Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Visit Norway
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Norway? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.

Most Expensive Time to Visit Norway
The most expensive time to visit Norway falls during peak season or around major cultural events will cost the most. Prices climb when the weather is at its best, days are long, and events bring in extra visitors. Hotels and tours often sell out months in advance, especially in smaller towns and popular regions.
- Southern & Western Fjords (Bergen, Stavanger, Geiranger) – Summer (June to August)
This is the height of fjord season, when cruise ships arrive daily and towns are packed with travelers. Long days and mild weather make it the most popular—and priciest—time to visit. - Northern Norway (Tromsø, Lofoten, Alta) – Winter Aurora Season (December to February)
The northern lights attract travelers from across the globe, driving up the cost of tours and accommodations. Tromsø in particular is expensive during this season, as it serves as the hub for aurora tourism. - Oslo & Major Cities – Summer (June to August)
Norway’s capital and larger cities see a surge of both international visitors and locals on holiday. Warm weather, outdoor festivals, and a packed events calendar push prices higher. - Major Festivals & Events
Big celebrations add another layer of expense, as hotels near event locations fill quickly. The Bergen International Festival (late May to early June) makes Bergen particularly costly, while Tromsø’s Midnight Sun Marathon (third weekend in June) draws thousands of runners and spectators, sending prices soaring.
Cheapest Time to Visit Norway
The cheapest time to visit Norway generally falls during the country’s low season, when weather is less favorable for the region’s main attractions. For most areas, this means the colder winter months—though in northern Norway, winter is actually peak season for aurora tourism, which drives prices higher. Travelers who plan around these patterns can find much better deals on flights, hotels, and activities.
- Southern & Fjord Regions – Late Autumn (October to Early December)
Shorter days, chilly weather, and frequent rain keep most tourists away, and cruise ships stop visiting. With far fewer visitors, hotel prices in fjord towns drop noticeably, making this one of the most affordable times to explore. - Northern Norway – Late March to May
Once the main northern lights season ends, demand in Tromsø, Alta, and the Lofoten Islands slows until summer begins. This shoulder period offers lower prices on accommodations and tours, while still giving you a chance to enjoy snowcapped landscapes before the midnight sun season. - Nationwide – January (Except Aurora Hotspots)
January is one of the quietest months for travel in Norway. Outside of northern lights destinations, hotels and attractions see minimal demand, making it one of the cheapest times to visit cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. However, aurora hubs in the far north remain expensive, as January is still part of the peak season for northern lights tourism.
In short, the cheapest times to visit Norway are late autumn in the fjords, late spring in the north, and January across most of the country—unless you’re chasing the aurora borealis, when prices in Tromsø and other hotspots remain high.
Price Summary Table for Norway
Time Period & Region | Price Level | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Jun – Aug (Fjords/South) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Peak summer, cruise ship season |
Dec – Feb (North) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Northern lights tourism |
Jun – Aug (Cities) | 💲💲 High | Warm weather events & festivals |
Oct – Early Dec (Fjords) | 💲 Lowest | Rainy, quiet season |
Late Mar – May (North) | 💲 Lowest | Post-aurora lull |
Jan (Most Regions) | 💲 Lowest | Coldest month, low demand |
Late May – Early Jun | 💲💲 Medium | Shoulder before summer |
Late Aug – Mid-Sept | 💲💲 Medium | Shoulder after peak |
Early Nov (North) | 💲💲 Medium | Aurora possible, lower rates |
How To Save Money When Visiting Norway?
The time of year you visit Norway has a huge impact on costs for flights, hotels, and activities. Traveling in the shoulder seasons—spring (April to May) or fall (September to October)—can save you money while still offering good weather and fewer crowds. Prices climb in summer, when the fjords and midnight sun draw visitors, and again in winter during the peak skiing months. By choosing off-peak times, you’ll enjoy lower prices and a more relaxed experience.
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