Last updated: January 18, 2025
Møre og Romsdal, located in the western region of Norway, exhibits a diverse climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Dfc, Cfc, and ET. The area's climatic conditions are characterized by a significant temperature range, with minimums plunging to -25°C (-13°F) in the coldest month of November, and average annual temperatures hovering around a mild 6°C (44°F). The summer months can bring warmth, with maximum temperatures reaching a pleasant 31°C (88°F) in July. This blend of climatic influences contributes to the region's unique ecosystems and vibrant seasonal changes.
Møre og Romsdal, Norway, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns characterized by cold winters and mild summers. In the winter months, particularly January and February, temperatures drop significantly, with minima plunging to -24°C (-12°F) and average temperatures hovering around freezing. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise; by April and May, daily maxima can reach up to 26°C (80°F), signaling a notable shift. The summer months of June and July bring warmth, with highs consistently around 31°C (88°F), offering a stark contrast to the frigid winter. This trend continues into August, while early fall sees a slight cooling, with September presenting moderate temperatures before winter returns in November, bringing back the characteristic chill with a minimum of -25°C (-13°F). This seasonal cycle creates a dynamic climate, fostering diverse ecological conditions throughout the year.
The climate in Alesund features a minimum temperature of -10°C (15°F) in February and a maximum of 23°C (74°F) in August, making it relatively mild for the region monthly temperatures in Alesund. In comparison, Stranda experiences colder extremes, with a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) in February and a warmer peak of 28°C (84°F) in July monthly temperatures in Stranda. Meanwhile, Molde records a minimum of -17°C (1°F) in February and a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in July, indicating a slightly warmer summer than Alesund and a colder winter monthly temperatures in Molde.
Møre og Romsdal experiences a notable variation in precipitation throughout the year, characterized by a significant rainfall pattern primarily during the autumn and winter months. January typically sees the highest precipitation, with 170 mm (6.7 in) falling over 16 rainy days, while February follows closely with 135 mm (5.3 in). The months of October and September also exhibit considerable rainfall, recording 260 mm (10.2 in) and 252 mm (9.9 in), respectively, which marks them as some of the wettest periods of the year. This consistent precipitation is crucial for sustaining the lush landscapes of the region and contributes to the rich biodiversity.
As spring transitions into summer, precipitation levels generally decrease, with May and June seeing lower totals of 99 mm (3.9 in) and 109 mm (4.3 in), respectively. However, rainfall begins to pick up again in August, reaching 164 mm (6.5 in). Notably, the consistent number of rainy days across most months, ranging from 14 to 21 days, underscores the regularity of precipitation, making Møre og Romsdal a region where rain is a prevalent feature throughout the year. This unique precipitation pattern influences not only the climate but also the cultural and ecological dynamics of the area.
In Møre og Romsdal, Norway, sunshine duration exhibits a striking seasonal shift that highlights the transition from the long, dark winter months to the bright, vibrant summer season. January sees a mere 57 hours of sunshine, barely punctuating the long nights, while December is even dimmer, with only 46 hours of sun. However, as February arrives, the region begins to bask in more light, with sunshine hours increasing to 158. This upward trend continues through the spring months, culminating in April with 330 hours of sunshine, as the days grow longer and warmer, revitalizing the landscape.
The peak of sunshine occurs during the summer, particularly in July, when Møre og Romsdal enjoys an impressive 454 hours of sunlight, creating an ideal environment for outdoor activities and showcasing the region's breathtaking natural beauty. However, as summer transitions into autumn, there's a noticeable decline in sunshine hours, with August recording 368 hours, followed by a dip to 273 hours in September. By the time November arrives, the sun retreats again, offering only 112 hours, indicating the return of the darker days reminiscent of winter. This cyclical pattern of sunshine not only influences the local climate but also plays a vital role in shaping the region's cultural activities and natural rhythms throughout the year.
In Møre og Romsdal, Norway, the UV Index reveals a clear seasonal pattern, reflecting the changing intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. During the winter months of January, February, and December, the UV Index remains low at 1, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With burn times extending to 45 minutes, outdoor activities during these months pose little threat of skin damage. As spring approaches in March, the index rises to 3, entering the moderate exposure category, which necessitates increased awareness when spending extended time outdoors.
