Norway in May: The Ultimate Spring Travel Guide for Weather & Best Places to Visit

Key Takeaways: 

• Perfect Spring Weather: May offers mild temperatures (6°C-16°C), longer daylight hours, and blooming landscapes across Norway.
• Constitution Day Celebrations: Experience Norway’s National Day on May 17th with parades, traditional costumes, and nationwide festivities.
• Budget-Friendly Season: May falls in the shoulder season, offering lower accommodation rates compared to peak summer months (June-August).
• Extended Daylight: Enjoy up to 18-20 hours of daylight in northern regions, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Ideal for Outdoor Adventures: Hiking trails open, waterfalls reach peak flow from snowmelt, and fjord cruises begin their season.

Are you planning to visit Norway in May? Norway in May is one of the magical times of the year, when the country transforms into a landscape of cascading waterfalls, blooming flowers and snow-capped mountains. May sits perfectly between the cold winter months and the crowded summer season, thereby offering travellers with pleasant weather conditions, extended daylight hours and an opportunity to witness the Midnight Sun. Whether you wish to celebrate Norway’s biggest national holiday, experience the magical Midnight Sun or venture on a hiking expedition amidst the vibrant landscapes, visiting Norway in May offers you the ideal conditions for exploring this Nordic destination.

Norway Weather in May – Temperatures, Daylight Hours & Regional Climate Guide

Norway weather in May marks the transition from the spring season to early summer. 

 Temperature Ranges by Region

Region	Temperature Range	Conditions	Daylight Hours
Oslo & Eastern Norway	8 – 18°C	Mild, occasional rain	16-17 hours
Bergen & Western Fjords	9 – 15°C	Frequent showers, dramatic clouds	16-17 hours
Trondheim & Central Norway	6 – 14°C	Cool, variable conditions	17-18 hours
Tromso & Northern Norway	4 – 10°C	Cool, midnight sun begins	20+ hours

Read more: Norway trip guide

Best Places to Visit in Norway During May for Stunning Spring Landscapes

Norwegian destinations offer the best combination of weather, accessibility and seasonal attractions during the spring season.

Oslo – Museums, Fjord Views & Royal Palace Parades

Oslo is the capital city of Norway. The city is renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty with modern urban sophistication. 

Bergen – Bryggen Wharf & Norway’s Fjord Gateway

Bergen is a coastal gem located on the west coast and is famously known as the gateway to the fjords. The city features the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen, which captivates its visitors with its colourful wooden houses. 

Geirangerfjord – UNESCO-Listed Natural Wonder

The Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site in western Norway. It is renowned as one of the most spectacular fjords in the world for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic waterfalls.

Lofoten Islands – Midnight Sun & Arctic Beauty

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are an Arctic archipelago and are known for their dramatic mountains, fjords and scenic beaches. Norway in May brings longer daylight hours to the Arctic islands while maintaining relatively cool temperatures.

Top Things to Do in Norway in May – Events, Outdoor Adventures & Cultural Experiences

Norway in May offers an exceptional range of experiences, from cultural celebrations to outdoor adventures. 

1. Celebrate Constitution Day (17th May – Syttende Mai)

Constitution Day is the most important celebration in Norway and is celebrated annually on May 17th. This national day event transforms cities and towns into vibrant displays of national pride, with the main parade passing through the Royal Palace in Oslo.

2. Ride the Flam Railway Through Spring Landscapes

The Flam Railway operates one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The journey connects the mountain station of Myrdal to the Aurlandsfjord, and offers spectacular views of green valleys and snow-capped peaks.

3. Explore Bergen and Mount Fløyen in Peak Spring

Bergen is a city on the west coast of Norway and offers a blend of rich history, maritime heritage and natural beauty. The city houses the historic Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring colourful wooden buildings. 

4. Experience Fjord Cruises in Western Norway

Fjord cruises are among the best things to do in Norway in May. These cruises navigate through the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and lush greenery, and offer an extraordinary way to experience some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. 

Read more: Places to stay in Norway

Festivals and Events in Norway in May

Bergen International Festival:

Bergen International Festival is celebrated annually in late May for 15 days. This cultural celebration showcases music, dance, theatre and visual arts, and attracts international performers and artists.

