Weather in Norwegian Fjords in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Norwegian Fjords. Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Norwegian Fjords is 4.7°C cooler by day and 3.4°C cooler at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Norwegian Fjords peaks at 3.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 7.6°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average -0.7°C; one night in ten drops to -7.5°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 10.3°C (2015-12-19) and the coldest night -16.3°C (2010-12-26).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 20 days with 1 mm or more, 269 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2006 with 516 mm, the driest 2002 with 47 mm. Humidity averages 85%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 7.5°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 6.5°C to 8.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (15.3°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 1.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 5.4 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 09:40 and sets about 15:28 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 79%.

Is December a good time to visit Norwegian Fjords?

December is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Norwegian Fjords on our scoring are May, July, June.

Cold days need proper winter clothing

The average daytime high of 3°C makes warm layers a daily requirement, not something to pack just in case. Nights average -0.7°C, so evenings call for a warm coat, gloves and a hat. There is also a meaningful colder tail: the coldest 10% of nights fall to -7.5°C or below. Pack for that possibility rather than assuming every day will stay close to the average. Milder days can reach 7.6°C or more, making removable layers useful. December suits travellers who do not mind wrapping up; it is a poor fit if you want to spend long stretches outdoors without thinking about the cold.

Plan around frequent rain

With about 20 rainy days, wet weather needs to be part of the plan rather than treated as an unlikely interruption. A waterproof outer layer and waterproof footwear are more useful than relying on a warm coat alone. Choose clothes that let you adjust your warmth without losing rain protection, and leave room in your plans for drying off indoors. The rain figures do not mean every day will be wet throughout, but they do make a rigid outdoor schedule a gamble. This month works better for travellers who can change plans with the weather than for those whose holiday depends on reliably dry conditions.

Short daylight and a cold sea limit outdoor time

December offers about 5.4 hours of daylight, with only 1.2 hours of sunshine a day on average. Plan your main outdoor time for the daylight window rather than leaving it until late in the day. Daylight does not necessarily mean sunshine, so be prepared for outings without much sun and keep expectations realistic. The sea averages 7.5°C, which is cold rather than merely bracing and does not suit casual holiday swimming. For a traveller deciding when to go, the main compromise is clear: there is limited daylight for outdoor plans, and the water offers no warm alternative. Choose December only if those limits fit your plans.