Last updated: January 18, 2025
Nordland, Norway, presents a unique climatic tapestry characterized by its Koppen-Geiger climate classes of Cfc and Dfc. With winter temperatures plunging to a frigid -29°C (-20°F) in January, the region endures a stark seasonal contrast. Conversely, the summer months can see average highs reaching a balmy 32°C (90°F) in July, allowing for a brief but vibrant warm season. Overall, the region’s average annual temperature hovers around 4°C (40°F), illustrating the dynamic interplay of cold and warmth that defines this Arctic landscape.
In Nordland, Norway, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm, marked by bitterly cold winters and surprisingly warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, featuring minimum temperatures that can plunge to -29°C (-20°F) and -27°C (-16°F), with average highs struggling to reach 10°C (50°F) and 9°C (49°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures show a gradual increase, with averages rising to just above freezing then swiftly reaching up to 20°C (68°F) by late April. May and June usher in a more pronounced warming trend, highlighted by average temperatures that jump to 5°C (42°F) and 10°C (51°F), respectively, culminating in July's peak with averages of 13°C (56°F) and maximums soaring to 32°C (90°F). While August retains some warmth, the onset of autumn brings cooler nights in September, leading back into the colder temperatures of late fall and early winter. This cycle underscores the stark contrasts characteristic of Nordland's climate, from its frigid winters to its occasionally scorching summers.
Kabelvag experiences a chilly minimum of -8°C (18°F) in February, warming up to a pleasant maximum of 21°C (70°F) in August. In contrast, Narvik faces harsher winters, reaching a minimum of -29°C (-20°F) in January, but enjoys a warmer peak of 28°C (83°F) in July. Reine offers slightly milder temperatures with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) in January and a maximum of 19°C (67°F) in July. For more details, visit monthly temperatures in Kabelvag, monthly temperatures in Narvik, and monthly temperatures in Reine.
Nordland, Norway, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, reflecting its maritime climate influences. Winter months, particularly January and March, are notably wet, with January receiving 152 mm (6.0 in) of rain spread over 15 days, while March peaks even higher at 168 mm (6.6 in) over 19 days. This early part of the year maintains a relatively consistent precipitation level, with February recording 122 mm (4.8 in) and April dipping slightly to 119 mm (4.7 in). Spring transitions into dryer conditions as May experiences a reduction in precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in).
As summer arrives, average precipitation remains moderate, with June and July receiving 109 mm (4.3 in) and 106 mm (4.2 in), respectively. This pattern shifts again as August witnesses a surge to 141 mm (5.5 in), followed by the return of heavier rainfall in September and October, both logging 168 mm (6.6 in) and 150 mm (5.9 in). The autumn months see increased rain days, particularly in November, which counts 20 days of precipitation, bringing the yearly cycle full circle. Overall, Nordland's climate is marked by notable fluctuations in both precipitation amount and frequency, contributing to its lush landscapes and rich ecosystems.
In Nordland, Norway, sunshine duration reveals a striking contrast between winter's shadows and summer's brilliance. January, with only 23 hours of sun, marks the depths of winter, where daylight is scant and the long polar nights prevail. As February arrives, a modest increase to 120 hours begins to hint at longer days, but it is not until March that the sunshine truly gains momentum, with a jump to 245 hours. This ascent continues into spring, culminating in April with 343 hours, as daylight expands and the landscape awakens with the season's warmth.
As summer approaches, Nordland experiences its peak sunshine months, with June, July, and August basking in 466 hours, 483 hours, and 383 hours of sunlight, respectively. It is in July that the region enjoys the most sunshine, and the long days create a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities. However, as autumn unfolds, a marked decline is evident; September sees 288 hours, which gradually diminishes to 178 hours in October. The transition into winter is pronounced, with November plunging to only 50 hours and December barely offering 6 hours of sunlight. This cyclical trend creates a unique rhythm in Nordland, where residents and visitors alike anticipate the return of the sun after the dark, cold months.
The UV Index in Nordland, Norway, showcases a clear seasonal trend, reflecting the region's varying sun exposure throughout the year. In the depths of winter, from January to February, the UV Index remains at a low level of 1, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, the index begins to climb, with March experiencing a moderate increase to 3 and April reaching 4, stressing the importance of sun protection as days grow longer and sunnier. May brings an index of 5, signaling more intense sunlight, which calls for caution during outdoor activities as skin can begin to burn within 30 minutes.
Summer months present the highest UV levels in Nordland, with both June and July registering a UV Index of 6, classified as high with a burn time of just 25 minutes. This peak period emphasizes the necessity of sun protection for anyone enjoying the vibrant outdoor temperatures and activities that characterize Norway's short summer. As autumn progresses, the UV Index gradually decreases, dropping to 3 in September and then sliding down to 2 in October, followed by a return to low values of 1 in November and December. This trend underscores the importance of awareness regarding UV exposure as the region transitions from long summer days to the darker, cooler months of winter.
