Norway in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Norway

-2°C to -8°C (19°F to 28°F) High Temp

-8°C to -15°C (8°F to 18°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Polar night creates magical 18-20 hour darkness windows for Northern Lights viewing - December has 65% clear sky probability in Tromsø compared to 45% in January
Christmas markets run full schedule from December 1-23 with traditional crafts, reindeer visits, and authentic Norwegian holiday foods like pinnekjøtt and lutefisk
Peak winter activity season - dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing operations run daily with 1.2m (4ft) average snow depth providing perfect conditions
Shoulder pricing until December 20th - accommodation costs 30-40% less than peak Christmas week, with availability still good for Northern Lights lodges

Considerations

Extreme daylight limitation - only 2-4 hours of twilight daily in northern regions, complete polar night above Arctic Circle affects energy levels and sightseeing
Weather volatility disrupts transportation - flights delayed 40% more often, coastal ferries cancelled 3-5 days per month due to storms
Tourist infrastructure operates on reduced winter schedules - many hiking trails inaccessible, scenic train routes cut to 2-3 daily departures instead of hourly summer service

Best Activities in December

Northern Lights Expeditions in Tromsø

December offers optimal aurora viewing conditions with long polar nights and relatively stable weather patterns before January's harsh storms. Cloud cover averages 35% compared to 55% in November. Prime viewing window extends from 6pm-2am due to extended darkness. Most tours include thermal suits rated for -30°C (-22°F) and traditional Sami storytelling around campfires.

Booking Tip: Book Northern Lights tours 14-21 days ahead for best lodge availability. Multi-day packages typically cost 3,500-5,500 NOK per person. Look for operators offering backup nights if clouds interfere. Photography tours cost 20% more but include camera settings instruction and tripod rental.

Lofoten Islands Winter Photography Tours

December's dramatic lighting creates perfect conditions for capturing snow-covered fishing villages against mountain backdrops. The brief 3-hour daily twilight period produces ethereal blue hour effects impossible to replicate other seasons. Road conditions stabilize after early December snow, making remote locations accessible via winter driving techniques.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range 2,800-4,200 NOK for full-day experiences. Book with operators providing 4WD vehicles and professional camera equipment. December has 85% tour completion rate versus 60% in November due to weather. Multi-day workshops include accommodation in traditional rorbuer fishing huts.

Dog Sledding Adventures in Alta

Peak season begins in December when snow depth reaches 80-120cm (2.6-3.9ft), providing ideal mushing conditions. Teams of 8-12 Alaskan huskies pull sleds at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) through pristine wilderness. December weather is cold enough for dogs' optimal performance but not yet at January's extreme temperatures that require shortened runs.

Booking Tip: Half-day sledding experiences cost 1,800-2,500 NOK, full-day expeditions 3,200-4,800 NOK. Book 10-14 days ahead as December fills quickly. Multi-day wilderness camping available for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. All operators provide arctic gear rated for -25°C (-13°F) conditions.

Bergen Christmas Market Cultural Experiences

December transforms Bergen's UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen district into a winter wonderland with traditional Christmas markets running daily until December 23rd. Local artisans sell hand-knitted wool sweaters, carved wooden trolls, and silver jewelry. Mulled wine (gløgg) and fresh-baked krumkake cookies provide authentic seasonal flavors unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Christmas market walking tours cost 350-550 NOK per person, food tours 680-850 NOK including tastings at 5-6 traditional stalls. Weekend crowds peak between 11am-3pm, visit weekday mornings for better photography opportunities. Many tours include funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for panoramic winter views.

Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage Winter Cruises

December sailings offer dramatic winter seascapes with snow-capped mountains, frozen waterfalls, and potential Northern Lights viewing from heated observation decks. The working postal ship visits 34 ports along Norway's coastline, providing access to remote Arctic communities impossible to reach by land during winter months.

