Last updated: January 18, 2025
Welcome to the climate overview of Vestland, Norway, characterized by a diverse array of Köppen-Geiger climate classes, including Cfb, Dfc, Dsc, and Cfc. This region experiences a broad spectrum of temperatures, with minimum lows dipping to -29°C (-21°F) in February and maximum highs soaring to 31°C (89°F) during the peak of summer in July. The average temperature hovers around a mild 6°C (44°F), creating a unique climate that supports both lush greenery and dynamic seasonal changes. The interplay of maritime and continental influences contributes to Vestland's rich ecological tapestry, making it a fascinating study for climate enthusiasts.
In Vestland, Norway, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends, characterized by cold, harsh winters and comparatively mild summers. January and February represent the coldest months, with minimum temperatures plunging to around -29°C (-21°F) and averaging just above freezing. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise through March and April, culminating in warmer averages of 4°C (40°F) with maximum highs reaching 21°C (70°F) by late April. The transition into summer brings more pronounced warmth, peaking in July when average temperatures soar to 14°C (57°F) and maximums hit 31°C (89°F). August maintains warmth, while September marks a return to cooler averages of 11°C (52°F) as the region shifts back toward winter conditions. The months of October and November see colder temperatures again, with minima around -22°C (-8°F), leading into December's chilly averages. Overall, Vestland's climate reflects a dynamic interplay between seasons, where significant temperature fluctuations illustrate the region’s dramatic winter-summer contrast.
Eidfjord experiences a significant temperature range, with a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) in February and a maximum of 27°C (80°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Eidfjord. In comparison, Bergen has slightly milder winter lows of -13°C (9°F) and summer highs reaching 29°C (84°F), according to the monthly temperatures in Bergen. Voss shows similar patterns, with winter temperatures dropping to -27°C (-16°F) and summer highs peaking at 28°C (82°F), which can be seen in the monthly temperatures in Voss.
Vestland, Norway, experiences significant precipitation throughout the year, with a noticeable peak in late autumn. January and February present some of the highest rainfall amounts, with totals of 207 mm (8.1 in) and 194 mm (7.7 in), respectively, reflecting an average of 17 rainy days each month. As spring arrives, precipitation begins to decline, reaching a low of 93 mm (3.6 in) in May, accompanied by fewer rainy days. This trend continues into June and July, where rainfall levels remain around 152 mm (6.0 in) and 148 mm (5.8 in), highlighting the relatively drier summer months.
However, by August and into the fall, precipitation increases dramatically, culminating in 301 mm (11.8 in) in September and peaking at 335 mm (13.2 in) in October. This period is characterized by an increase in rainy days, with October recording 22 days of precipitation. November and December also see substantial rainfall, measuring 239 mm (9.4 in) and 247 mm (9.7 in), respectively. Overall, Vestland’s precipitation patterns reflect a pronounced seasonal cycle, with wet winters and falls contrasted by drier summers.
In Vestland, Norway, the sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal pattern that reflects the region's transition from the dark winter months to the bright summer days. January presents the least sunshine, with only 62 hours, making the short days particularly notable. As February arrives, sunshine begins to increase significantly, reaching 148 hours. The upward trend accelerates in March and April, where hours jump to 240 and 328 hours, respectively, paving the way for the warmer, sunnier months ahead. May marks a notable peak with 420 hours of sunlight, delivering increasingly longer days that tantalize residents after the long winter.
The summer months continue to impress, with July reaching the maximum sunshine duration of 435 hours, providing a delightful backdrop for outdoor activities. While August experiences a slight decrease in sunshine to 368 hours, it remains favored for warm temperatures and long daylight. As autumn sets in, sunshine hours gradually dwindle, with September delivering 255 hours, followed by a steeper decline in October (191 hours) and November (113 hours). By December, the region returns to its winter gloom with just 61 hours of sunlight, reiterating the cyclical nature of light in Vestland's climate. This rhythmic shift profoundly influences the region's lifestyle, agriculture, and overall ecological health.
In Vestland, Norway, the UV Index exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern that highlights variations in ultraviolet radiation exposure throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains low at 1 and 2, respectively, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring unfolds, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching a moderate level of 3 in March and escalating to 5 by April. This transition signals the need for increased sun protection, as the burn time decreases to 30 minutes during these months.
