Weather in Norwegian Fjords in March

How March compares

March is the 9th warmest month of the year in Norwegian Fjords. Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Norwegian Fjords is 5.8°C cooler by day and 3.7°C cooler at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Norwegian Fjords peaks at 4.7°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 -0.4°C; one night in ten drops to -5.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 14.0°C (2014-03-29) and the coldest night -15.4°C (2001-03-01).

Rain in March

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 18 days with 1 mm or more, 192 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 1994 with 378 mm, the driest 2013 with 24 mm. Humidity averages 82%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 4.7°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 3.7°C to 5.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (15.3°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.4 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:55 and sets about 18:40 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 74%.

Is March a good time to visit Norwegian Fjords?

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

Pack for cold days and freezing nights

The average daytime high is 4.7°C, so even the middle of the day calls for warm clothing. Nights average -0.4°C, making evenings outside a different proposition from a mild spring evening at home. The coldest nights can fall to -5.4°C or below, so pack for more than the average: warm layers, gloves, a hat and weatherproof footwear are sensible choices. Milder days can reach 7.6°C or more, but that still means jacket weather rather than shirtsleeves. This suits travellers who enjoy being outside in the cold and can adjust their plans, rather than anyone relying on comfortable temperatures throughout the day.

Leave room to work around the rain

Rain is a substantial part of the March trade-off, with about 18 rainy days. A waterproof outer layer and footwear that keeps your feet dry will be more useful than packing only for cold. Keep outdoor plans flexible and allow time to warm up and dry off rather than committing to long stretches outside whatever the weather. There are about 11.4 hours of daylight, but only about 3 hours of sunshine, so daylight should not be mistaken for clear skies. You have room to plan daytime outings, yet should be comfortable with grey conditions and changing plans when rain makes being outside less appealing.

Treat the sea as scenery, not a swimming plan

At an average of 4.7°C, the sea is cold enough to rule out a casual holiday swim. Its year-to-year range of 4°C to 6°C does not offer a meaningful warm-water alternative, so do not choose March for time in the water. The better fit is a trip built around outdoor viewing, warm clothing and breaks indoors, with expectations set firmly on cool conditions. May, July and June are better overall choices here if your timing is flexible. March remains an option if cold weather is acceptable to you, but it asks for more preparation and compromise than a warmth-led holiday.