abcd_xyz

Hi. My husband and I are considering Norway for 2 weeks in November to see the Northern Lights. Is november a good time? We live in a tropical country so we'd love to see some snow and do some fun outdoor activites. Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

HappyTraveling

If you're heading to Oslo, November is considered to be the worst month of the year i.e. It's dark (because the snow hasn't arrived yet) and cold and rainy. I usually try to plan my vacations in November to go elsewhere.

Then again, I don't know what kind of weather you will have as you head north. Norway is most beautiful during the spring....IMHO.

Good luck.

abcd_xyz

Wish id get some more input. But thank you. Already reconsidering.

elina

The sky has to be clear to see the northern lights. November is usually the cloudiest month of the year (December is cloudier, if possible). You have to take into consideration cloudy/clear more than just a country. Inland is usually clearer than seaside. Plus remember also that northern lights are not a show that is turned on. It happens or not. I live in Finland and many people in southern Finland say that they have never seen northern lights. I have, I see them every year. But that is because I follow the "notices" that come on radio and announce that they are expected. And that often mens I get up in the middle of the night to watch. We also have a neighbouhood watch. If some early "dog pisser" sees them, he is allowed to wake his neighbours. In fact not just allowed, he is requested.

Why don't you type Aurora Borealis to Google, and you will get expert information and see that it is not about the country, it is about conditions.

abcd_xyz

Thanks Elina. I agree the northern lights depend on weather conditions yet we need to plan a little in advance as we dont live in Europe. Somebody vaguely mentioned they saw it in Norway some years ago around mid november. I wanted to get other inputs. We have 2 weeks in November and we're keen to see a lot of snow. After reading your post i guess the Aurora Borealis will depend on our luck. Thanks again.

elina

I am not sure that Norway is the place to see snow in November. It has a more coastal climate, and coastal climate gets usually less (and later) snow than inland climate. Maybe eastern mountain area, next to Swedish border (there are skiing centers with accomodation). But November really isn't winter yet, it is more likely to be wet than snowy.

I try to explain this coastal/inland thing using Finland as an example: The deepest and earliest snow is always in eastern (even south-eastern) Finland near the Russian border, not up north in Lapland. The skiing center that always is the first (and last) to open is in the east, not the utmost north.
If you wish to have a winter experience in Norway I suggest January-February.

abcd_xyz

thanks again