Weather in Andenes

Planning a trip or simply interested in the climate? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions in the city of Andenes, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

Located at the northernmost tip of the Vesterålen archipelago, Andenes is characterized by a subarctic maritime climate. Despite its geographical location north of the Arctic Circle, the weather here is significantly milder than one might expect, thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. This is a place where extreme frosts are rare, and temperatures remain relatively stable and moderate throughout the year.

The seasons here are defined less by sharp temperature jumps and more by the changing length of daylight and atmospheric phenomena. Summer in the region is cool and fresh: even in the warmest months, July and August, the average temperature holds around +12°C, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities without exhausting heat. Winter is mild, with averages around 0°C, though the sensation of cold may be intensified by winds from the sea.

Tourists should be prepared for high humidity and frequent precipitation, which is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Even in the "driest" season, it may rain for a third of the month, and in autumn and winter, the number of days with precipitation reaches 20 per month. The weather in this part of the country (Norway) is famous for its changeability, so a waterproof jacket and layered clothing will be essential at any time of year.

Situated on the coast, Andenes features a mild maritime climate where, thanks to the ocean's influence, sharp temperature extremes are absent. The winter period here is surprisingly gentle for northern latitudes: in the coldest months, January and February, the average temperature hovers around 0°C. The average nightly minimum at this time is approximately -1.4°C, so the season is characterized more by cool weather than severe frosts, allowing for comfortable sightseeing provided one has warm clothing.

Summer in this region is fresh and invigorating, without sweltering heat. The warmest month is traditionally August with an average of 12.2°C, when daytime highs reach 13.4°C. July is only slightly cooler. Such conditions are ideal for active recreation in nature, as the air remains pleasantly cool and the risk of overheating is minimal.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the small amplitude of fluctuations between day and night temperatures. The difference between the maximum and minimum within a 24-hour period is usually about 2–3 degrees. For example, in August, nightly temperatures of 10.9°C give way to daytime highs of 13.4°C, creating a sense of weather stability throughout the day.

When planning a journey to Andenes, it is worth considering that precipitation here is quite a frequent occurrence and is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. There is no clearly defined dry season in this region, although the intensity and frequency of rain or snowfall vary from month to month. Thanks to the maritime climate, the weather can be changeable, so an umbrella and a raincoat will become your faithful companions.

The winter period and early spring are characterized by frequent precipitation, which, due to temperatures around zero degrees, often falls as snow or wet snow. The "wettest" months statistically are March and October: during this time, inclement weather can be observed for up to 21 days per month. In December and January, the number of days with precipitation is also high (about 18–19), so tourists are advised to bring waterproof warm clothing and footwear.

Summer brings a long-awaited, albeit relative, calm. June and July are considered the driest months of the year. In July, the number of rainy days drops to a minimum — about 11 days per month, making the middle of summer the most favourable time for walks in the fresh air. However, even during this period, one should be prepared for light drizzle or brief rains characteristic of the Norwegian coast.

Preparing for a trip to Andenes requires special attention to your wardrobe, as the weather in northern Norway is changeable and austere. Even in the warmest summer months, the temperature rarely rises above +13°C, and frequent rains and winds from the ocean make waterproof clothing a mandatory condition for a comfortable trip.

The main principle to follow when packing is layering. This will allow you to quickly adapt to weather changes by removing or adding items as necessary. Here is a basic list of what to put in your suitcase:

• Waterproof and windproof jacket. A membrane jacket with a hood will protect you from sea spray during a whale safari and from sudden rain while walking.
• Thermal underwear. A set of high-quality merino wool thermal underwear is useful at any time of year. It wicks away moisture excellently and retains heat.
• Insulating layer. A fleece jacket or wool sweater will serve as a reliable barrier against the cold.
• Trekking boots. Footwear should be comfortable, broken-in, and preferably waterproof. The terrain here is rocky, so good ankle support is important.

If you are planning a trip in summer (June–August), do not forget a sleep mask. During this period, the polar day reigns here, and the sun does not set below the horizon, which may interfere with proper rest. Also, bring sunglasses — the northern sun can be very bright.

For a winter journey (November–March), when the average temperature stays around 0°C but feels lower due to humidity, be sure to take:

• A warm hat, scarf, and windproof gloves.
• Extra batteries for your camera and phone — electronics drain much faster in the cold, especially if you plan to "hunt" for the Northern Lights.
• A thermos for hot tea or coffee to keep you warm during long walks.