This is the fifth of a series which takes a look at the cultural differences you may experience when living in Norway.
The weather, the weather…. it’s one of the most common things we foreigners complain about in Stavanger, isn’t it?
The Stavanger winter weather is a major challenge, especially for those moving here from warmer climates. Besides the cold temperatures and strong winds, the long dark winter nights are a force to be reckoned with.
A small percentage of the population (yes, even the Norwegians) suffers from some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and most foreigners find the long dark winter months tiring at best and unbearable at worst. Those who are totally unable to tolerate the weather may decide to leave while others may adopt the Norwegian approach of getting away: either a vacation in a warm country, a skiing holiday, etc.
Tips to Handle the Winter
Wear proper clothing.
Learn how to layer – It may be freezing outside but it’s a toasty 20 deg Celsius or even warmer indoors at cafes or other people’s homes.
Get a sun/UV lamp for your office and home.
Escape during winter to a warmer climate.
Take up winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Plan activities with friends – dinner parties, board game nights, bowling competitions, quiz nights, etc to have something to look forward to in the week.
Hit the gym.
Take vitamin supplements.
Make an effort to go out even though it is freezing. Even a short walk will do you good.
Pick up a new hobby.
As the Norwegian saying goes, “there is no bad weather, just bad clothing.” Try to keep that in mind and be optimistic about the weather. Without a winter, there will not come a spring or a summer. So the winters, in a way, make the springs and summers a little more special. This is coming from a girl who has lived her entire life in a tropical country (I’ve made it a point go on a long holiday in warmer climates during January and February for the last 2 years and believe me, that really helped).
During the summer, the temperatures rise and the sun shines. (That said, one also has to remember that it rains pretty often during summer too.) The days get longer and you almost never see night (unless you are up at 3am!) People are visibly cheerier and friendlier. It has been said that Norwegians on the street are friendlier in the summer and more reserved in the winter. Well, live in Stavanger for a year and you’ll be able to understand why that is so. It is not so easy to be sociable when all you want to do is get out of the freezing cold!
There are many festivals and activities occuring during the summer and one can feel like they have so much to do and so little time. It is common for Norwegians to take their holidays during the last 3 weeks of July and travel somewhere else. This, I have to admit, I do not really understand as I would rather stay in Stavanger and enjoy the summer and go on holiday during the cold winter months! However, those with schooling kids have to travel during the summer as that is when the children have the longest holiday break.
Check out our article on Surviving the Midnight Sun.
Weather Throughout the Months
January
Throughout the month of January daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 5°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 0°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in January has been 12°C, with the lowest recorded temperature -14°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 23 days of the month, with snow falling on 9 days. On average the month of January is affected by foggy conditions on 4 days.
January is cold and dark and the Christmas spirit has worn off. New Year’s celebration is big here with plenty of fireworks and parties and fun! After that, people gradually go back to their daily routines.
February
Throughout the month of February daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 5°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 0°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in February has been 11°C, with the lowest recorded temperature -14°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 19 days of the month, with snow falling on 10 days. On average the month of February is affected by foggy conditions on 4 days.
February is still cold and dark. The days starting to get longer but it’s a slow process.
March 
Throughout the month of March daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 6°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 0°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in March has been 18°C, with the lowest recorded temperature -15°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 20 days of the month, with snow falling on 8 days. On average the month of March is affected by foggy conditions on 4 days.
March is officially the start of spring. However it can still be pretty chilly and it may snow every now and then. The days are starting to get a little longer and hope is in the air!
April
Throughout the month of April daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 10°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 3°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in April has been 25°C, with the lowest recorded temperature -8°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 20 days of the month, with snow falling on 3 days. On average the month of April is affected by foggy conditions on 4 days.
Easter is usually in March or April and that is vacation time! People spend the week in their cabins or travel to other countries. The days are getting longer and people are getting more energetic.
May
Throughout the month of May daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 14°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 6°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in May has been 28°C, with the lowest recorded temperature -1°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 17 days of the month. On average the month of May is affected by foggy conditions on 4 days.
The days are noticeably longer now and festivals are starting. There are more people out on the streets and in cafes. Flea markets are popping up and there is always something to do.
June
Throughout the month of June daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 16°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 9°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in June has been 28°C, with the lowest recorded temperature 0°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 19 days of the month. On average the month of June is affected by foggy conditions on 4 days.
Officially the start of summer! June can be slightly cool but sunny days are pretty common. Cafes have outdoor sitting areas and on really warm days, you can find Norwegians tanning themselves anywhere and everywhere – on a grass patch in the middle of the city, on their balconies, I’ve even seen 2 girls tanning themselves on a grassy roundabout! The beach volleyball tournaments start at the end of June.
July
Throughout the month of July daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 18°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 12°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in July has been 31°C, with the lowest recorded temperature 6°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 19 days of the month. On average the month of July is affected by foggy conditions on 5 days.
July tends to bring a little more rain but sunny days are still pretty common. July is when many people go on holiday – Norwegians take their common holidays (fellesferie) then. The country seems to shut down so do not be surprised if your emails go unanswered and it seems impossible to get appointments made. Look out for Gladmat – the Food Festival at the end of the month!!
August
Throughout the month of August daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 19°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 12°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in August has been 30°C, with the lowest recorded temperature 3°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 20 days of the month. On average the month of August is affected by foggy conditions on 4 days.
August tends to be a pretty warm month as well. The days are starting to get shorter but it is not that noticeable.
September
Throughout the month of September daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 16°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 10°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in September has been 26°C, with the lowest recorded temperature 1°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 21 days of the month. On average the month of September is affected by foggy conditions on 2 days.
Officially the start of autumn. Still some nice and sunny days. The foliage changes colour and Stavanger is bathed in pretty autumn colours.
October
Throughout the month of October daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 12°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 6°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in October has been 21°C, with the lowest recorded temperature -5°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 23 days of the month, with snow falling on 2 days. On average the month of October is affected by foggy conditions on 3 days.
Rainy days become more common and the chill in the air from last winter is slowly creeping back.
November
Throughout the month of November daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 8°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 2°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in November has been 14°C, with the lowest recorded temperature -9°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 22 days of the month, with snow falling on 4 days. On average the month of November is affected by foggy conditions on 3 days.
Longer nights.. shorter days. Might be time to invest in a UV lamp? Christmas is coming up so businesses and families are starting preparations.
December
Throughout the month of December daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 5°C. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 0°C. In recent times the highest recorded temperature in December has been 11°C, with the lowest recorded temperature -15°C.
Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 22 days of the month, with snow falling on 9 days. On average the month of December is affected by foggy conditions on 4 days.
Officially the start of winter. The nights are longer but Christmas spirit is in the air! There are plenty of Christmas bazaars to visit, not to mention alot of Christmas shopping to get done. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, it is nice to go window shopping and soak in the festive spirit. Not forgetting, the stores are open til late in the weeks leading to Christmas. Try gløgg (a Norwegian Christmas drink) and pinnekjøtt (salted lamb). Read more about Christmas traditions in Norway! Prepare for your company’s julebord (Christmas dinner) – it’s usually a fun affair!
Climate profile from here.
See entire Culture Shock Norway series here.
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About Cynthia Myrnes
Cynthia is a Singaporean who has been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008 with her Norwegian husband. She works as a physiotherapist here and also owns her own petsitting service, Stavanger Petsitter, for the residents of Stavanger. In addition, she manages the Stavanger International Moms group. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with animals, travelling and watersports such as scuba diving and wake boarding. Most of all, she is enjoying the experience of being a first time mom!
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