The climate of Skien
Classified as Dfb or Humid Continental by the Köppen climate classification,
Skien possesses a climate dominated by no dry season and a warm summer. Geographically, Skien is positioned with a significant tilt towards the temperate weather sphere, with the weather patterns changing distinctively as the seasons transition.
Average temperatures demonstrate a fairly large annual range, with lows of -4.3°C (24.3°F) in
January and
February to highs of 19.7°C (67.5°F) in
July. Noticeably, the temperature trajectory follows a sinusoidal pattern, with low temperatures prevalent from
November to
March, and a warm period bridging the gap from
May to
September. Humidity levels remain relatively stable throughout the year, with the lowest registered at 69% in May and the highest in February at 88%.
When it comes to rainfall, Skien exhibits an annual high of 85mm (3.35") in November, and the least amount of 29mm (1.14") falls in
April. The year is generally wet, with the number of rainfall days peaking in July at 16.7 days and at a minimum in February, a month that experiences rain on 5.9 days on average. Furthermore, snowfall typically occurs from November to March, with January being the most snow-laden month with a reported 302mm (11.89") of snowfall. Correspondingly, daylight hours vary throughout the year, from lows of 6.3 hours to highs of 18.4 hours, reflecting the shifting seasonal patterns.
Wind speeds in Skien display minor variations across the year, with average annual wind speeds range from 10.7km/h (6.6mph) in
August to 14.5km/h (9mph) in
December. At its peak, wind gusts reach 25.3km/h (15.7mph) in December, making it the windiest month. Atmospheric pressure stays fairly stable, recording the lowest in December at 1007.9mb and the highest in April at 1014.5mb.
The best time to visit Skien
Considering the average weather conditions, the summer season from
June to
August appears to be the optimal period for visitors. Across these months,
Skien enjoys warm temperatures of up to 19.7°C (67.5°F), relatively low humidity levels of around 72%, and the maximum available daylight hours, peaking at 18.4 hours in June. This span also tends to experience less snow and more sunshine, with the sun shining on average for a substantial 11.1 hours per day in June, enhancing the allure for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Skien
Contrary to summer,
December to
March become particularly challenging months to visit
Skien. Primarily, this is due to the prevailing cold weather, with temperatures tailing off to as low as -4.3°C (24.3°F). Snowfall is also rampant during these months, reaching 302mm (11.89") in
January. Corresponding daylight hours fall drastically, peaking at a scant 6.3 hours in December. The harsh weather conditions in these colder parts of the year can challenge travel plans and limit outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Skien
Spring ushers in
Skien with rising temperatures and an enduring rainy season. Specifically, average temperatures rise from -2.1°C (28.2°F) in
March to 9.1°C (48.4°F) in
April, and 13.8°C (56.8°F) in
May. Rainfall hovers at 52mm (2.05") in March but inclines to 58mm (2.28") in May. The period also welcomes an increase in daylight hours, reaching a lengthy 17 hours in May, along with an increase in sunshine hours to 9.4 hours.
Summer weather in Skien
Summer in
Skien is characterized by relative warmth, with the temperature reaching highs of 19.7°C (67.5°F) in
July. Corresponding humidity levels remain fairly stable, hovering between 72% to 74%. Rainfall also displays an uptick during this season, reaching 72mm (2.83") in July, the peak of the rain days notched at 16.7 in July. This season also boasts the most daylight hours and the maximum number of sunshine hours, contributing to the overall pleasant weather conditions.
Autumn weather in Skien
During the transition into Autumn,
Skien experiences a gradual decline in temperatures, slipping from 14.7°C (58.5°F) in
September to 4.1°C (39.4°F) in
November. Average rainfall peaks during this time, with November recording a significant 85mm (3.35"). Alongside this, the amount of sunshine and daylight hours decrease, dipping to 7.7 daylight hours and 3.8 sunshine hours in November. Autumn is thematically marked by colder weather and shorter days.
Winter weather in Skien
The winter in
Skien is harsh and challenging, with average low temperatures spiraling to -4.3°C (24.3°F) between
January and
February. Coupled with this, snowfall is prevalent, with January bearing the brunt, witnessing 302mm (11.89") of snowfall. Relatively fewer daylight hours of 6.3 in
December and 7.1 in January, coupled with scarce sunshine hours, create a generally gloomy and relentless cold atmosphere throughout these months.
Weather in January
January in
Skien,
Norway, is characterized by freezing temperatures, marked by an average high of -0.7°C (30.7°F) and a chilling low of -4.3°C (24.3°F). This first month of the year welcomes residents with a noticeable layer of snowfall, an integral part of Norwegian winters.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Skien's climate in
February, more or less, mirrors that of
January. The maximum average temperature creeps slightly up to -0.6°C (30.9°F), it's still a month full of frosty mornings and freezing nights. Snowfall continues to prevail, turning the city into an ideal hotspot for winter scenery and snow sports.
Weather in February » Weather in March
By the time
March rolls around in
Skien, the weather starts breaking free from winter's firm grasp. The noticeable increase in average high temperatures to 3.1°C (37.6°F) demonstrates the gradual warming trend. In addition, the slimming layer of snow paves the way for occasional bouts of rainfall, signaling the arrival of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Skien distinctly shifts towards a warmer spectrum, with temperatures experiencing a healthy increase to an average high of 9.1°C (48.4°F). While remnants of the snowy cover might still linger in frozen shadows, most of Skien welcomes spring rains instead.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Skien, with an average maximum temperature of 13.8°C (56.8°F), is pleasantly mild. The full onset of spring is characterized by a longer span of daylight, allowing the flourishing biodiversity of the city to bask in the warmer sun.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Summer announces its arrival in
Skien clearly by
June. With the highest average temperature jumping to 17.6°C (63.7°F), summer activities are in full swing. The sublime Norwegian landscapes serve as great sightseeing spots and the longer daylight hours offer extended opportunities for exploration.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The peak summer month of
July in
Skien presents itself with the highest average temperatures of the year, rising to 19.7°C (67.5°F). As the warmest month, July encourages an increase in outdoor recreational activities, water sports, and nature exploration.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Skien sees a slight reduction in temperature with an average maximum of 18.7°C (65.7°F). However, the overall weather still reverberates the warmth of summer. Regular rainfall contributes to the health of the city's flora, keeping the landscape vibrant.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Skien introduces the early signs of autumn. The decreasing temperature, with an average maximum of 14.7°C (58.5°F), heralds fall's imminent arrival. However, sunlight hours remain considerable, allowing ample time for daytime activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Skien takes a definitive step towards autumn. The noticeable drop in average maximum temperatures to 9.1°C (48.4°F) brings about an increase in rainfall and a decrease in sunlight hours. A profound transition greets residents as the city wraps itself in the warm tones of fall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Skien leans into the colder side, with the monthly high averaging around 4.1°C (39.4°F). It’s evident in the crisper air and shorter days that winter is nearing once again. Snowfall makes a comeback towards the end of the month, blanketing the cityscape in white.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Lastly,
December in
Skien solidly marks the return of winter. As temperatures continue to slide towards freezing, with a high around 0.7°C (33.3°F), snowfall reaches its zenith. The city presents itself as a winter wonderland perfectly set against the backdrop of the festive season.
Weather in December »