Why should I go to Norway in Oct?
 

My husband and I have been invited to join another couple on a 10 day trip to Norway in October. I need a little convincing that we should accept. I hope someone who has been there can help.

If you need convincing, perhaps you should not go.

Oh, I did not mean to be smart about it, but you have reservations and there might be other places you would rather go, or perhaps this couple is not the right travel companions for you. I will try my best to convince DH of something I really want to do, but if I have real concerns about something, I generally trust my instincts.

It depends on the itinerary. If it is predominantly a city itinerary (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, for example) it might be fine and interesting. If the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities, there are museums that can be visited. If the plan is to take a cruise along the coast or a drive in fjord country, I would seriously reconsider because rain, sleet or snow might really limit the experience.

It seems to me, particularly the way you phrased the question, "Why should I...?" that you shouldn't. There are so many places to go, and in particular if the weather may not be conducive, then go somewhere else or wait for an opportunity that seems an obvious and enthusiastic "yes", no matter with whom.

The only reason I can see which might overcome the reluctance is if for some reason you must spend time with these friends. Failing that, travel can be such a strain on relationships, lack of enthusiasm on your part just may not work.

If it were me, I'd be heading south by then. In fact, thinking about Portugal.

I thought you were concerned with the time of year, October. Norway is beautiful and a wonderful countey to visit.

http://www.holiday-weather.com/oslo/averages/october/

http://www.holiday-weather.com/bergen/averages/october/

We loved our time in Norway: 10 days in Oslo, Bergen and the Sogndal. Sometimes I am initially hesitant to visit somewhere new until I read up on the area and learn about things that interest me. Then the excitement kicks in. Perhaps you don't know what to expect and are wondering if there is anything worthwhile to do. Look at a few guidebooks with pictures and I'll bet it will ease your apprehension.

This trip would be a cruise in the fjords. It is really the weather that concerns me. I have looked up temperatures for Oct and see the averages would be 30 to 40s. Would it be rainy and raw also?

October? No, save it for a time when weather is most likely to be good. Being cold and possibly damp on water does not seem fun to me.
Go someplace further south for now.

October and fall can be stunning in Norway, strong colours and crisp air. Unlike anything else: http://www.visitnorway.com/en/about-...umn-in-norway/

Oslo and Bergen are fun and very different cities. Great restaurants, beautiful and very different landscapes, world class concerts and all the nightlife you could want.

Oslo: http://www.visitoslo.com/
The Opera: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/activiti...-Opera-Ballet=
Close by Maeemo: https://vimeo.com/27856616

Bergen: http://www.visitbergen.com/en/Articl...ome-to-Bergen/
Fløibanen: http://www.floyen.no/en/floibanen-2/
Fløien Folkerestaurant: http://www.floyen.no/en/floien-folkerestaurant/

Photos of autumn in Oslo. This is definitely October: http://www.fourjandals.com/europe/au...y-photo-essay/

Yeesh, even in Kimhe's link to highly color-saturated photos of Oslo in autumn, every pic but one is grey and dank.

Honestly thinking that going that far north of the equator should be reserved for June to mid-September unless you're going there for the dank and/or cold.

And Norway is not inexpensive - could be a lot of money to spend for a trip with iffy weather.

Obviously you shouldn't go to Oslo/Norway in October for the weather, but the colours are spectacular. I know, I live here, this is how it is on clear days: http://www.visitnorway.com/en/about-...lours-in-oslo/

And wheather conditions isn't THAT bad. Statistics for mid October in Oslo says average highs at 46-54F and rainfall average one day/week (wetteronline.de).

I can't imagine spending a chunk of money to go where the weather "isn't THAT bad." High of 46-54 is what I travel to get away from. But I know, all things relative.

Thanks for all of your input. I think I am going to pass on this opportunity I live in Wisconsin, so I am used to cold and grey overcast days and I do travel to get a break and enjoy sunny days.

<I can't imagine spending a chunk of money to go where the weather "isn't THAT bad.">

The OPs question was "Why should I go to Norway in Oct?" Not everyone travel for the weather, and I gave some other reasons.

I was in Bergen last October and loved it. Weather was cool but beautiful crystal clear blue skies. We had one or two days of scattered showers, but I live in an area where we've had heat waves so I was rather tired of the heat to begin with. :)

Plus all the tourists are gone then so it wasn't very crowned at all. I highly recommend it. It's a beautiful country. But take lots of money!!

I was in Norway in October, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Although the season have some limitations to options available in summer, it has much to offer, like unbelievable sights and colours. Temperature won't be a problem if you have a good sweater or cardigan and water/wind proof coat. Rains - yes, but the weather changes quite quickly in Norway. It won't be crowded, and the prices will be a bit more reasonable than in high season.
Good luck!

Most of the boats have indoor seating which is heated and very comfortable. We were told by many Norwegians that "There is no Bad Weather in Norway, Just bad Clothing."

This is very true. If you have the right cloths you will be fine. I actually bought a rain jacket in a tourist trap store and it was the best thing I've ever owned. It kept me (sometime too) warm. It was basically nylon with a metal fabric interior and was very light weight. Also take old comfortable rain boots, preferably rubber and wear thick wool socks. Don't forget your umbrella.

I loved October because it was less crowded, and the day/night hours were balanced.