The peak UV Index occurs in the summer months of June and July, where values soar to 7, classified as high, and the burn time shortens to just 25 minutes. This period requires particular caution, as the increased solar intensity can lead to skin damage in a matter of minutes without proper protection. Following the summer, the UV Index decreases again in August to 5 and gradually declines through autumn, reaching back down to the low categories by October and November. This fluctuation emphasizes the importance of adjusting sun safety practices according to seasonal UV levels, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Møre og Romsdal while protecting their skin from overexposure.
UV Risk Categories
Møre og Romsdal experiences a dramatic variability in daylight duration throughout the year, reflecting the region's high latitude. In the depths of winter, particularly in December, daylight is limited to just 5 hours, making for long, dark days that transition into January with only 6 hours of light. As February unfolds, there is a gradual increase, reaching 8 hours of daylight by the end of the month. This trend accelerates through spring, where daylight extends to a reassuring 14 hours in April and an impressive 17 hours in May, signaling the arrival of brighter, warmer days.
The summer months bring the longest daylight hours, peaking at 19 hours in June, which allows ample time for outdoor activities and exploration of the region's stunning landscapes. Although daylight begins to wane in July with 18 hours, it does not drop significantly until August, where 15 hours remains beneficial for long summer evenings. As autumn sets in, daylight gradually recedes, concluding with only 6 hours in November and sinking back to 5 hours in December. This cyclical pattern profoundly influences the local lifestyle, culture, and natural rhythms experienced across Møre og Romsdal.
The climate in Ålesund, Norway, features cold winters and mild summers, with January temperatures ranging from -6°C to 9°C and average precipitation of 191 mm. As the months progress into summer, temperatures peak in July, reaching up to 23°C, while August sees increased rainfall, totaling 172 mm. The city enjoys the most sunshine during July with 446 hours, contrasting sharply with just 45 hours in December. Autumn months experience heavy rainfall, with September and October receiving over 300 mm. For more details, visit Alesund climate.
Andalsnes, Norway experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February see average temperatures around -3°C (26°F), while July can reach highs of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is relatively high throughout the year, peaking in October with 213 mm (8.4 in) of rainfall. Sunshine is most abundant during the summer months, particularly in July with 440 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Andalsnes climate.
Hornindal, Norway experiences a cold, temperate climate characterized by snowy winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures dropping as low as -23°C (-8°F) and significant precipitation, averaging around 142-184 mm. Warmer months from May to August see temperatures rise to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with June and July receiving the most sunshine, averaging about 404-435 hours. The area also experiences heavy rainfall during autumn, particularly in October, when precipitation reaches 249 mm. For detailed climate data, visit Hornindal climate.
Molde, Norway experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see temperatures as low as -17°C (1°F) with significant precipitation, averaging around 127 mm to 148 mm. Warmer months like July can reach maximum temperatures of 31°C (88°F), accompanied by moderate rainfall, peaking in September at 222 mm (8.7 in). Sunshine is abundant from May to July, with July boasting 468 hours, while December sees a stark decline to just 42 hours. For more details on the climate, visit Molde climate.
Stranda, Norway experiences a cold and varied climate throughout the year. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dropping to -24°C (-12°F) and averaging around -3°C (26°F). The area sees significant precipitation, particularly in October, which receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain. Sunshine is limited in winter, peaking in July with 446 hours, contrasting sharply with just 44 hours in December. For more details, visit Stranda climate.
Valldal, Norway experiences a varied climate with distinct seasonal changes. Winters are harsh, with January and February recording minimum temperatures around -24°C (-12°F) and significant precipitation, especially in October, which sees an average of 229 mm (9.0 in). Summers are milder, with July reaching an average of 12°C (54°F) and about 448 hours of sunshine, providing a stark contrast to the winter months. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being September and October. Overall, Valldal showcases a unique blend of cold winters and pleasant summers, making it a fascinating area for climate enthusiasts. More information can be found at Valldal climate.
In conclusion, Møre og Romsdal, Norway, offers a remarkable display of climatic and daylight variations throughout the year that profoundly shape the region’s ecology, lifestyle, and cultural practices. With its characteristic Köppen-Geiger climate featuring cold winters and mild summers, the diverse temperature and precipitation patterns contribute to the stunning natural beauty and biodiversity that define this landscape. Moreover, the fluctuation in daylight hours—from the brief, sun-deprived days of winter to the endless brightness of summer—enhances the region's appeal for both residents and visitors alike. These seasonal dynamics not only influence outdoor activities and tourism but also play a crucial role in the local economy and cultural expressions, underpinning the rich and vibrant spirit of Møre og Romsdal.