Booking Tip: 7-day northbound voyages range 8,500-15,000 NOK depending on cabin class. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for better cabin selection. December departures have 20% fewer passengers than summer, creating more intimate experience. Inside cabins adequate due to extensive public spaces with panoramic windows.

Ice Hotel and Snowshoe Experiences in Kirkenes

December marks opening season for ice hotels and snow structures, with temperatures cold enough to maintain intricate ice sculptures and frozen accommodations. Snowshoeing becomes accessible as snow depth reaches 60-90cm (2-3ft). The Russian border location adds unique cultural elements with both Norwegian and Russian Orthodox Christmas traditions visible.

Booking Tip: Ice hotel stays range 2,200-3,800 NOK per night including thermal sleeping bags rated for -10°C (14°F). Snowshoe rental and guided tours cost 450-750 NOK for half-day experiences. Book ice accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead as capacity is limited. Regular heated accommodation recommended for first-time winter visitors.

December Events & Festivals

December 1-23

Bergen Christmas Market

Traditional Norwegian Christmas market in UNESCO-listed Bryggen with authentic crafts, reindeer visits, and seasonal foods like pinnekjøtt and lutefisk. Features over 40 wooden stalls selling hand-knitted sweaters, carved trolls, and silver jewelry alongside warm gløgg and krumkake cookies.

December 10

Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony

Annual ceremony in Oslo City Hall honoring Nobel Peace Prize laureates, followed by torchlight procession and public celebrations. While ceremony is invitation-only, the associated exhibitions, outdoor broadcasts, and cultural events throughout the city are accessible to visitors.

Early December through January

Gingerbread City Display in Bergen

World's largest gingerbread city display featuring miniature Bergen landmarks constructed entirely from gingerbread and icing. Created by local schools and organizations, the display includes moving trains and detailed replicas of famous Norwegian architecture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered thermal system: merino wool base layer, insulating fleece middle, windproof shell outer - essential for -15°C to -25°C (-13°F) temperature swings

Waterproof insulated boots rated to -30°C (-22°F) with aggressive tread for icy surfaces - regular winter boots inadequate for Norwegian conditions

Warm hat covering ears and insulated gloves with phone-compatible fingertips - 40% of body heat lost through head in extreme cold

Sunglasses for snow glare during brief daylight hours - UV reflection off snow causes snow blindness even in winter

Portable phone charger and backup battery - lithium batteries drain 50% faster in sub-zero temperatures

Lip balm with SPF and heavy moisturizer - 85% humidity combined with heating systems causes severe skin dehydration

Headlamp or small flashlight - with only 2-4 hours of twilight daily, you'll navigate in darkness frequently

Thermal underwear made from merino wool or synthetic materials - cotton retains moisture and becomes dangerous when wet

Neck gaiter or balaclava for wind protection - exposed skin can develop frostbite in 10-15 minutes at -20°C (-4°F)

Crampon-style ice grips that attach to boots - sidewalks and paths remain icy throughout December despite regular maintenance

Insider Knowledge

December 13th Santa Lucia Day celebrations include candlelit processions and traditional saffron buns (lussekatter) - participate at local churches for authentic cultural immersion beyond tourist markets

Northern Lights tours oversell December popularity - book backup activities like ice fishing or snowmobile tours as 30% of aurora expeditions get cancelled for clouds

Norwegian Christmas traditions center on December 24th Christmas Eve rather than December 25th - shops and restaurants close early December 23rd and remain closed until December 27th

Public transportation runs reduced winter schedules with frequent weather delays - build 2-3 hour buffer time for connecting flights and important reservations, especially in northern regions

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating psychological impact of polar darkness - only 2-4 hours of dim twilight daily affects mood and energy levels, plan indoor cultural activities and vitamin D supplements

Booking accommodation without understanding Norwegian Christmas closure customs - most services shut down December 24-26, book self-catering options and stock food in advance

Wearing cotton clothing in Arctic conditions - cotton kills in wet snow conditions, invest in proper merino wool or synthetic technical fabrics before arrival