The summer months see the UV Index peak, especially in June and July, both rated at 7, categorizing exposure as high and shortening burn time to just 25 minutes. August retains high levels at 6, though slightly lower than its summer predecessors. As autumn approaches, the UV Index gradually declines, reaching 4 in September before plummeting back to 2 in October and further to 1 in November and December. This seasonal variability underscores the importance of sun safety measures in Vestland, particularly during the sunnier months, when even brief exposure can lead to skin damage.
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Daylight duration in Vestland, Norway, showcases a striking seasonal variation, reflecting the region's high latitude. In January, daylight is limited to just 6 hours, creating a profoundly dark atmosphere that continues into February, where it increases only slightly to 9 hours. As spring arrives, daylight hours begin to extend more rapidly, reaching 11 hours in March and expanding to an impressive 14 hours by April. This upward trend peaks in the summer months, with June and July enjoying an exceptional 18 hours of daylight, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities and vibrant natural growth.
However, the onset of autumn brings a gradual retreat of daylight, starting with 15 hours in August and reducing to 12 hours in September. This decline accelerates as the days shorten, dropping to 9 hours in October and further diminishing to 7 hours in November. By December, daylight shrinks to a mere 5 hours, marking the return of the long winter nights. This pronounced fluctuation in daylight duration not only influences daily life in Vestland but also plays a vital role in the region’s ecosystem, agriculture, and overall wellbeing of its inhabitants.
Aurlandsvangen, Norway experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February see extreme lows, dipping to -29°C (-21°F), while summer months like July average around 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in October with 171 mm (6.7 in). The area enjoys the most sunshine in July with 438 hours, while January has the least at just 49 hours. For more details, visit Aurlandsvangen climate.
Balestrand, Norway experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see average temperatures around -3°C (26°F) with significant precipitation, peaking at 216 mm (8.5 in) in January. The summer months, particularly July, warm up to an average of 14°C (57°F), while precipitation remains substantial, averaging 151 mm (5.9 in). Sunshine hours peak in July with 418 hours, contrasting sharply with just 40 hours in December. For more details, visit Balestrand climate.
Bergen, Norway experiences a temperate maritime climate with significant seasonal variation in both temperature and precipitation. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C and high precipitation of around 210 mm. Summer brings milder conditions, peaking in July with temperatures from 7°C to 29°C, accompanied by approximately 141 mm of rain. Notably, the city enjoys a considerable amount of sunlight, particularly in late spring and summer months, with May averaging 433 hours. For more details, visit Bergen climate.
Eidfjord, Norway experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and heavy precipitation, particularly in October, which sees the highest rainfall at 203 mm (8.0 in). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually increase, reaching a high of 27°C (80°F) in July. The region enjoys substantial sunshine in the summer months, peaking at 433 hours in July, while winter months are noticeably darker with only 61 hours in December. For more detailed information, visit Eidfjord climate.
Kaupanger, Norway experiences a cold climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January temperatures ranging from a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) to a maximum of 7°C (44°F) and substantial precipitation, peaking at 136 mm (5.4 in) in January. Summers are milder, reaching average highs of 14°C (58°F) in July, alongside lush greenery from rainfall, particularly in September, which sees 180 mm (7.1 in). Sunshine hours vary, with July offering the most at 438 hours, while January only sees 49 hours. For more information, visit Kaupanger climate.
Kinsarvik, Norway experiences a cold climate with significant seasonal variations. Winters are harsh, with January and February temperatures dropping as low as -28°C (-17°F), while summer months like July enjoy highs around 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is highest in the autumn months, particularly in October, which sees approximately 228 mm (9.0 in) of rainfall. Sunshine peaks in July with 433 hours, offering warm, bright days before the shorter, gloomier winter sets in. For more detailed information, visit the Kinsarvik climate.
Laerdalsoyri, Norway, experiences a cold climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, see temperatures plunging as low as -29°C (-20°F) and considerable snowfall, while summer peaks in July can reach up to 26°C (80°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent, with the wettest months occurring from August to October, accumulating up to 167 mm (6.6 in). Sunshine hours peak in the summer, with July enjoying around 443 hours, while winter months receive considerably less, with only 35 hours in December. For more detailed information, visit Laerdalsoyri climate.
