The climate of Hammerfest
Hammerfest, located in
Norway, experiences a predominate Dfc Köppen climate classification. This classification denotes a subarctic climate with severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. All the weather conditions in Hammerfest reflect this classification, distinctly dividing the year into cold, harsh winters and relatively mild summers.
Throughout the year, the region is kept quite humid with relative humidity values averaging between 79% and 83%. With regards to precipitation, rainfall averages range from 33mm (1.3") to 47mm (1.85") per month. However, snowfall is the dominant precipitation type in the colder months, particularly in
December and
January. These months experience an average of 110mm (4.33") and 128mm (5.04") of snowfall respectively. The wind also follows a varied pattern with the speed fluctuating between 15.4km/h (9.6mph) and 25.3km/h (15.7mph). Daylight duration reaches its peak between
May and
July, with
June experiencing nearly 24 hours of daylight. The lowest visibility occurs in
March and
April, at 8km (5mi).
Naturally, these conditions result in unique weather patterns and effects. For example, the region stands out for its exceptional snowfall in the colder months, which is a crucial factor for those interested in winter sports or scenic snow-covered landscapes. Moreover, the phenomenon of nearly continuous daylight in summer, often referred to as the ‘Midnight Sun', offers a unique experience for visitors.
The best time to visit Hammerfest
Considering the weather patterns and climatic conditions, the optimal time to visit
Hammerfest would be from
June to
August. During these months, visitors can expect moderate temperatures, with highs reaching up to 12.7°C (54.9°F) in
July and lows seldom falling below 8.6°C (47.5°F). Humidity levels tend to drop below the annual average, making it relatively comfortable. Moreover, these months witness the maximum duration of daylight, between 23.9 hours to 24 hours. Additionally, due to the minimal snowfall, outdoor activities and sightseeing will not be hindered.
The worst time to visit Hammerfest
Contrarily, the least favorable months to visit
Hammerfest are from
December to
February. The temperatures during these months dip down to -5.7°C (21.7°F) to -3.4°C (25.9°F), with the severe cold accompanied by significant snowfall of 110mm (4.33") to 128mm (5.04"). Reduced daylight, averaging just about 1.1 hours in December, further limits outdoor activities. Moreover, the increased wind speeds during these months, reaching up to 24.2km/h (15mph) in December, may make the weather even more challenging for some visitors.
Spring weather in Hammerfest
The onset of spring in
March sees a shift in weather patterns in
Hammerfest. The period from March to
May still experiences a mixture of snow and rain precipitation, but temperatures begin their gradual ascent. By May, high temperatures can reach up to 4.8°C (40.6°F), with lows standing at 2.1°C (35.8°F). Note that daylight hours also increase considerably during spring, rising to 22.7 hours by May end.
Summer weather in Hammerfest
Summer in
Hammerfest, from
June to
August, is the time of longest daylight hours and mildest temperatures. High temperatures go up to 12.7°C (54.9°F), while lows remain above 8.6°C (47.5°F). The mostly snow-free period allows for a wide range of outdoor activities. However, the summer season also experiences rainfall, with monthly averages ranging between 42mm (1.65") and 45mm (1.77").
Autumn weather in Hammerfest
Autumn in
Hammerfest, spanning
September to
November, witnesses a decrease in temperatures and daylight hours. September experiences a high of 9.4°C (48.9°F) and a low of 6.8°C (44.2°F). By November, the high drops to 1.5°C (34.7°F), and the low to -1.4°C (29.5°F). Snowfall begins to appear again, reaching 121mm (4.76") by November. The decrease in daylight hours becomes quite noticeable, dwindling down to 2.9 hours in November.
Winter weather in Hammerfest
Winter months in
Hammerfest, namely
December and
January, are characterized by severe cold, ample snowfall, and very limited daylight. December records the highest snowfall, 110mm (4.33") on average, accompanied by minimal daylight of merely 1.1 hours. Temperature highs and lows oscillate between -0.4°C (31.3°F) and -3.4°C (25.9°F). The presence of strong winds, with speeds exceeding 24km/h (14.9mph), amplify the cold weather conditions, reinforcing the severity of winters in Hammerfest.
Weather in January
January is the first month of the year in
Hammerfest,
Norway, and it is noticeable for its snow cover. Weather is defined by precise parameters such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, and wind speed. Daylight hours are extremely limited, amounting to a mere 1.1 hours per day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the calendar flips to
February, weather patterns in
Hammerfest remain fairly consistent with
January. Despite the cold, the city sees a modest increase in daylight hours, which offers a bit of respite from the dark winter nights.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a welcome change in weather patterns, indicating the slow transition from winter to spring. The increased daylight hours coupled with a slight elevation in temperature levels characterize this month. Notably, this month sees the highest snowfall for the year reaching up to 145mm (5.71"); however, the rise in temperature is a positive sign.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a significant change with the transition to spring becoming more evident. This shift is welcome along with longer daylight hours, making it increasingly pleasant for outdoor activities. While the chill of winter still lingers, levels of snowfall drop considerably from march to 120mm (4.72") - signaling the arrival of spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The arrival of
May brings forth the full bloom of spring in
Hammerfest. The city begins to experience considerably warmer weather as compared to previous months. The most distinctive change in weather is observed in the considerable decrease in snowfall, dropping significantly to 63mm (2.48") from last month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the arrival of summer in
Hammerfest with the city experiencing extended daylight, known as the "midnight sun." The considerably warmer temperatures become more pronounced and the countryside remains snow-free. The significant drop in snowfall to just 18mm (0.71") solidifies the roots of the summer season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sits right in the heart of the summer season, making it one of the warmest months of the year in
Hammerfest. The city basks in continuous daylight for nearly the entire day, and the weather remains stable and moderately warm.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend of warm, pleasant weather even as summer peaks and begins to tilt towards autumn. Notably, there is no snowfall in August, similar to
July - commitment to the preservation of warm weather. Extended daylight hours, pleasant sea temperatures, and no snowfall continue to make it a preferred month for tourists in
Hammerfest. The transition into August in Hammerfest,
Norway, is marked with an average high-temperature of a still fresh 12°C (53.6°F), showing an insignificant shift from July's 12.7°C (54.9°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September unfolds,
Hammerfest slowly starts transitioning from summer to autumn. While sunny days are frequent, nights start becoming noticeably cooler. Even though the summer warmth still persists, the first traces of snowfall show up at 17mm (0.67").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signifies the outset of the autumn season in its full vigor in
Hammerfest. With the city covered in hues of fall, the temperatures start dropping, leading to an increased frequency of snowfall. An uptick is noticed in snowfall, moving from 17mm (0.67") in
September to 96mm (3.78") in October.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November arrives, the temperature continues to drop in
Hammerfest, giving way to a more prominent winter setting. The daylight hours gradually decrease, and the city gears up for another winter season. The rising snowfall level, reaching up to 121mm (4.76") this month, is an obvious signal of winter's arrival.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, the final month of the year, brings the onset of full-blown winter in
Hammerfest. Fittingly, this month has the shortest daylight hours, making it the darkest time of the year. Snowfall, recorded at 110mm (4.33"), is balanced from the previous month, thereby maintaining the city's winter facade.
Weather in December »