Visiting Norway in September
September is a great time for travel to Norway. The air is crisp, the light is dramatic, and the summer crowds have gone.
Norway in September marks the beginning of something special. The Midnight Sun retreats, the first Northern Lights appear, and the mountains, valleys and forests transform into a canvas of amber and gold.
Weather in Norway in September
September in Norway brings crisp air, fall colors and shifting light. The weather varies across the country: the south feels fresh but mild, central Norway glows under clear skies, and the north edges into early winter with the return of darker nights.
Southern Norway
Southern Norway enjoys a gentle fall. Temperatures in Norway in September here range between 48–60°F.
In Oslo and along the southern coast, the days can still feel pleasantly warm, though evenings are cooler.
Central Norway
In Trondheim, Ålesund and the fjord regions, temperatures usually range between 46–59°F. Mornings often begin misty, clearing into bright afternoons that show off the fjords at their most photogenic.
Hiking conditions are excellent in September, with crisp air, fewer visitors, and clear panoramic views from the trails.
Northern Norway
Above the Arctic Circle, temperatures cool further, ranging from 39–44°F. While early snow is possible on mountain peaks, the real highlight here is the return of darker skies.
This is when the first Northern Lights start to appear, glowing above landscapes already brushed with fall colors.
Why visit Norway in September?
Visiting Norway in September means you’ll get experience it in a fall glow and see things that are not possible any other time of the year.
The Northern Lights return
By mid-September, darkness creeps back into the Arctic night sky, and with it comes the aurora borealis.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway in September is special: temperatures are milder than winter, so you can watch the aurora without the extreme cold.
When you sail with Hurtigruten after 20 September, 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.
Early fall paints the landscape
September brings the first brushstrokes of fall across Norway's dramatic scenery.
Forests shimmer orange and red. Mountain slopes wear crowns of amber, creating perfect conditions for hiking through landscapes that seem touched by gold. It’s breathtaking.
A taste of fall
Fall is harvest season, and this time of year showcases Norwegian cuisine at its finest.
Wild mushrooms are ready to be foraged, lingonberries and cloudberries ripen in the forests, and local farms celebrate their exciting seasonal produce. Expect comforting, rich dishes from lamb and game and just-picked root vegetables.
A quieter time to travel
As the summer high season fades, September reveals Norway's calmer soul.
Tourist hotspots aren’t as busy. Local festivals feel intimate rather than overwhelming. You'll discover the Norway that locals know and love.
Great conditions
September weather in Norway strikes the ideal balance for outdoor activities. Days remain warm enough for outdoor adventures, while cooler evenings invite cosy fireside moments.
Whether you're planning active shore excursions or gentle cultural exploration, September accommodates every travel style.
Where to go in Norway in September?
Your Norway trip in September opens doors to diverse experiences across our magnificent coastline. Some of our favorites include:
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are always dramatic, but in September they feel especially alive. The sunrises and sunsets wash the jagged mountain peaks and white-sand beaches in fiery reds and purples, creating unforgettable views.
The hiking trails less crowded than in midsummer, so you can climb to iconic viewpoints like Reinebringen or Munken in peace.
Fishing villages such as Henningsvær and Nusfjord still buzz with local life, and this is prime time for kayaking in glassy fjords or cycling along quiet coastal roads.
North Cape
Visiting the North Cape in September feels like standing at the edge of the world. At 71°N, Europe’s northernmost point is where the continent falls into the Arctic Ocean.
By this time of year, the endless light of the Midnight Sun has gone, replaced by long dusky twilights and the first shimmering appearances of the Northern Lights.
The landscape itself shifts too: tundra grasses turn copper and gold, while reindeer roam the open plateau.
Bergen and Ålesund
September is perfect for exploring Norway's cultural coastal heritage. As the summer tourist crowds depart, UNESCO-listed Bryggen in Bergen becomes a place for quiet wandering.