Norheimsund, Norway experiences a diverse climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see low temperatures reaching as low as -26°C (-14°F) and significant precipitation, while the summer months of July and August enjoy milder averages around 14°C (58°F) and 13°C (56°F), respectively. The region also witnesses varying sunshine hours, peaking at 420 hours in July, contrasted with only 62 hours in January. Overall, Norheimsund's climate features pronounced seasonal shifts, with substantial snowfall and rain throughout the year. For more details, visit Norheimsund climate.
Odda, Norway experiences a harsh winter climate with temperatures often dipping below freezing, particularly in January and February, where averages remain around -5°C (24°F). Snowfall is common, and significant precipitation occurs throughout the year, peaking in October with 322 mm (12.7 in). Sunshine levels vary dramatically, with July boasting the highest at 424 hours, while the winter months see considerably less. This mix of cold temperatures, abundant rain, and changing seasonal sunshine patterns characterizes Odda's climate. For more detailed information, visit Odda climate.
Selje, Norway experiences a temperate coastal climate with mild summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from a minimum of -9°C (16°F) in February to a maximum of 25°C (77°F) in July. The region receives considerable precipitation, peaking in September with 338 mm (13.3 in) and maintaining high levels throughout the autumn months. Sunshine is abundant in summer, particularly in July with 451 hours, while winter months see significantly less sunlight, as January only records 57 hours. For more detailed information, visit Selje climate.
Sogndal, Norway experiences a cold and varied climate with significant seasonal changes. Winters are harsh, with average temperatures in January and February hovering around -4°C (26°F), while summers can be mild with highs reaching 28°C (83°F) in July. Precipitation is abundant year-round, peaking in September and October, which also features lower sunshine hours. Despite its chilly winters, Sogndal enjoys relatively long days of sunlight during the summer months. For more detailed climate data, visit Sogndal climate.
Stryn, Norway experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months are characterized by low temperatures, reaching minimums of -23°C (-9°F) in February, and significant precipitation, especially in October with 243 mm (9.6 in). As summer approaches, average temperatures rise to around 13°C (56°F) in July, along with increased sunshine, peaking at 438 hours. The area sees a marked increase in rainfall in autumn, particularly in September, which receives 204 mm (8.0 in). For more detailed information, visit Stryn climate.
Tyssedal, Norway, experiences a cold climate with significant variation in temperatures and precipitation throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, feature minimum temperatures dropping to -25°C (-12°F) and high precipitation levels, averaging 223 mm (8.8 in) each month. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaked in July when averages reach 11°C (52°F) and maximums can hit 26°C (78°F). Precipitation is at its highest in October with 322 mm (12.7 in), while sunlight peaks in July with 424 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Tyssedal climate.
Ulvik, Norway experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and significant snowfall, while July enjoys the warmest conditions, averaging 12°C (54°F) with highs of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is highest in the fall and winter, peaking in October at 203 mm (8.0 in), and sunshine hours are most abundant during the summer months, especially July with 433 hours. For more detailed information, visit Ulvik climate.
Voss, Norway experiences a temperate climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see extreme lows, with temperatures dropping as low as -27°C (-16°F) and significant snowfall, accumulating over 200 mm of precipitation monthly. In contrast, summer months like July average around 13°C (56°F), accompanied by longer daylight hours, peaking at 418 hours of sunshine. The region receives the most precipitation in the fall, particularly in September and October, making it vital for the area's lush scenery. For more details, visit Voss climate.
In conclusion, Vestland, Norway, experiences a dynamic climate characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region's cold winters give way to milder summers, offering an intriguing contrast that shapes both the environment and the lifestyle of its residents. As daylight hours increase from the dark depths of winter to the bright summer months, the accompanying changes in UV exposure and precipitation patterns highlight the importance of adapting to these conditions. Understanding these climatic factors not only enriches our appreciation of the natural world but also emphasizes the need for local strategies in agriculture, tourism, and public health to optimize well-being and sustainability in this stunning Norwegian landscape.