The climate of Stavanger
Geographically nestled on the coastline of southwestern
Norway,
Stavanger experiences a Marine West Coast climate, also known as the Cfb in the Köppen climate classification. The region predominantly features mild and damp weather conditions all through the year, thanks to its geographical position and prevailing breezes from the North Sea. The monthly average temperatures display relatively low variations, with both high and low extremes staying between 2°C (35.6°F) and 16.3°C (61.3°F).
The moist weather conditions in Stavanger account for an annual precipitation exceeding 1000mm (39.37"), with rainfall occurrence observed in all the months. The winter months, particularly
December, record the highest rainfall with 130mm (5.12"), while the drier periods are from
April to
June, rainfall levels not exceeding 52mm (2.05"). Snowfall is more common during the winter months from December to
February and reaches up to 30mm (1.18") in
March.
Humidity levels persist around 80% throughout the year with slight variations. Days with sunshine are relatively more frequent during the summer months, with daylight hours peaking at 18.4 hours in June. Truly highlighting the so-called 'Land of the Midnight Sun' experience, this period sees up to 11 days of sunshine. The wind speeds typically range between 17.2km/h (10.7mph) and 27.4km/h (17mph), with December experiencing the highest wind speeds.
The best time to visit Stavanger
Given its climate patterns, the optimal weather for visitors in
Stavanger typically occurs in the summer months, from
June to
August. Temperatures during this period hover around a comfortable range from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F). The rainfall is considerably lower than other seasons, with June typically being the driest month with a rainfall quantity of 43mm (1.69"). The daylight hours are significantly extended, reaching as high as 18.4 hours in June, thereby providing ample time to explore the natural beauty and attractions of the southern Norwegian culture in its full grandeur.
The worst time to visit Stavanger
The most challenging time to visit would be the winter months from
December to
February, primarily due to the shorter daylight hours, intensified rainfall, and lower temperatures. The average temperature during these months falls between 2°C (35.6°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F), while daylight hours shrink to a minimum of 6.3 hours in December. Furthermore, the wind speeds typically heighten during this period, intensifying the overall cold weather experience.
Spring weather in Stavanger
Spring months from
March to
May in
Stavanger are associated with a gradual rise in temperatures ranging from 2.7°C (36.9°F) to 10.5°C (50.9°F). With the increase in daylight hours from 11.9 to 16.9, the city begins to emerge from the cold winter hibernation. Humidity dips slightly and stays between 77% and 79%. Although rainfall remains consistent, the frequency of snowfall drops significantly, transitioning into the drier summer months.
Summer weather in Stavanger
Summers in
Stavanger, which stretch from
June to
August, are marked by the longest daylight hours, extending up to 18.4 hours in June. Temperatures during these months remain moderately warm, ranging from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F). Despite the presence of rainfall, the amount of precipitation during summer is lower than in other seasons, under 66mm (2.6"). These conditions combined with a relative humidity of around 80% make the summer a highly favored time for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Stavanger
Autumn, extending from
September to
November, brings in a shift in the climate with a noticeable drop in temperatures, falling from 14.4°C (57.9°F) to 7.9°C (46.2°F). The daylight hours also decrease, going from 12.8 hours in September to 7.8 in November. This period marks an increase in the frequency and volume of rainfall reaching up to 125mm (4.92") in
October, making it one of the wettest months of the year. Despite this increase,
Stavanger maintains its charm, unfolding a unique palette of fall colors in its scenic landscape.
Winter weather in Stavanger
Winters in
Stavanger, spanning from
December to
February, are characterized by the coldest temperatures of the year, falling between 2°C (35.6°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F), and the shortest daylight hours, shrinking to a low of 6.3. The onset of winter also sees an increase in the volume of rainfall and snowfall, reaching its peak at 130mm (5.12") and 30mm (1.18") respectively. Despite the challenging weather conditions, winter brings an altered beauty to the cityscape, transforming it into a winter wonderland in the truest sense of the term.
Weather in January
January manifests as a cold month in
Stavanger, marked predominantly by a considerable amount of rainfall and relatively low temperatures. Witnessing the highest snowfall of the year, it brings with it a stark contrast to the relatively mild climate generally prevalent in Stavanger.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The transition from
January to
February is a continuation of cold conditions, with a slight decrease in the length of daylight hours. This month sees less snowfall compared to January but is still a winter month. Sea temperatures tend to be slightly cooler compared to January, making it unfavorable for watersports.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the gradual retreat of winter in
Stavanger, providing an increase in average temperatures compared to
February. The daylight hours begin to extend, initiating a mild thawing environment. There is a further decrease in snowfall, highlighting the continuous transition from winter to spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Stavanger comes with spring but offers no noticeable respite from rainfall. The increase in temperature, however, gives the city some warmth that could be soothing compared to the cooler months of
March. Dwarfing the snowfall of March, April sees practically no snow, hence, accentuating the spring atmosphere.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Experiencing a significant rise in temperatures,
May continues to brighten up
Stavanger, building on the spring atmosphere established in
April. The lengthy daylight hours give residents ample time to venture outdoors and soak up the increasing warmth.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As
Stavanger sails into
June, the city basks in the height of summer with increased temperatures. The lengthy daylight hours prevail, extending the opportunity for exploring the beautiful Norwegian landscapes in and around the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The summer fervor continues in
July with
Stavanger maintaining similar temperatures to that of
June. Despite being the peak of summer, rainfall stays part of the weather script. The sea temperatures reach a delightful peak that should please every beachgoer in the region.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Serving as the closing month of summer,
August displays slightly reduced temperatures when compared to
July. Despite the minor drop in temperature, the daylight hours start to recede slowly, indicating the onset of autumn. The average sea temperatures peak this month, making it ideal for swimming and other aquatic activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Stavanger signifies the beginning of autumn, contrasting the warmth of
August with a cool breeze. The downward trend in daylight hours continues, but there is still enough time for individuals to indulge in outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The progression from
September to
October sees a further dip in the mercury, intensifying the autumn atmosphere in
Stavanger. With the continuing reduction in sunlight hours, the evenings grow longer, heralding the onset of winter.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Disposed towards a colder climate,
November introduces the approaching winter to
Stavanger. The dwindling daylight hours establish a gloomier mood, synonymous with the wintry conditions to follow. The drop in sea temperatures continues, nearly bringing to a stop any prospect of seashore leisure.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December brings the full might of winter to
Stavanger with its icy conditions. This month epitomizes
Norway's winter with short daylight hours and the arrival of snow after a long break. Sea temperatures reach an annual low, utterly hindering marine activities.
Weather in December »