Ålesund’s Art Nouveau architecture looks even more striking in the golden light of early fall, and from Mount Aksla you’ll see the town framed by fiery trees and jagged peaks.
Trøndelag - the heart of Norwegian flavor
Central Norway’s Trøndelag region is where Norwegian cuisine truly comes into its own, and September is the best time to taste it.
The harvest fills markets with root vegetables, apples and berries, while local farms prepare lamb and game for the season’s menus.
Trondheim, the region’s capital, is home to some of Norway’s best restaurants, many of them Michelin-starred, and this is when chefs showcase bold, seasonal flavors.
Think slow-cooked deer with earthy mushrooms, roasted root vegetables, and desserts inspired by cloudberries or lingonberries.
(Image copyright: Christine Baglo - Visit Norway)
What to do in Norway in September?
Outdoor adventures
September's mild weather creates perfect conditions for hiking Norway's famous trails.
If you’re sailing with Hurtigruten, our shore excursions include gentle coastal walks, city tours and challenging mountain climbs, all enhanced by fall's golden light.
It’s also a great time to enjoy biking along scenic coastal roads, as well as kayaking or canoeing on clear waters. This is the time to enjoy the Norwegian wilderness from a different perspective.
Cultural life
September launches a packed calendar of festivals and events across our cities and communities.
Foodies should head to Matstreif in Oslo or the Bergen Food Festival. While music lovers won’t want to miss By:Larm in the capital, which celebrates new music and emerging artists from the Nordic countries.
(Image copyright: Fredrik Ahlsen/Maverix Media - Visit Norway)
Wildlife encounters
September brings incredible wildlife opportunities in Norway. In the Lofoten Islands, orcas and porpoises patrol the waters.
It’s also the tail end of the breeding season for puffins and sea eagles, making sightings especially rewarding.
Reindeer roam the tundra in northern Norway, their antlers crowned with velvet, and further north in Svalbard, the fading Midnight Sun signals your last chance to search for polar bears along the drifting ice.
A taste of September
September showcases the seasonal heart of Norwegian cuisine. While spring and summer are more suited to lighter dishes, the harvest of wild berries, mushrooms and root vegetables, as well as an abundance of lamb and game, means September is the start of comfort food.
Slow-cooked meat and rich hearty cuisine are at the fore. It’s also a good time to taste the coast, as restaurants celebrate their catches of blue mussels and mackerel.
What to pack for Norway's weather in September
The weather in Norway in September can change quickly, especially above the Arctic Circle. Packing layers and waterproofs will help you make the most of any Norway travel itinerary.
Essential items:
Layered clothing
Waterproof jacket
Sturdy walking shoes with good grip
Light gloves and warm hat
Camera for spectacular light conditions
Cruises to Norway in September
Norway in September FAQs
This shoulder season is the perfect window to explore Norway. You'll encounter comfortable weather, fewer crowds and landscapes at their most photogenic.
Yes, mainly in northern regions from mid-September onwards. The aurora season begins gradually, with sightings becoming more frequent as darkness returns. Our Northern Lights Promise covers voyages of 11 days or longer from 20 September.
Layer strategically for varying conditions. Pack waterproof outerwear, comfortable walking shoes and warm accessories – especially if you are heading into the Arctic Circle and northern regions.
The Norwegian fjords in September are particularly beautiful. Fall colors frame dramatic forests, valleys and waterfalls. Our fall itineraries includes detours into Hjørundfjord and Trollfjord.
September offers excellent wildlife viewing. Whales continue coastal migrations, sea eagles hunt in crimson light, and seabirds prepare for winter journeys.
Yes, it can snow in September in Norway. It is more likely later in September, in the mountain peaks and above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway.
Discover Norway, month by month
August
For those who know Norway, August is a time to treasure. For those who are visiting for the first time, it’s a perfect introduction.
October
Norway in October is full of fall's heart: cooler days, coastal rain, snow in the Arctic and mountains, and golden southern landscapes.