Weather
You're deep into the autumn season in November with crisp, chilly air, yellow and red leaves that are falling off the trees, and fewer daylight hours. In fact, the sun doesn't rise at all in parts of northern Norway toward the end of the month (in Oslo you'll get about 6-8 hours of daylight).
As for temperatures, the southern portion of the country usually falls within 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. In the north, however, seasons change more quickly than in the rest of the country—depending on where you go, you may experience fall to winter fluctuations. Pack winter layers and gear, and solid walking shoes that can handle rain that sometimes turns into snow.
Crowds & Costs
This is one of the year's slowest and most peaceful travel months in Norway. Flight and hotel prices will be at their cheapest since many winter activities have still yet to begin. This is a great month to come if you're trying to avoid the holiday rush of December. Many seasonal hotels and local operators have closings this time of year, but the properties that do stay open tend to celebrate the cooler weather with fall-themed tours, candles, and hot chocolate.
Where to Go
This is a good month to get out and explore Oslo's parks, new waterfront architecture, and hip neighborhoods on foot before the long winter sets in. A classic route from here is taking the train to Bergen along the Flåm Railway where you'll have access to some of Norway's more than 1,200 fjords through the central mountains. This will be a scenic journey, as the bountiful trees have now turned a hundred different shades of red, orange and gold.
Those in search of outdoor adventures can head north for early-winter excursions, with more chances of seeing the Northern Lights as well as humpback whales and orcas when they begin arriving in the waters around Tromsø. It's good to know that during the last few days of November, areas in the Arctic Circle will experience Polar Nights (complete darkness).
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Get outside for some crisp, fresh air while spending a few days in the uncrowded capital. You can visit Vigeland Sculpture Park and spend a half-day exploring Oslo's Akerselva River Walk—a scenic 5-mile waterway with forests, wildlife, museums, and local history. You can also take a 30-minute tram from the city to a beautiful car-free island just outside Oslo's harbor and take photos as you walk around one of the lakes. (For tips, check out our Ultimate Guide to Photography in Norway.) In fact, all the urban areas in Norway are located close to nature, and autumn is also a time for culture in the form of art exhibitions, local harvests, literature festivals, and small concerts.
Mountain areas are especially beautiful this time of year, and many Norwegians take advantage of it by hiking—here's a guide to the Best Day Hikes in Norway. And due to low-season prices, this is a good month to consider Luxury Travel Options in Norway.
Events in November
Rakfisk Festival. During the first weekend of November, the town of Fagernes hosts this festival in honor of the fishy delicacy called rakfisk (semi-fermented trout), and it has grown to become one of the largest food events in Norway drawing more than 25,000 people every year. Producers of rakfisk and other local products and handicrafts turn the streets into one big marketplace with more than 100 small stands where you can sample and buy their products. There's also concerts and dancing.
Traveling to Norway in November? Check out these great itineraries.
Oslo to Bergen Scenic Road Trip. Begin your trip in modern Oslo before driving westward to Eidfjord, home to the stunning Hardangerfjord and the Hardangervidda National Park. End your trip in charming Bergen, the colorful and historic Hanseatic city known as the gateway to the fjords.
Western Norway Fjord Road Trip. Get ready to hit the open road on this self-drive adventure down Norway's stunning west coast. Starting in Bergen, you'll hike, bike, and take one of the world's steepest train rides through the country's villages, mountains, and fjords. Top off your well-rounded trip in charming Ålesund, a fairytale city renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture.
More Helpful Information
Norway in October
Norway in December
Best Time to Visit Norway
How to Spend a Week in Norway