Stavanger Wine Festival:

The event features wine tastings, food pairings and culinary demonstrations from Norwegian and international participants.

Getting Around Norway in May – Transport Tips for Smooth Spring Travel

Public transportation in Norway is well-developed. Norwegian railways operate comfortable services and connect all the major cities. The bus services in Norway offer frequent services with more flexibility than trains for regional travel. Ferry services are essential for exploring the fjord regions and coastal islands in Norway, while domestic flights cover long distances quickly.

Visa Requirements for Indian Travellers Visiting Norway in May

Indian Citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Norway. Applications can be submitted through VFS Global visa application centres in India at least 15-20 days before travel. The tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Norway Trip Cost in May 2025 – Budget Guide & Money-Saving Tips

Category	Budget Travel	Mid-Range Travel	Luxury Travel
Accommodation	Rs. 2,600-4,400 (NOK 300-500)	Rs. 7,000-10,500 (NOK 800-1,200)	Rs. 17,500+ (NOK 2,000+)
Food & Drink	Rs. 2,200-3,500 (NOK 250-400)	Rs. 4,400-7,000 (NOK 500-800)	Rs. 8,800+ (NOK 1,000+)
Transportation	Rs. 900-2,600 (NOK 100-300)	Rs. 2,600-5,300 (NOK 300-600)	Rs. 7,000+ (NOK 800+)
Activities	Rs. 900-2,600 (NOK 100-300)	Rs. 3,500-6,000 (NOK 400-700)	Rs. 8,800+ (NOK 1,000+)
Total Per Day	Rs. 6,600-13,200 (NOK 750-1,500)	Rs. 17,500-29,000 (NOK 2,000-3,300)	Rs. 42,100+ (NOK 4,800+)

Money-Saving Strategies

Transportation Passes: Multi-day city cards in Oslo and Bergen offers public transportation on discounted prices and free museum entry.

Free Attractions: Hiking trails, public parks, Constitution Day celebrations and the spectacular scenery.

Advance Booking: Train tickets, accommodation and ferry services for discounted prices.

Final Thoughts – Why May Is the Best Time to Visit Norway

Norway in May is a harmonious blend of pleasant weather, extended daylight and shoulder-season advantages that enhance the travel experience. It is a month of vibrant transformation and renewal, and offers a unique opportunity to experience Norway at its most spectacular vistas. Whether you wish to participate in outdoor adventures or attend unique cultural events, Norway in May delivers exceptional value and unforgettable experiences. Explore Pickyourtrail’s customisable Norway tour packages or Norway honeymoon Packages to create a personalised itinerary that captures the true magic of this Scandinavian country.

FAQs on Visiting Norway in May

Can you see the Northern Lights in Norway during May?

No, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are not visible in Norway during May due to extended daylight hours. The aurora requires darkness to be seen, and May brings 18-24 hours of daylight across most of Norway, especially in northern regions. The Northern Lights season runs from late September through March when sufficient darkness returns. However, May offers the midnight sun phenomenon in northern Norway, with 24-hour daylight.

Is Norway expensive to visit in May compared to other months?

May represents a more affordable time to visit Norway compared to peak summer months (June-August) while still offering excellent weather and accessibility. Accommodation rates typically run 15-25% lower than July-August prices, and popular attractions have shorter wait times. However, Norway remains one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, regardless of season. Budget approximately Rs. 13,200-26,000 (NOK 1,500-3,000) per day, depending on travel style.

What is the average temperature in Norway during May?

Average temperatures in Norway during May vary significantly by region. Southern areas like Oslo experience daytime highs of 14-18°C with nighttime lows of 5-8°C. Coastal Bergen sees 12-15°C days and 6-9°C nights. Northern regions, including Tromso remain cooler at 6-10°C during the day and 1-4°C at night. Weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous and coastal areas, so layered clothing is essential. May offers comfortable conditions for outdoor activities without the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

Do I need a visa to visit Norway from India?

Yes, Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Norway. Apply through VFS Global visa application centres in India at least 15-20 days before your intended travel date. The Schengen tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period and permits travel throughout the Schengen Area. Required documents include a valid passport, travel insurance, flight reservations, accommodation confirmations and proof of financial means.