Weather in Alta

Planning a trip to the city of Alta? Check out the most up-to-date weather information, including current data and detailed forecasts, to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Alta, located in northern Norway, is characterised by a harsh yet mesmerising subarctic climate. Long, frosty winters and short, cool summers are typical for this region. Due to its geographical location, the city is often called the "City of the Northern Lights," as stable winter weather and frequent clear skies create excellent conditions for observing this natural phenomenon.

The temperature regime here has distinct seasonality. In winter, from December to February, the thermometer averages around -10°C, sometimes dropping below -13°C. Summer brings long-awaited warming, but do not expect heat: in the warmest month, July, the average temperature is a comfortable +12°C, rising to a maximum of +15...+16°C. This time is ideal for walks under the midnight sun.

Precipitation in Alta is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. Although its intensity is often low, the number of days with precipitation (rain or snow) remains consistently high — from 11 to 17 days per month. This means the weather can be changeable, and tourists are advised to always carry layered clothing and protection against moisture and wind to feel comfortable in any conditions.

The climate in Alta, located in northern Norway, can be described as subarctic, with pronounced seasonal contrasts. The annual temperature range varies from deep winter freezes to moderate summer cool. The coldest month of the year is traditionally January, with an average temperature of about -10.7°C and night-time lows reaching -13.3°C. Conversely, the warmest and most comfortable time to visit is considered to be July, when the air warms up to an average of +12.4°C, and daytime highs can reach +15.8°C.

Winter in this region is long and frosty. From November to March, average temperatures consistently stay below zero, creating a true winter wonderland. In February and December, the thermometer often drops to -12°C, which requires travellers to wear warm, layered clothing. Despite the low temperatures, the air often feels dry and invigorating, making walks under the Northern Lights quite bearable with the right equipment.

Summer in Alta is mild and fresh, without exhausting heat, which is ideal for active outdoor recreation. Even at the height of the season, in July and August, the weather remains pleasantly cool: the average daily maximum rarely exceeds +16°C. It is worth considering daily temperature fluctuations: even after a relatively warm sunny day, nights can be cool (around +5...+9°C), so a light jacket or sweater will come in handy even in the middle of summer.

Precipitation in Alta is distributed surprisingly evenly throughout the year, so it is difficult to distinguish a clearly defined rainy or dry season here. Statistics show that the amount of falling moisture in millimetres is extremely small, yet there are quite a few "wet" days — on average from 11 to 17 per month. This suggests that precipitation here is frequent, but usually very light and short-lived.

The main factor determining the nature of precipitation is air temperature. From November to April, when average indicators stay confidently below zero (reaching a minimum in January with -10.7°C), a real winter with snowfalls reigns in the city. Snow falls often, creating a stable cover necessary for winter entertainment, although December is considered the month with the fewest days with precipitation (about 11).

The summer period, from June to August, brings warming and a shift from snow to rain. Even in the warmest month, July, the average temperature is about +12.4°C. At this time, as well as in May and August, the highest number of rainy days is recorded (up to 17 days per month). Nevertheless, thanks to the low total volume of precipitation, summer rains in Alta most often manifest as a light drizzle, which rarely interferes with walks and excursions.

A trip to Alta requires a careful approach to wardrobe selection, as the weather here can be changeable and harsh. The foundation of your comfort is the layering principle. In winter, when the temperature often drops below -10°C, quality thermal underwear, warm woollen sweaters, and reliable outerwear that protects against wind and moisture are vitally necessary. Be sure to take care of a warm hat, scarf, and mittens, as well as comfortable waterproof shoes with non-slip soles for walking on snow.

Even in summer, Alta can be quite cool, with average temperatures around +12°C, so a light jacket, windbreaker, or raincoat should be in your suitcase all year round. An umbrella may not always be convenient due to the wind; it is better to opt for clothing with a hood. Do not forget sunglasses and cream: they will protect against the blinding reflection of the sun from the snow in winter and will be useful during the long polar day in summer.