Last updated: January 18, 2025
Rogaland, Norway, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Cfb, Cfc, and Dfc, showcasing a blend of maritime and continental influences. The region experiences a remarkable temperature range, with winter lows plunging to a minimum of -21°C (-5°F) in February. The average annual temperature hovers around 8°C (47°F), while summer peaks can reach a sweltering maximum of 31°C (88°F) in July. This climatic variability contributes to Rogaland's rich natural landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, making it a captivating subject of study within the broader context of Norway's climatic patterns.
Rogaland, Norway exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns, with chilly winters giving way to a relatively mild summer. January and February are marked by frigid conditions, with minimum temperatures dipping as low as -21°C (-5°F) and average highs only reaching the low teens. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with averages climbing from 4°C (39°F) to 6°C (43°F), while maximums can reach up to 21°C (71°F) in April. The onset of summer in May brings a dramatic increase in warmth, with average temperatures around 9°C (49°F) and maximums soaring to 29°C (84°F). July stands out as the warmest month, where average temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F) and can peak at 31°C (88°F). As summer transitions into autumn, September retains warmth with averages of 13°C (55°F), but October and November usher in cooler days, with minimum temperatures starting to drop again. By December, the cycle returns to winter, with temperatures once more descending into the negative range, reinforcing Rogaland's characteristic climatic rhythm.
Egersund experiences a minimum temperature of -12°C (11°F) in February and a maximum of 26°C (79°F) in July, while Stavanger has slightly milder winter and summer temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F) in February and a maximum of 27°C (81°F) in July. Haugesund shows the warmest summer maximum among the three, reaching 28°C (83°F) in July, with its winter minimum also at -10°C (14°F) in February. For more detailed temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in Egersund, monthly temperatures in Stavanger, and monthly temperatures in Haugesund.
Rogaland, Norway, experiences a notable pattern of precipitation throughout the year, with the wettest months typically occurring in the autumn and early winter. January and February receive substantial rainfall, with precipitation levels of 163 mm (6.4 in) and 166 mm (6.5 in), respectively. March slightly decreases to 157 mm (6.2 in), but as spring progresses, there is a significant drop in rainfall to 88 mm (3.5 in) in both April and May, marking the driest period of the year. During these months, the frequency of rainy days also declines, averaging around 12 to 13 days.
As summer transitions into fall, rainfall begins to intensify again, with June and July receiving 127 mm (5.0 in) and 135 mm (5.3 in) respectively. The peak of precipitation occurs in September with 236 mm (9.3 in) and continues to rise in October, reaching an impressive 316 mm (12.5 in), while November and December also showcase substantial rainfall with 223 mm (8.8 in) and 211 mm (8.3 in). This seasonal fluctuation culminates in wetter conditions that contribute to Rogaland's lush landscapes, highlighting the region's climate variability and its impact on local ecosystems.
In Rogaland, Norway, sunshine duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern that tracks closely with the progression of the year. During the depths of winter, January and December experience the least amount of sunlight, recording only 88 hours and 94 hours respectively. As the days begin to lengthen in February, sunshine hours nearly double to 162, followed by a vigorous climb through March and April, where daylight increases significantly to 255 hours and then 339 hours. This upward trend continues into late spring, culminating in May with an impressive 417 hours of sunshine. Such a dramatic rise not only enhances the beauty of the region but also contributes to vibrant vegetation and outdoor activities.
The summer months maintain considerable sunshine, with July peaking at 433 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year for Rogaland. While August begins to see a reduction in sunlight, it still remains robust at 376 hours. As the season transitions into autumn, sunshine hours diminish, falling to 285 in September, followed by a steeper decline in October to 219, and further down to 139 in November. This gradual decrease signals the onset of winter, emphasizing the stark contrast in light availability across the seasons. Such variations not only influence the local climate but also affect the lifestyle and outdoor pursuits of residents and visitors in Rogaland.
