, and one of the most rewarding times to visit Norway with Hurtigruten.
Weather in Norway in October
Norway in October is full of autumn’s heart: cooler days, coastal rain, snow in the Arctic and mountains, and golden southern landscapes. Shorter days and dark nights make it a great time to catch the Northern Lights.
Southern Norway
In Oslo and the southern fjordlands, daytime temperatures usually range between 37°F and 48°F.
Days are fresh but still comfortable for city walks and hikes through golden forests. Coastal towns along the south enjoy mild air, though rain showers are more likely.
(Image copyright: Fredrik Ahlsen/Visit Norway)
Central Norway
In the fjords and around Trondheim, daytime temperatures sit between 40°F and 50°C. Mornings can be misty, with afternoons opening into crisp, bright days.
The fjords are stunning in October – often with calm waters reflecting forests at peak color.
(Image copyright: Foap - VisitNorway.com)
Northern Norway
Above the Arctic Circle, October feels like a new season entirely. The temperature in Norway in October here averages between 33°F and 41°F, with snow often dusting the mountain peaks and foothills.
Nights are long and dark enough for reliable aurora sightings, while days glow with the blue light unique to fall in this part of Norway.
(Image copyright: Steffen Fossbakk - Visit Norway)
Why visit Norway in October?
October offers something no other month can: the perfect balance between autumn beauty and winter drama. Here's why we think this shoulder season is an incredible time of year for a relaxing Norwegian itinerary.
Northern Lights season gets into full swing
By October, aurora season is well underway. Nights are long and dark, with displays often peaking between 6pm and 2am. With the current Solar Maximum, expect more frequent and stronger Northern Lights than usual.
When you sail with Hurtigruten in October, you’re covered by our Northern Lights Promise. If the aurora doesn’t appear on your voyage of 11 days or more, we’ll give you a free 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Coastal Express journey.
Fall colors reach their peak
The contrast of burnished red and yellow forests against dark fjords can make October one of the most photogenic months of the year.
Birch trees turn butter-yellow, mountain ash burns red, and valleys shimmer in gold. Be sure to pack your camera!
Harvest season
October is høst here in Norway – harvest time. Wild mushrooms from forest floors, hand-picked cloudberries from Finnmark, game from northern mountains, and Arctic seafood create the perfect ingredients for comforting, warming dishes.
Fewer visitors
Visiting Norway in October means the summer tourists have departed and coastal towns are quieter. This is your chance to experience a different aspect of real Norwegian life – a time where locals gather together and cafés become cozy havens.
(Image copyright: Fredrik Ahlsen - Visit Norway)
Early winter magic in the north
While southern Norway enjoys autumnal warmth, the north above the Arctic Circle begins its winter transition. Snow dusts landscapes around the North Cape, Tromsø and Kirkenes, creating an ethereal blue twilight unique to the polar regions.
Where to go in Norway in October?
Every port offers something special in October, but some destinations truly shine during this transitional month.
Lofoten Islands
October brings mellow yellow light over the jagged peaks and quiet fishing villages of this picturesque archipelago. Watch as locals prepare for winter. Stockfish is packed ready to be exported while lamb is top of the menu.
Without the summer crowds, the islands feel raw and authentic, offering travelers the chance to hike, kayak and explore against a backdrop of dramatic fall skies.
North Cape
The North Cape - Europe’s northernmost point - feels otherworldly in October. Snow starts to settle on the tundra, the air grows sharper, and the longer nights offer the promise of prime Northern Lights viewing.
Enjoy excursions to the North Cape from Honningsvåg, a port of call on many of our winter itineraries.
Trøndelag and Trondheim
October in Trøndelag means harvest food at its finest. The region’s rich farmland and forests produce game, mushrooms, root vegetables and berries – all showcased in the menus of Trondheim’s thriving restaurant scene.
Cozy cafés offer shelter from cooler, changeable weather, while the city’s medieval streets and its Gothic cathedral glow with fall color.
Tromsø
Known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, Tromsø in October is where autumn gives way to early winter.
The city sits under skies dark enough for consistent Northern Lights sightings, while cultural life bursts into action with events like the Insomnia Festival, which celebrates electronic music and Arctic creativity.
What to do in Norway in October?
Hiking in golden landscapes
Our shore excursions include coastal hikes through forests painted in fall colors. The Art Nouveau walk in Ålesund and mountain hikes in Hjørundfjord also offer breathtaking views.
(Image copyright: Marte J. Åsland - Visit Helgeland - Visit Norway)
Go aurora chasing
There's often excellent Northern Lights viewing in Norway during October. Of the 34 ports that we visit on our famous Coastal Express route, 22 sit within the Arctic Circle.
Our onboard team monitors aurora forecasts and alerts you when conditions look promising - so you don't need to wait in the cold.
Enjoy wildlife and cultural experiences
October in Norway is prime time for marine wildlife as orcas and humpback whales move deeper into fjords to feed on shoals of migrating herring.
Harvest festivals occur across coastal communities, while on the Flåm Railway you’ll get to experience spectacular golden valley views and thundering waterfalls.
A taste of October
On board, our Norway's Coastal Kitchen showcases October's harvest bounty in a range of rich and hearty dishes. Game features prominently, as does slow-cooked lamb and reindeer.
Wild mushrooms and root vegetables from northern farms, local cloudberries and Arctic seafood like lobster and king crab, create menus celebrating both season and place.
What to pack for Norway's weather in October
October weather in Norway varies dramatically between the north and south. Bergen might see temperatures around 50°F, while Kirkenes can drop below freezing.
Essential items to explore Norway:
Warm base layers for changing temperatures
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Comfortable waterproof boots with good grip
Warm hat and gloves
Cruises to Norway in October
Norway in October: travel tips
Yes, we say October is an excellent month for experiencing authentic Norway. You'll avoid peak tourist season while enjoying comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
Pack practical layers as it’s possible to get different seasons in one day. Waterproof outer layers, insulating mid-layers, and warm hat and gloves for northern regions are essential. Sturdy footwear with good grip is also a good idea.
Absolutely. October marks the real beginning of aurora season. Clear evenings provide excellent viewing conditions, especially north of the Arctic Circle.
Norway’s fjords are not only accessible in October, but arguably at their most beautiful. In October on the Coastal Express, we make a detour into Hjørundfjord – one of our favourite lesser-known fjords – as well as the narrow but mighty Trollfjord, if conditions allow.
October brings orcas and humpback whales around Tromsø, rutting deer in the forests, and sea eagles soaring over Trollfjord - best seen on our sea eagle safari excursion. In Svalbard, look out for Arctic foxes.