Weather
Tying with the previous month for the warmest weather of the year, it's no surprise that August is a busy month in the spectacular fjords, especially further south. Temperatures typically linger in the high 60s Fahrenheit during the day, dropping to the 50s at night, while daylight extends for 14-16 hours per day. You'll also benefit from refreshing Gulf Stream breezes—great especially after working up a sweat on the trails, which is exactly what many visitors come here to do.
Above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun begins to wane to 15 to 20 hours of sunlight per day—still ample time to enjoy leisurely days of spectacular scenery and outdoor activities. Just remember that temperatures tend to be a bit lower here than the southern coast. Wherever you travel in the fjords, even in August, you should pack layers and a waterproof jacket in case you run into surprise bouts of fog, wind, or rain.
For more on Norway's weather in August, see this article.
Crowds & Costs
August is the last month of peak season in Norway's fjords. Popular sites and attractions are still in full swing, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices than normal. Travelers should be aware that accommodations throughout the country book up months ahead of time by international and local travelers, so advance planning is often required. This is the ideal time to head towards smaller coastal towns inaccessible by the large cruise ships, as well as lesser-known archipelagos north of the Arctic Circle. Consider these Unique Lodging Options in Norway.
Where to Go
Numerous trip itineraries can be created among the more than 1,100 fjords dotted along Norway's Atlantic coast south to north, and August is a great time to enjoy easy road access and the freedom of creating a self-guided road trip. There are summery villages along the southern coast, iconic western cities loaded with culture, and the dramatic Lofoten Islands archipelago above the Arctic Circle. For lesser-visited fjords, head to Vesterålen for hiking trails, farmland, and peaceful beaches.
For something different, consider camping or staying in a mountain lodge in the Hardangerfjord with access to the Hardangervidda, Norway's largest national park. Due to the sheer size—2,126 square miles (3,422 km)—it's possible to enjoy an entire vacation without bumping into other tourists.
If a relaxing cruise sounds appealing, consider a west coast trip on the iconic Hurtigruten from Bergen to Ålesund, an art nouveau city revitalized after a devastating fire a century ago. From here, ride through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, known for its waterfalls and return to Geiranger for open-air restaurants and sidewalk cafés, as well as shops and galleries for souvenirs.
Check out more ideas on Ultimate Guide to Norway's Fjords and our guide to Getting Off-the-Beaten-Path.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
With autumn on the horizon, both tourists and locals will use any chance to get outdoors this month while the weather is still pleasant. You could spend weeks exploring some of the UNESCO-listed fjords, visiting national parks, and popular day hikes like Pulpit Rock and Troll's Tongue.
Other summer outdoor activities include kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, fishing, and surfing thanks to the Gulf Stream's warm waters. If you’ve ever wanted to go whale watching in the wild, the tiny fishing village of Stø in Vesterålen is the perfect spot, offering safaris under the midnight sun to observe wildlife.
Urbanites can take advantage of Norway's cities, which offer beautiful parks, outdoor restaurants, and cultural attractions. charming streets to explore on foot, not to mention numerous outdoor activities such as hiking and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also visit farmhouses for local products, historic hotels and restaurants, and UNESCO-listed stave churches from the 13th century, often accessible by jumping on a ferry across a fjord. Here are the Top Experiences in Norway in Summer.
Events in August
Bergen Beer Festival. This popular 2-day event features local, national, and global brews in Norway's 2nd largest city.
Pstereo Festival. Trondheim's annual outdoor pop and rock festival features up to 300 performers in late August.
International Chamber Music Festival. This classy festival in Stavanger takes place in early August with some events being held in the beautiful Stavanger Cathedral.
Nordland Music Festival. This annual event in Bodø takes place over 10 days with a diverse range of acts from symphony orchestras to rock bands.
Silda Jazz Fest. This fantastic jazz event on the west coast in Haugesund (south of Bergen) draws big names and a cool, local crowd.
Traveling to Norway in August? Check out these great itineraries.
Norway Fjords Summer Tour. This trip covers the Lysefjord, Sognefjord, and Geirangerfjord using a mix of fun travel modes to amp up the adventure factor. These majestic gems provide the setting for activities like hiking, biking, and sea kayaking. You'll explore everything from tiny fjord-side villages to diverse cities like Oslo, Bergen, Ålesund, and Trondheim.
Norway Hiking & Kayaking Adventure. Get to the heart of Norway's spectacular scenery via trail and watercraft with this outdoorsy 7-day itinerary. Tour Bergen and catch a boat to the beautiful Hardangerfjord. Hike to the Trolltunga overlook, with views of Lake Ringedalsvatnet, and kayak in a section of Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Finally, jump on the Flåm Railway and make your way to Oslo for a taste of the fastest-growing capital in Europe.
More Helpful Information
Norway's Fjords in July
Norway's Fjords in September
How Many Days Should You Spend in Norway
Norway: Frequently Asked Questions