Norway in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Norway

8°C (46°F) High Temp

-3°C (27°F) Low Temp

68 mm (2.7 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Northern Lights season extends through mid-March with 6-8 hours of darkness in northern regions, offering excellent aurora viewing opportunities without extreme winter cold
Dog sledding conditions remain optimal with 60-80 cm (24-31 inches) of packed snow, while temperatures are milder than January-February for outdoor comfort
Winter activities pricing drops 20-30% after peak season ends in early March, particularly for accommodation in Tromsø and Alta
Late ski season offers excellent powder conditions with longer daylight hours - up to 12 hours of daylight by month's end for extended skiing

Considerations

Unpredictable weather mixing snow, rain, and slush creates challenging driving conditions, especially on mountain passes which may close unexpectedly
Shoulder season means some summer hiking trails remain closed while winter activities begin winding down, limiting activity options
Frequent weather changes require extensive packing - temperatures can swing 15°C (27°F) between regions and elevation changes of 300 m (984 ft)

Best Activities in March

Northern Lights Viewing Tours

March offers the final weeks of optimal aurora season with increasing darkness hours in northern Norway. Cloud cover averages 65%, providing clear viewing windows. Temperatures around -5°C (23°F) are more comfortable than midwinter for extended outdoor viewing sessions lasting 3-4 hours.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead for flexibility with weather cancellations. Tours typically cost 1,200-1,800 NOK ($110-165) and include thermal clothing. Choose operators offering weather-based rescheduling policies. Reference booking widget below for current tour availability.

Dog Sledding Adventures

Snow conditions remain excellent through March with consistent 60-80 cm (24-31 inches) base. Daylight increases to 10+ hours by late March, allowing for longer mushing experiences. Dogs perform better in March's milder temperatures compared to harsh midwinter conditions.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours run 2,500-3,200 NOK ($230-295), full-day expeditions 4,500-5,800 NOK ($415-535). Book 10-14 days ahead as March is popular with families during Easter holidays. Look for kennels offering authentic Greenland or Alaskan husky experiences.

Cross-Country Skiing Circuits

March provides Norway's best recreational skiing conditions with groomed trails maintaining 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) base and extended daylight. Temperature range of -3°C to 8°C (27-46°F) offers comfortable skiing without extreme cold gear requirements.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs 350-450 NOK ($32-42) daily. Guided forest tours run 800-1,200 NOK ($74-111) for 4-5 hours. Book accommodation near trail networks like Lillehammer or Geilo to maximize skiing time. Current ski condition reports available in booking section.

Snowshoe Hiking Expeditions

Perfect introduction to Norwegian winter wilderness with stable snow conditions but increasing daylight hours. March snowshoeing avoids January's extreme cold while maintaining winter landscape beauty. Trails accessible for beginners with 200-400 m (656-1,312 ft) elevation gains.

Booking Tip: Guided day tours cost 1,400-1,900 NOK ($130-175) including equipment and traditional Norwegian lunch. Multi-day cabin-to-cabin tours available for 4,500+ NOK ($415+). Book through certified mountain guides familiar with March avalanche conditions.

Arctic Wildlife Photography Tours

March marks optimal timing for Arctic fox winter coat photography and reindeer migrations. Longer daylight provides better shooting conditions while maintaining winter scenery. Svalbard offers polar bear viewing with 6 hours of daylight by month's end.

Booking Tip: Specialized photo tours run 2,800-4,200 NOK ($260-390) for day trips, multi-day Svalbard expeditions start at 15,000 NOK ($1,385). Book 6-8 weeks ahead for prime locations. Operators provide cold-weather camera protection guidance.

Traditional Sami Cultural Experiences

March coincides with traditional Sami spring activities including reindeer herding preparations. Cultural centers offer real feels including joik singing, traditional crafts, and reindeer encounters in natural winter settings before spring migration begins.

Booking Tip: Cultural day experiences cost 1,600-2,400 NOK ($148-222) including traditional meals and handicraft workshops. Overnight stays in lavvu (Sami tents) available for 3,500-4,500 NOK ($323-415). Book through certified Sami cultural guides for real feels.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Finnmarksløpet Dog Sled Race

Europe's northernmost long-distance dog sled race covers 1,200 km (746 miles) through Finnmark's wilderness. Spectators can watch starts, checkpoints, and finish celebrations while experiencing authentic Arctic racing culture.

Late March

Northern Lights Festival

Tromsø's annual celebration combining classical music performances with aurora viewing opportunities. Concerts held in Arctic Cathedral and other unique venues, often timed with predicted aurora activity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered base system: merino wool base layer plus fleece mid-layer for temperature range of -3°C to 8°C (27-46°F) with frequent changes

Waterproof outer shell with breathable membrane - March brings mixed precipitation requiring rain/snow protection

Insulated winter boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with aggressive tread for icy conditions mixed with slush

Thermal underwear sets: pack 2-3 sets as humidity levels of 75% slow drying times significantly

Fleece-lined hiking pants plus waterproof over-pants for variable outdoor conditions

UV protection sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - snow reflection intensifies UV index of 3

Headlamp with extra batteries - early March darkness lasts 12+ hours in northern regions

Quick-dry towel and moisture-wicking socks - wet conditions require fast-drying materials

Insulated water bottle to prevent freezing during outdoor activities lasting 4-6 hours

Portable phone charger - cold temperatures drain batteries 40-50% faster than normal

Insider Knowledge

March weather changes rapidly with altitude - pack layers for elevation changes as temperatures drop 6°C per 1000 m (3.3°F per 3,280 ft) of elevation

Rental car winter tires remain mandatory through March, but many tourists underestimate spring road conditions mixing ice, snow, and standing water

Northern Lights viewing success peaks in early March then declines rapidly - prioritize aurora activities in first two weeks rather than month-end

Norwegian Easter holidays (dates vary) significantly impact accommodation prices and availability, particularly in ski resort areas like Lillehammer and Geilo

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only summer hiking gear expecting spring conditions - March remains full winter in most of Norway requiring proper cold-weather equipment

Underestimating driving times due to winter road conditions - add 30-40% extra time for mountain routes and potential weather delays

Expecting consistent spring weather throughout the month - early March feels like deep winter while late March shows spring signs only in southern regions