In Rogaland, Norway, the UV Index demonstrates clear seasonal variations, influencing sun exposure and the risk of skin damage throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains low at 1 and 2, respectively, with a burn time of 45 minutes, indicating minimal risk even on sunny days. As spring approaches, the UV Index gradually increases, reaching a moderate level of 3 in March and escalating to 5 in April. May marks the transition into summer, with the UV Index climbing further to 6, leading to a high exposure category and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes, signaling a greater need for sun protection.
The summer months are characterized by consistently high UV levels, with June and July both registering a UV Index of 7, sustaining the high exposure category. August sees a slight decrease to 6, although the burn time remains at 25 minutes. As autumn sets in, the UV Index begins to taper off, with September showing a moderate level of 4 before falling back to low levels of 1 and 2 in October and November, respectively. This seasonal fluctuation emphasizes the importance of sun safety practices, particularly during the summer months when UV exposure poses a higher risk to residents and visitors in Rogaland.
UV Risk Categories
In Rogaland, Norway, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, showcasing a dramatic seasonal shift influenced by its high-latitude location. In the depths of winter, January offers only 7 hours of daylight, a figure that dwindles even further to 6 hours in December. This limited sunlight can affect daily activities and overall mood, making the brighter months all the more cherished. As spring arrives, daylight begins to increase, with February providing 9 hours, followed by a steady rise to 11 hours in March and 14 hours in April, signaling the transition toward longer days.
The summer months bring an abundance of light, reaching a peak of 18 hours in June, which allows for ample time for outdoor activities and exploration. Even July retains a generous 17 hours of daylight. However, as autumn approaches, daylight duration starts to decrease, with August dropping to 15 hours and continuing to decline to 12 hours in September. The trend persists into the fall, with October offering just 10 hours and November dipping back down to 7 hours. This cyclical pattern of daylight highlights the unique challenges and delights of living in Rogaland, where residents can enjoy both the long, sun-filled days of summer and the quiet, reflective periods of winter's darkness.
Egersund, Norway experiences a temperate coastal climate characterized by cool summers and cold winters. January sees minimum temperatures around -8°C (18°F) with considerable precipitation, reaching 157 mm (6.2 in), while July peaks at an average of 15°C (59°F) and 452 sunshine hours. The wettest months are October and September, with rainfall of 312 mm (12.3 in) and 224 mm (8.8 in) respectively. This region showcases significant seasonal variations, highlighted by a dramatic increase in sunlight during the summer months. For a detailed overview, visit Egersund climate.
Forsand, Norway, experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from -12°C to 10°C, while July sees highs of up to 31°C. Precipitation peaks in October at 304 mm, with the wettest months being August and September as well. Sunshine is most abundant in July, offering 433 hours, though winter months see significantly less light. For more detailed information, visit the Forsand climate.
Haugesund, Norway, experiences a temperate oceanic climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from a winter low of -10°C (14°F) in February to a summer high of 28°C (83°F) in July. Precipitation is significant, especially from September to October, with October receiving up to 315 mm (12.4 in). The region enjoys its most sunshine in the summer months, peaking at 438 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Haugesund climate.
Skudeneshavn, Norway, experiences a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from -4°C to 11°C, while July sees highs around 25°C. Precipitation is abundant, peaking in October with 319 mm, and the region enjoys the most sunshine in July with 434 hours. The transition from winter to summer is marked by increasing temperatures and a variable precipitation pattern. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Skudeneshavn climate.
Stavanger, Norway experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cold winters. January and February see temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C, while July can reach highs of 27°C. Precipitation is quite substantial, especially in the autumn months, with October recording the highest rainfall at 315 mm. Despite the wet conditions, Stavanger enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July seeing approximately 423 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Stavanger climate.
In conclusion, Rogaland, Norway, presents a fascinating tapestry of climatic and environmental characteristics, with its varied temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, UV Index fluctuations, sunshine duration, and daylight hours shaping the region's unique experience throughout the year. The province's diverse climate not only influences its rich ecosystems but also affects the lifestyle of its inhabitants and visitors, from outdoor activities to seasonal celebrations. As residents adapt to the changing seasons, they cultivate a connection to nature that reflects the beauty and challenges of living in such a dynamic environment. Understanding these climatic patterns equips individuals with the awareness needed for sun safety, outdoor planning, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world that surrounds Rogaland.