The climate of Narvik
Narvik lies within the Dfc Köppen climate classification, identified by its subarctic, severe winters with no dry season and cool summers. Throughout the year, it sees markedly cooler temperatures, heavy snowfall and significant rainfall, coupled with relatively high humidity levels. A study of the climatic data reveals fascinating patterns and key details of Narvik's weather.
Temperatures vary between a low of -11.3°C (11.7°F) in
February and a high of 14.7°C (58.5°F) in
July, with the variation more significant in the winter months than the summer. Humidity levels seem to peak in
April with a 91% average, then drop to the lowest level, 76%, in July. Rainfall ranges from 51mm (2.01") in
August to 101mm (3.98") in
March, distributed over an average of 6.5 to 17.7 days per month.
The most notable weather pattern in Narvik is the intense snowfall from
November to April, with the highest averages coming between
December and March, reaching a peak of 590mm (23.23") in March. In contrast,
June, July and August see practically no snow. The city occasionally experiences bouts of fog, with visibility dropping to 7km (4.3mi) from March to
May. Additionally, wind speeds vary throughout the year, peaking at 14.2km/h (8.8mph) in
January and declining to 8.5km/h (5.3mph) in August.
The best time to visit Narvik
The ideal time to experience
Narvik depends heavily on individual preferences in terms of weather and the types of activities one is interested in. For those who wish to explore the breathtaking outdoor setting of Narvik without the challenging cold weather,
July to
September would be ideal, with temperatures hovering around 9.5°C (49.1°F) to 14.7°C (58.5°F). These months also offer maximum daylight hours, from 17.5h in
August to 24h in
June, providing ample time to indulge in outdoor activities like hiking and bird-watching. It is also the time of the year when Narvik experiences the least snowfall, making it easier to navigate.
The worst time to visit Narvik
Visitors who do not enjoy extremely cold weather and heavy snowfall should avoid the period from
November to
March. During these months,
Narvik encounters its lowest temperatures, ranging from -10.6°C (12.9°F) to -4°C (24.8°F), along with substantial snowfall that can reach up to 590mm (23.23") in March. The daylight hours are also minimal during winter, with just 2.8h in
January and even no sunlight in
December. The combination of severe cold, heavy snowfall, and minimum daylight make this period challenging for visitors unaccustomed to such conditions.
Spring weather in Narvik
In
Narvik, spring encompasses
April and
May, characterized by gradually increasing temperatures and a decline in snowfall levels. The month of April experiences average temperatures between -6.9°C (19.6°F) and 0.4°C (32.7°F), which rise to between -1.7°C (28.9°F) and 3.7°C (38.7°F) in May. While these temperatures might still be considered cold, they are noticeably warmer than the winter months. Snowfall reduces considerably over these two months, but rainfall increases, particularly in May with an average of 55mm (2.17"). This season might not be as vibrant as in other regions, but the melting snow revealing the ground beneath gives a certain charm to the city's landscape and environment.
Summer weather in Narvik
Summer in
Narvik spans from
June to
August, and while it is relatively cooler compared to an average summer, it is the warmest period in the city. Temperatures reach their yearly high in this season, with averages ranging from 7.3°C (45.1°F) to 14.7°C (58.5°F). There is a decrease in rainfall from June's 60mm (2.36") to August's 51mm (2.01"), and these months witness nearly no snowfall. Along with milder weather, this season offers extended daylight hours — up to 24h in June — offering tourists ample opportunity to explore the outdoor beauty Narvik has to offer.
Autumn weather in Narvik
September and
October constitute the autumn season in
Narvik. During this period, temperatures begin to decrease from an average high of 9.5°C (49.1°F) in September to 2.5°C (36.5°F) in October. Rainfall levels fluctuate slightly, hovering around 61mm (2.4") and 73mm (2.87"), respectively. Snowfall starts to make a more prominent appearance during this season, with 132mm (5.2") expected in October. As the landscape transitions, the reduction in daylight hours — from 13.2h in September to 9.2h in October — signals the arrival of winter.
Winter weather in Narvik
Winter weather dominates
Narvik from
November to
March, marked by significantly lower temperatures and heavy snowfall. The coldest months are
December and
February with a low of -10.6°C (12.9°F) and -11.3°C (11.7°F), respectively. The peak in snowfall is reached in March when it averages 590mm (23.23"). Slight relief from the continuous snow can be found in the form of rainfall, which averages around 87mm (3.43") in December, 82mm (3.23") in February, and 101mm (3.98") in March. Despite the challenging weather, this season attracts winter sports enthusiasts, particularly skiers who relish the thick blanket of snow.
Weather in January
In
Narvik,
Norway, the New Year starts with a decidedly cold and snowy
January. The winter chill becomes more pronounced with an average low temperature of -10.6°C (12.9°F) and a high of about -5.7°C (21.7°F). As Narvik greets the New Year, residents experience the second-largest snowfall of the year, averaging 400mm (15.75"), with approximately 13.9 days of snow.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The second month of the year in
Narvik brings similar weather conditions as
January, albeit slightly milder. An alleviation in the intensity of the cold becomes discernible as the average high temperature inches up to -5.2°C (22.6°F) from -5.7°C (21.7°F) in January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
Narvik transitions from stark winter to the inklings of spring in
March. With the average highest temperature rising slightly to -2.9°C (26.8°F), the harsh cold of the winter months starts to recede. A significant rise in snowfall marks this month with an average of 590mm (23.23"), the highest of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The arrival of
April brings a visible change in the weather, as temperatures climb into positive territory for the first time since the previous fall. This month sees the mercury rise to an average high of 0.4°C (32.7°F), offering a welcome respite from the preceding freezing temperatures.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
Narvik,
May signals the full onset of spring. As temperatures rise to an agreeable high of 3.7°C (38.7°F) on average, the last vestiges of winter snow recede. Snowfall drops significantly to an average of 187mm (7.36"), further reinforcing the arrival of spring.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the beginning of summer in
Narvik with an average high temperature of 9.3°C (48.7°F). The pleasing warmth complements the splendid landscapes, illuminating the natural beauty of the city. The summer solstice, a notable occurance only in regions near the poles, bathes Narvik in 24 hours of daylight.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Narvik as the average high temperature peaks at around 14.7°C (58.5°F). Along with the pleasant temperature, July also experiences the lowest relative humidity of 76%, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer spell in
Narvik; however, the average high temperature shows a slight dip to 13.8°C (56.8°F) following
July's peak. There's a noticeable increase in rain with an average precipitation of 51mm (2.01").
Weather in August » Weather in September
Transitioning into autumn,
September in
Narvik experiences a noticeable drop in high temperature to around 9.5°C (49.1°F). Receding summer conditions give way to the vibrant colours and crisp air characteristic of fall, whilst daylight diminishes to approximately 13.2 hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Autumn continues its reign in
October in
Narvik; however, winter starts whispering its arrival with falling temperatures, which register an average high of just 2.5°C (36.5°F). Snowfall commences once again, amounting to 132mm (5.2") over about 6.5 days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Narvik marks the transition from autumn to winter's embrace with an average high temperature dipping to -1°C (30.2°F). Complementing the colder days is a rise in snowfall to 226mm (8.9"). Shorter daylight hours and stark winter conditions dominate the weather pattern, creating a distinct yet mesmerizing aesthetic as the city prepares for the long winter ahead.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Narvik delivers full-fledged winter conditions as the high temperature further decreases to -4°C (24.8°F) on average. This chilly month records an average snowfall of 375mm (14.76"), marking the city's majestic transformation into a snowy paradise.
Weather in December »