Norway: May or August?

[MegBusset]

Looking to book a week in Norway next year - based in Alesund. With DC who’ll be 15 and 17. We’ll want to do all the usual outdoor stuff (hiking, kayaking etc).

The options we have are May half term or the summer holiday. I’m a bit concerned about a) rain or b) crowds in August, but would be more relaxing to go in the long holidays without school straight before or after!

Had anyone been during these times and could recommend which is best?

I went on a cruise round Norway in May, Alesund was one of the stops. Grey and drizzly one day, mild with blue skies and sunshine the rest of the week. Days were long, it was only dark for about an hour.

I'd recommend August. Temperatures will be warmer and the norwegians will have finished their holidays by then. May will still be cold.

I have been to Norway in August and February. Both were wonderful. I seem to remember hearing that May is the worst month, the snow has melted so it can be slushy and muddy. Apparently. None of which matters unless you're planning on hiking.

Hm, half term is at the very end of May? And would August mean early or late in the month?

I think I would choose May. Last year the temperatures where a bit higher in August, but there was also more rain.

https://www.yr.no/en/statistics/graph/5-60945/Norway/Møre%20og%20Romsdal/Ålesund/Ålesund

I would say Norway is at its most beautiful in late spring.

The sea temperatures will most likely be higher in August, but you’ll be wearing a wet suit for kayaking anyway I would think.

if you want to go on hikes at high altitudes, the snow could be a problem in May, so worth checking advice for the routes you want to do.

Just to add, I would be prepared for lots of rain on the west coast in both May and August. In my August trip (near Molde) it did rain quite a bit, but it is one of those places that looks good in all weather: bright and colourful in the sun, and brooding and dramatic in the rain.

Norwegian school kids go back mid August, so definitely more quiet at the end of the month

I went in May and got really good weather which I wasn’t expecting.

Very interesting chart, thank you. August does look pretty wet in comparison! We could go any time in August, so at the end when it’s quieter would be fine. But it’s going to be an expensive trip and would be highly frustrating if it was chucking it down all week.

Half term option would be the last week of May / start of June.

We’re just back from Alesund. It was dry and sunny when we were there but it was not warm and we needed to wear coats. It was like the weather we get on a dry day in March.

We went mid August and very variable weather. Some days 14C and rain, some days 25C. I don't think its somewhere you go for good weather.

The best weather we've had in Scandinavia is mid July on for 2 weeks but its like the UK bit of a gamble and you need to be prepared for any weather. Its incredibly expensive there. Alesund is beautiful as are fjords but not somewhere would return due to costs and weather. Norwegian kids do go back mid August but that meant some activities weren't offered after that but was less busy. Though busyness was really not an issue there. Flam was much busier.

I think the thing about anywhere in northern Europe is that it's massively unpredictable. It could be lovely at either of those times, or it could be rainy - there are no guarantees. We went in June last year, fully prepared for the weather not to play ball, and we were very lucky - it was (in the main) glorious.

My cousin went in August and had equally amazing weather. My friend's mum went the week after my cousin (also August) and had ALL the weather - everything from cold and wet to warm and hot.

I think the best way to approach Norway (or anywhere Scandi) is to assume the worst and be prepared for the best. And remember it can change very rapidly.

I LOVE Norway, Just be aware that it's VERY expensive....

Don't forget that August is not when Norwegians are on holiday - that's July

Yes, you always have to be prepared for rain in the west of Norway 😁

With regards to prices, the Norwegian currency is very weak at the moment, so you get more for your pound. I am hoping that will change by next year though, as I am planning a trip to London…

May can still be snow covered on hiking paths, particularly higher elevations and in the national parks. Also mountain roads may not be open by then. West coast might be ok though, as milder than other parts of country.

Thanks all. I think we’ve decided to take our chances in August. We usually holiday in the Lakes or Peaks so we’re used to ALL the weather, so I guess we’ll just keep that mindset!

On a side note if anyone would like to recommend things to do around Alesund then please do!

I would choose May as more reliable weather wise than August. Late August is definitely autumnal there.

It’s an amazingly beautiful country though, but it can rain a lot on the west coast.