The climate of Molde
Molde, a captivating city in
Norway, finds itself nestled in the Subartic climate zone according to Köppen’s climate classification. This geographical position and prevalent weather patterns make it a region characterized by severe winters, cool summers, and a year-round absence of a dry season.
Temperature variance throughout the year is noticeable, with average high temperatures that fluctuate from mere 0.8°C (33.4°F) in
January to a moderate 15.3°C (59.5°F) in both
July and
August. Meanwhile, the average low temperatures range from a chilly -2.5°C (27.5°F) in
February to a mild 10.8°C (51.4°F) in August. Relative humidity is relatively consistent throughout the year, averaging from 74% to 81%.
Rainfalls are observed all year round, with
November seeing the greatest amount of rain, specifically 95mm (3.74"), compared to
May, the driest month with 50mm (1.97") of average rainfall. This presence of rainfall, however, is somewhat counterbalanced by the fact that Molde also experiences varying degrees of snowfall, particularly from November to
April, with the highest snowfall of 230mm (9.06") recorded in February.
Daylight hours, influenced by Molde's northern position, fluctuate from a scant 5.1 hours in
December to a lengthened 20 hours in
June. Correspondingly, sunshine hours see a similar pattern, from a mere 1.8 hours in December to a generous 10 hours in June.
The best time to visit Molde
Considering the temperature and weather conditions, summer, particularly from
June to
August, is arguably the best time to visit
Molde. During this season, high temperatures average between 12.8°C (55°F) to 15.3°C (59.5°F), and the low temperatures stand between 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F). The weather during this season is cool and comfortable, perfect for exploring the city’s attractions. June offers the longest daylight duration, around 20 hours, maximizing the time tourists can spend experiencing the city.
The worst time to visit Molde
Tourists might find
November to
April less accommodating due to rough weather conditions. Particularly,
January and
February, experience the coldest temperatures ranging from 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 1°C (33.8°F) (high) and -2.1°C (28.2°F) to -2.5°C (27.5°F) (low). The significantly shorter daylight hours in
December, around 5.1 hours, can also restrict outdoor activities during this period. November also records the highest rainfall at 95mm (3.74"), adding to reasons making it less favored among visitors.
Spring weather in Molde
Spring in
Molde, from
March to
May, sees a gradual improvement in weather conditions. High temperatures increase progressively from 2.4°C (36.3°F) in March to 9.4°C (48.9°F) in May, while low temperatures rise from -1.6°C (29.1°F) to 4.8°C (40.6°F) in the same period. March still experiences some snowfall with an average of 197mm (7.76"), but by May the city gets no snow, a trend that continues until
November.
Summer weather in Molde
From
June to
August, the summer climate in
Molde is generally mild and appealing. High temperatures range from 12.8°C (55°F) to 15.3°C (59.5°F), while low temperatures are between 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F). Rainfall is relatively moderate with an average of 50mm (1.97") to 75mm (2.95") monthly. No snowfall is registered during this period, and the city enjoys the longest daylight hours, particularly in June.
Autumn weather in Molde
Autumn in
Molde, which runs from
September to
November, features a noticeable shift in weather. Temperatures start to drop with high temperatures decreasing from 12.6°C (54.7°F) in September to 3.9°C (39°F) in November. The low temperatures also follow suit with a drop from 8.7°C (47.7°F) to 1.7°C (35.1°F) in the same period. Snowfall resumes in November with an average of 29mm (1.14") after a break that lasted from
May.
Winter weather in Molde
Winter brings about an expected harsh change in weather, from freezing temperatures to reduced daylight hours. Between
December and
February, average high temperatures remain between 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 2.4°C (36.3°F), and low temperatures are between -2.1°C (28.2°F) to -0.9°C (30.4°F). The city experiences the heaviest snowfall during this season, peaking in February with 230mm (9.06"). Short daylight hours, around 5.1 hours in December, and reduced sunshine hours add to the city's winter charm.
Weather in January
Molde,
Norway transforms into a white paradise in
January, with freezing temperatures, snowy skies, and a chilling wind. The mercury plunges to its lowest during this time, dipping to a chilly -2.1°C (28.2°F) and rarely climbing above 0.8°C (33.4°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the icy grip, albeit with a slight increase in daytime temperatures. The month is marked by a graceful interchange from snowfall to rainfall, turning the white landscape into hues of grey. An increase in snowfall to 230mm (9.06"), with snowfall days being at 9.9, makes it the snowiest month of the year.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Welcoming the arrival of Spring,
March ends the snowy retreat of
Molde and ushers in the rainy season. The weather starts to break free from the icy grasp of winter, warming to temperatures of -1.6°C (29.1°F). With a transition from snow to rain, the populace finds solace under the soft drizzle of 71mm (2.8") rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April rings in a delightful change. With the snowfall receding wholly, rainfall takes precedence encouraging the city's vibrant flora to bloom effortlessly. The scenery in
Molde transforms into a picturesque postcard with the landscape burgeoning with Spring colors.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With
May, temperatures rise comfortably, marking the start of pleasant warmth in
Molde,
Norway. The shift in seasons is made more evident with the temperature scale hitting 9.4°C (48.9°F). Frequently punctuated by showers, droplets of rain measuring 56mm (2.2") make the grass greener.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the arrival of summer with a noticeable leap in temperatures and daylight hours. Nearly cloudless skies give way to bright sunny days, favoring outdoor plans. Temperatures peak to a comfortable yet summer-esque 12.8°C (55°F), inviting citizens to bask in its warmth.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is
Molde's hottest month, with temperatures reaching a slightly sultry 15.3°C (59.5°F). Long sunny days make for perfect picnic weather, making this month the high point of the Norwegian summer. The weather conditions primarily favor outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer spectrum albeit with dipping temperatures. Sweltering heat gives way to clear skies, providing a respite from the sultry
July days. Rainfall increases slightly to 75mm (2.95"), signaling the imminent arrival of Autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in Autumn, one of the most picturesque times in
Molde. The month is marked by the return of cooling temperatures and regular rainfall. A delightful blend of partly cloudy skies, mild temperatures falling to 12.6°C (54.7°F) and frequent drizzles measuring 74mm (2.91"), makes September nature's spectacle.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October accentuates the transition to winter, with falling temperatures and dwindling daylight hours. A varied play of sunshine and clouds continues through this month. The pleasant chill in the air, signifying the seasonal shift, continues to showcase temperatures dipping to 8.2°C (46.8°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the onset of chilly winds and darker, shorter days. A thin veil of precipitation envelops the city, preparing it for the harsh winters ahead. With colder days signaling the arrival of winter, temperatures plunge steeply to 3.9°C (39°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December plunges
Molde into the heart of the frigid winter. The city shrinks under heavy winter coats, enjoying the snowy bliss with brewing hot chocolate, and snuggling by the fireplace. The city experiences its second-highest snowfall of 149mm (5.87") and a mere 1.5°C (34.7°F) in temperature.
Weather in December »