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Daylight duration in Nordland, Norway, showcases dramatic fluctuations throughout the year, painting a vivid picture of the region's seasonal changes. In the heart of winter, January offers a mere 6 hours of daylight, which slightly increases to 7 hours in February. March brings a notable transition with 11 hours of light, signaling the approach of spring. As the days lengthen in April to 15 hours and May to 20 hours, the region welcomes brighter skies that invigorate the landscape and residents alike.
The peak of daylight duration occurs in June, where nearly 24 hours of daylight are witnessed, creating the famous phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. July follows closely with 21 hours of daylight, though this begins to wane in August, dropping to 17 hours. As autumn approaches, the sunlight gradually diminishes, reaching 13 hours in September and 9 hours in October. By November, daylight is limited to just 5 hours, a trend that continues into December, emphasizing the sharp contrast of light and darkness characteristic of this northern latitude. The cyclical nature of daylight in Nordland not only defines its seasons but also significantly influences the lifestyle and activities of its inhabitants.
Andenes, Norway experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from -9°C to 8°C, with significant snowfall and around 12 hours of sunshine. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in July with averages around 11°C. Precipitation is heaviest in March and November, with June and July seeing milder rainfall. For more detailed climate information, visit Andenes climate.
Kabelvag, Norway, experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 0°C (32°F), while July sees milder conditions with averages of approximately 12°C (54°F). Precipitation is highest from September to November, peaking in November at 171 mm (6.7 in), while summer months receive less rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, with July offering the most at 513 hours, contrasting sharply with the near total darkness of December. For more details, visit Kabelvag climate.
Leknes, Norway experiences a maritime subarctic climate characterized by cool summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from -5°C (23°F) in January to 19°C (67°F) in July, with mild transitions in spring and autumn. Precipitation is relatively high, peaking in November at 157 mm (6.2 in), while the summer months see less rain. The region enjoys ample sunshine during the summer, with the longest days in June and July, totaling over 500 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Leknes climate.
Narvik, Norway experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -29°C (-20°F), while July sees warmer averages around 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is relatively high, especially from March to September, with March receiving the most at 153 mm (6.0 in). The region also enjoys considerable sunshine, peaking in July with 434 hours, but has minimal sunshine in December with only 0 hours. For more detailed information, visit Narvik climate.
Reine, Norway experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with cold winters and mild summers. Temperatures range from a low of -5°C (23°F) in January to a high of 19°C (67°F) in July, while the average temperature remains fairly stable around 2°C (36°F) during winter months and peaks at 12°C (54°F) in August. Precipitation is highest in late autumn and winter, with November receiving the most at 152 mm (6.0 in), while the summer months see considerably less rainfall. Sunshine hours increase as the year progresses, with July boasting the most at 494 hours, compared to just 1 hour in December. For more detailed information, visit Reine climate.
Sandnessjøen, Norway experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February bring the coldest temperatures, with averages around -2°C (28°F) and -3°C (27°F), while July can reach up to 30°C (87°F). Precipitation is significant year-round, peaking in March and September with about 213 mm (8.4 in) and 220 mm (8.7 in), respectively. Sunshine hours are notably high in summer, peaking at 488 hours in July, contrasting sharply with just 17 hours in December. For more details, visit Sandnessjoen climate.
Stamsund, Norway experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year, with January temperatures ranging from -5°C to 8°C (22°F to 47°F) and July peaking at 19°C (67°F). The area sees considerable precipitation, notably in November with 163 mm (6.4 in), while the driest month is May with just 50 mm (2.0 in). Sunshine is abundant in the summer months, peaking at 510 hours in July, while winter months feature minimal sunlight, particularly in December, which has no recorded hours. For more detailed climatic information, visit Stamsund climate.
Stokmarknes, Norway experiences a varied climate, with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and -2°C (29°F), respectively, alongside substantial precipitation reaching up to 119 mm (4.7 in) in March. The summer months of June and July are relatively warm, enjoying averages of 11°C (52°F) and 13°C (56°F), with maximum temperatures approaching 28°C (82°F). Sunshine peeks in the summer, particularly in July with over 500 hours of sun, while winter months see dramatically less sunlight, especially in December with no recorded hours. For more information on the climate in Stokmarknes, visit Stokmarknes climate.
Svolvaer, Norway experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see temperatures ranging from -8°C to 8°C (19°F to 47°F) with significant precipitation peaking at 171 mm (6.7 in) in November. Sunshine varies greatly, with December receiving little to none, while July enjoys the most daylight at 513 hours. As the year progresses, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 12°C (54°F) in July. For more information, visit Svolvaer climate.
In summary, Nordland, Norway, presents a fascinating interplay of climatic factors, characterized by its distinct temperature variations, precipitation patterns, UV index fluctuations, and dramatic shifts in daylight duration throughout the year. The region's cold winters yield to vibrant summers, with climate conditions shaping both natural ecosystems and human activities. As the seasons transition, residents experience everything from the limited daylight of winter to the Midnight Sun of summer, illustrating the extremes of latitude. Understanding these climatic features can enhance appreciation for Nordland's unique environment, as well as guide both locals and visitors in their daily lives and outdoor pursuits.