Weather in Hammerfest

Stay updated on the current weather conditions in the city of Hammerfest before stepping outside. Below you will find the latest data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day with comfort.

The climate of Hammerfest can be described as subarctic, yet it is significantly softened by the influence of the warm Gulf Stream. Thanks to the proximity of the ice-free sea, there are no extremely low temperatures typical of other regions at this latitude, but one should not expect real heat either. The weather here is often windy and humid, creating the atmosphere of a true northern land.

Seasons change smoothly, but the summer here is short and cool. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of about 11.4°C, which is ideal for active walks, though not for a beach holiday. Winter lasts a long time, however, frosts here are moderate: in January and February, the thermometer drops on average to -6°C. Spring arrives late, and freezing temperatures can persist right up to April.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the high probability of precipitation throughout the year. The number of rainy or snowy days varies from 14 to 22 per month, so high-quality waterproof clothing is a mandatory item in a traveler's suitcase. Additionally, when planning a trip, it is important to remember the Polar Day in summer, when the sun shines around the clock, and the Polar Night in winter, giving the city a special mystical charm.

The temperature regime in the city of Hammerfest fully corresponds to its location in the far north. Winter here is long and frosty: the lowest readings are recorded in January and February, when the average temperature holds at -6°C, and night values regularly drop to -8°C and lower. Freezing temperatures prevail from November to April, so travelers should prepare for stable cold, although extreme frosts are mitigated by the proximity of the sea.

The summer season in this region of Norway is short and quite cool; heat is practically non-existent here. The warmest month is July, when the air warms up on average to +11.4°C, and maximum daytime temperatures rarely exceed the +14°C mark. A characteristic feature of the local climate is the insignificant difference between day and night temperatures: the amplitude of fluctuations during the day usually amounts to just 2–4 degrees, ensuring a steady, yet fresh temperature background.

When setting off for Hammerfest, travelers should consider that precipitation falls here quite regularly throughout the year. Due to the geographical location in northern Norway, the weather can be changeable, yet there are no clearly defined seasons of torrential rains or drought. The amount of moisture is distributed surprisingly evenly across the months, so light rain or snow is possible at any time.

During the winter period, which lasts from November to April, snowfalls prevail as the average temperature confidently stays below freezing. Precipitation is recorded especially often in March — this is perhaps the "cloudiest" month of the year, when statistics count up to 22 days with precipitation. At this time, the city is often covered in snow, although the intensity of precipitation is usually low.

Summer brings warming, and rains replace the snow, often in the form of fine drizzle. July is considered the most favorable month for walks: it is not only the warmest time of the year but also the period when the number of days with precipitation drops to the annual minimum — about 14 days. Nevertheless, even in summer, tourists are recommended to carry waterproof clothing, as completely dry weeks are a great rarity here.

When preparing for a trip to Hammerfest, it is important to remember that you are traveling to one of the northernmost cities in the world, where the weather can be harsh and changeable. The main principle of the wardrobe here is layering. Regardless of the time of year, your suitcase should have space for high-quality thermal underwear, warm fleece sweaters, and wool socks. In winter, when the temperature stays steadily below freezing, a dense windproof down jacket, a hat, a scarf, and mittens are necessary to protect against the piercing Arctic wind.

Summer in this region of Norway is quite cool: even in July and August, the thermometer rarely rises above +14°C. Therefore, instead of beachwear, it is better to bring a light windbreaker or softshell jacket. Given that the number of days with precipitation is high in any month (from 14 to 22 days), waterproof outerwear is mandatory. An umbrella may prove useless here due to strong gusts of wind, so a reliable raincoat or a jacket with a deep hood will be a much more practical choice.

Pay special attention to footwear: for walking around the city and its surroundings, comfortable trekking boots with non-slip soles that are water-resistant are ideal. As for accessories, be sure to grab sunglasses — they will be useful both for protection from glare on the snow in winter and from the bright sun in summer. If your trip falls during the Polar Day period, a thick sleep mask will not be amiss, while a nourishing cream and lip balm will save your skin from chapping in the fresh air.