Norway in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Norway

15°C (59°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Easter break brings 18-20 hours of daylight by late April, perfect for extended outdoor activities and photography with golden hour lasting until 9-10pm
Snow melts reveal accessible hiking trails below 800m (2,625 ft) elevation, while higher peaks still offer skiing - unique dual-season advantage
Tourist crowds haven't peaked yet, meaning 40-50% fewer visitors at major attractions compared to summer months, plus accommodation prices 25-30% lower than June-August
Northern Lights season officially ends but you might catch final displays in early April north of the Arctic Circle, combined with emerging midnight sun - a rare overlap

Considerations

Weather is highly unpredictable - expect anything from 0°C (32°F) snow to 18°C (64°F) sunshine in the Easttimor week, making packing and planning challenging
Many tourist services operate reduced schedules or remain closed until May 1st, particularly mountain huts, ferry routes to remote areas, and seasonal restaurants
Mud season creates challenging hiking conditions on popular trails - locals call it 'sørpe' and many trails become impassable until ground fully thaws

Best Activities in April

Lofoten Islands Photography Tours

April offers dramatic contrast between snow-capped peaks and emerging green valleys, with 16-18 hours of golden light daily. Weather creates constantly changing conditions perfect for dramatic landscape photography. Sea temperatures still support winter wildlife viewing while accessibility improves as roads clear.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as accommodation is limited and Easter break increases demand. Photography tours typically cost 1,500-2,500 NOK per day. Look for operators offering weather guarantee policies due to April's variability.

Oslo to Bergen Railway Scenic Journey

The famous train route showcases Norway's seasonal transition perfectly in April - spring valleys give way to winter wonderland at Hardangervidda Dakar. Snow depths at highest elevations reach 2-3m (6-10 ft) creating tunnel-like passage, while lower regions show early spring colors.

Booking Tip: Reserve seats 4-6 weeks ahead for Easter period. Standard tickets cost 900-1,200 NOK one-way. Choose daytime departures for full scenic experience and book premium seats on right side for best mountain views.

Tromsø Arctic Activities

April is transition month from winter to midnight sun season - still possible to catch final Northern Lights early in month while enjoying increasingly active wildlife. Reindeer migration is at peak, and dog sledding continues on higher elevations while lower areas offer spring hiking.

Booking Tip: Northern Lights tours run until mid-April with 30% success rate declining weekly. Dog sledding available but book immediately as snow conditions end by month's end. Activities typically 800-1,500 NOK per person.

Geirangerfjord Spring Awakening Cruises

Waterfalls reach maximum power from snowmelt while cruise season begins with reduced crowds. The famous Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil falls are at their most dramatic. April cruise passengers see fjords awakening from winter with no peak summer congestion.

Booking Tip: Cruise season starts mid-April with limited daily departures. Book 2-3 weeks ahead. Round-trip cruises cost 400-600 NOK. Check weather conditions as some departures cancel in rough weather typical of season transition.

Flåm Valley Spring Hiking

The valley floor becomes accessible while surrounding peaks remain snow-covered, creating impressive contrast. Flåm Railway operates full schedule and hiking trails below 400m (1,312 ft) are clear while higher elevations offer snow activities. Perfect for combining train journey with emerging spring hiking.

Booking Tip: Valley trails are free but Flåm Railway tickets cost 500-700 NOK return. Book train reservations 1-2 weeks ahead. Combine with Nærøyfjord cruises for full experience. Waterproof boots essential for muddy trail conditions.

Hardangerfjord Orchard Blossoming Tours

Late April brings Norway's famous fruit tree blossoming season around Hardangerfjord - millions of apple, pear and cherry trees create pink and white displays against fjord backdrop. This 2-week phenomenon is Norway's answer to Japan's cherry blossoms but far less crowded.

Booking Tip: Blossoming timing varies by elevation and weather - typically last week of April to mid-May. Self-drive tours offer most flexibility. Car rentals increase 40% during blossom season so book early. Guided tours cost 800-1,200 NOK per day.

April Events & Festivals

Easter weekend (varies by year)

Easter Celebrations and Påskeferie

Norway's most important holiday period sees families retreat to mountain cabins. While tourist services reduce, it's fascinating cultural experience seeing mass exodus to hytte (cabins). Ski resorts extend seasons and traditional Easter foods appear in restaurants.

Throughout April

Riddu Riđđu Sámi Festival Preparation

Indigenous Sámi communities begin preparing for summer festivals, offering unique cultural workshops and reindeer herding demonstrations. April is excellent time to visit Sámi areas as winter activities wind down but cultural programs begin.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential: base layer, insulating fleece, and waterproof shell - temperatures can swing 15°C (27°F) in single day

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for muddy spring trails and potential snow at higher elevations above 600m (1,968 ft)

Rain jacket and pants for April's 8 rainy days - showers can last 2-3 hours and be surprisingly intense

Warm hat and gloves still necessary as morning temperatures often drop below 5°C (41°F) even late in month

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen essential - UV index reaches 4 and snow reflection intensifies exposure at altitude

Quick-dry hiking socks and backup pair - muddy conditions and stream crossings make wet feet inevitable

Headlamp with extra batteries for early April when some areas still have 6-8 hours of darkness

Thermos for hot drinks during long outdoor days - Norwegian tradition and practical for changeable weather

Gaiters for hiking to keep mud and snow out of boots on transitional trails

Light fleece or wool sweater for evening warmth as temperatures drop quickly after sunset

Insider Knowledge

Locals call April 'påskeværet' (Easter weather) - notoriously unpredictable. Always check weather morning of outdoor activities and have indoor backup plans ready.

Many Norwegians take entire Easter week off (Påskeferie) creating ghost towns in cities but crowded mountain areas. Avoid popular cabin regions during Easter week unless you book months ahead.

Road salt ends in April creating extremely slippery conditions when temperatures hover around freezing - rental cars need all-season or winter tires until month's end.

Museum and attraction opening hours expand significantly after Easter - many winter schedules end April 1st but summer schedules don't begin until May 1st, creating confusion for tourists.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming hiking trails marked as 'easy' on maps are accessible - many remain muddy, icy, or snow-covered until May despite lower elevation

Packing only for mild spring weather - April can bring sudden snowstorms even in southern Norway, leaving tourists dangerously under-prepared

Booking accommodation only in major cities during Easter break - prices spike 200-300% and availability disappears, but smaller towns often have space and normal rates