Norway in December : Weather, Northern Lights, Events & Complete Travel Guide

Norway is one of the must-visit destinations in Europe for Indian travellers. Norway in December is a magical wonderland with snow-covered landscapes, cold temperatures and festive spirit. The winter month brings early sunsets and an enchanting polar night, which paves the way for the iconic Northern Lights. From the festive city lights of Oslo to the aurora-illuminated Arctic skies of Tromso, Norway in December offers a mix of natural beauty and Nordic charm. Whether you are chasing the Northern Lights, having an adventure on the ski slopes, or soaking in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets, this comprehensive Norway December travel guide covers everything you need to know to make your journey seamless.

Key Takeaways

• Winter Wonderland Weather: December brings snowy landscapes with temperatures ranging from -6°C to 3°C (21–37°F), creating perfect conditions for winter activities and Northern Lights viewing.
• Peak Aurora Season: Long nights and clear skies make December one of the best months for spotting the Northern Lights, especially in Tromsø and Northern Norway.
• Festive Cultural Experiences: Christmas markets, St. Lucia’s Day celebrations, and traditional Norwegian “koselig” culture transform cities into magical holiday destinations.
• Budget Considerations: Norway in December costs approximately Rs. 1,250–3,500 (NOK 1,500–4,200) per day, including accommodation, food, and activities, with advance booking reducing costs significantly.
• Short Daylight Hours: Oslo has about 6 hours of daylight, while Tromsø experiences polar night—plan your activities accordingly for the best experience.

Norway in December Weather Guide

Norway in December marks the beginning of the winter season, thereby bringing snow-filled adventures in the Arctic north to festive charm in southern cities.

Temperature Overview by Region

Oslo & Southern Norway Weather in December: The capital region experiences temperatures between -3°C to 3°C (27–37°F) and consistent snow cover throughout December. This creates a stunning winter setting for the Christmas markets in Norway and ice skating expeditions. 

Tromso & Northern Norway December Weather: The Northern regions present stable winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from -6°C to -1°C (21–30°F). Tromso in December offers a unique experience of the Polar Night and the prime time for witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights.

Mountain Region Temperatures & Snow Conditions: The Mountain regions experience temperatures below -10°C (14°F), creating ideal conditions for snow adventures like skiing and snowboarding.

Snowfall Patterns Across Norway

Norway December weather brings consistent snow cover throughout the country. The Northern regions and highland areas receive the heaviest snowfall, while coastal areas like Bergen experience a mix of snow and rainfall. 

Best Places to Visit in Norway in December

Tromso – The Arctic Capital & Northern Lights Hub

Tromso is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights in Norway in December. Activities like dog sledding through the snow-covered landscapes, reindeer safaris and aurora boat cruises are some of the things to do in Norway in December.

Lofoten Islands in December – Scenery & Aurora Viewing

The Lofoten Islands in December enjoy stable winter conditions with mild, comfortable temperatures. The region offers the most dramatic scenery with snow-covered peaks and excellent opportunities for Northern Lights displays.

Oslo Christmas Markets & Winter Festivities

Oslo is the capital of Norway. The capital city transforms into a winter wonderland in December with Christmas markets, ice skating under the lights and festive decorations throughout the city centre.

Top December Ski Resorts: Geilo & Hemsedal

Norway in December marks the beginning of the ski season, with reliable snow coverage and fewer crowds than the peak season of February and March. Gelio and Hemsedal are a few Norway ski resorts that ensure excellent snow conditions throughout the month and offer opportunities for snow adventure. 

December Events & Festivals in Norway

Christmas Celebrations & “Jul” Traditions

Norway in December is the “Jul” season (Norwegian Christmas season), when every corner of the country is decorated with lights, Christmas trees and festive displays. Christmas concerts featuring traditional carols and classical music take place in churches and concert halls across the country.

St. Lucia’s Day (December 13)

St. Lucia’s Day is usually celebrated on December 13 across Norway. The festival features children, dressed in white robes and carrying candles while singing traditional songs in schools, churches and community centres.

Northern Lights Tours & Experiences

December is considered the peak aurora viewing season in Norway. Towns like Tromso, Alta and Kirkenes offer guided tours, aurora camps and snowmobile excursions under the glowing Arctic skies.

What to Eat in Norway in December

Norway in December feature traditional Christmas dishes, perfect for the cold season. Pinnekjott, Rakfisk, Risgrot and Lutefisk are some of the traditional December dishes that one should not miss during their Norway winter travel.

Norway in December Budget Guide

Daily Budget Breakdown (Accommodation, Food, Activities)

Category	Budget Travel(per day)	Mid-Range Travel(per day)	Luxury Travel(per day)
Accommodation	Rs. 2,500-6,000	Rs. 7,000-12,000	Rs. 20,000-40,000
Meals	Rs. 1,000-2,000	Rs. 2,000-3,500	Rs. 7,000+
Transportation	Rs. 300-1,800	Rs. 1,000-1,500	Rs. 1,800
Activities	Rs. 1,500-5,000	Rs. 5,000-8,000	Rs. 8,000-15,000
Total	Rs. 10,000-20,000	Rs. 11,000-28,000	Rs. 35,000-50,000+

How to Travel Around Norway in December

International Flights to Norway

Norway has multiple international airports, namely the Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), Bergen (BGO), Stavanger (SVG), Tromso (TOS) and Trondheim (TRD). There are no direct flights from India to Norway, and require one or more stops during your journey. 

Train Travel – Scenic Winter Routes

Norway’s transportation infrastructure handles winter conditions efficiently. The railway network operates regularly throughout the winter season and offers scenic winter journeys. 

Winter Driving Tips for Travellers

Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring Norway’s countryside. Road conditions are generally well-maintained but require winter driving experiences.

Buses & Local Transportation

The local buses run efficiently throughout the month and connect every corner of the country. The bus services offer a budget alternative to trains and domestic flights.

Norway Visa Requirements for Indian Travellers

Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit Norway. Applications can be submitted at the Norwegian embassy or the visa application centre in India at least 15 working days before planned travel. The visa allows travel throughout the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

What to Pack for Norway in December (Essential Checklist)

• Norway’s winter is cold but magical — preparation is key.
• Insulated winter jacket 
• Thermal base layers 
• Waterproof winter boots with good traction 
• Wollen socks
• Fleece gloves

Plan Your Norway December Trip with us

Norway in December is one of the best times for travellers seeking a winter wonderland experience with Northern Light displays and authentic Christmas traditions. The combination of snowy landscapes, festive atmosphere and reliable winter activities makes Norway winter travel the perfect escape to experience the authentic Nordic charm. From the charming Christmas markets in Oslo to dog sledding under the Northern Lights, Norway in December offers you a magical winter experience. Check out Norway tour packages from Pickyourtrail and customise your perfect Norway itinerary with expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Norway in December

What is the weather like in Northern Norway in December?

Northern Norway in December experiences temperatures between -6°C to -1°C (21–30°F) with consistent snow coverage. Tromso and the surrounding Arctic regions enter polar night, where the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon but creates beautiful twilight conditions for several hours daily. This extended darkness is actually advantageous for Northern Lights viewing, as aurora displays can be seen even during afternoon hours. Dress in layers with thermal base layers, an insulated outer jacket and waterproof boots.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Norway in December?

Yes, December is one of the best months for Northern Lights viewing in Norway. The combination of long dark nights, clear skies and increased aurora activity makes December ideal for catching the aurora borealis. Tromso, Alta and the Lofoten Islands offer excellent viewing opportunities with Northern Lights visible on approximately 60–70% of clear nights. 

How many hours of daylight does Oslo have in December?

Oslo receives approximately 6 hours of daylight in December. This limited daylight window requires planning your outdoor activities for midday hours. The winter sun creates beautiful golden-hour lighting conditions throughout the day, excellent for photography. The short days are part of Norway’s winter charm, and locals embrace the darkness with cosy “koselig” culture and candlelit cafés.

Is December a good time for skiing in Norway?

December is an excellent time for skiing in Norway, with reliable snow coverage at major resorts and fewer crowds than peak season (February–March). December provides good skiing conditions across beginner to expert terrain. 

What are the best outdoor activities in December?

Skiing, snowboarding, reindeer safaris, dog sledding, Northern Lights tours and exploring Christmas markets.