Weather in Stavanger

Planning a trip to Stavanger or just want to know what the weather is like there? In this section, you will find up-to-date weather data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Stavanger, located on the southwest coast of Norway, is characterized as temperate maritime. This means mild, wet winters and relatively cool, equally humid summers. Thanks to the influence of ocean currents, sharp temperature drops are rare here. The city has four distinct seasons: winter is cool and wet, with average temperatures around 2-3°C; summer is moderately warm, with average temperatures around 13-15°C; spring and autumn are transitional periods with gradual temperature changes.

One of the key features of Stavanger's climate is high humidity and a large number of days with precipitation throughout the year. For example, in January and December, there are about 22 rainy days, and in October, this number can reach 24. Even in summer months, such as August, the number of days with precipitation remains significant – around 20. Although the total amount of precipitation in millimetres might not seem very large (for example, 7 mm in January or August), this often implies frequent drizzle or light rain.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Stavanger, tourists should be prepared for changeable weather and definitely carry waterproof clothing and an umbrella, regardless of the season. In summer, you can expect comfortable coolness, ideal for walking and sightseeing, while winter offers fresh but not freezing weather. The fewest number of rainy days occurs in April and May (about 13 days), which may be attractive for those who prefer drier weather.

The climate in Stavanger is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, without sharp extremes. The coldest month is usually January, with an average temperature of about 2.0°C. At this time, minimum temperatures can drop to 0.5°C, and maximums rarely rise above 3.6°C. February is also cool, with an average of 2.3°C. Winter is generally mild but cool, with frequent precipitation.

Summer months bring warmer weather, but without exhausting heat. August is the warmest month, when the average temperature reaches 14.6°C. Daytime highs in August can rise to 16.7°C, while nighttime lows usually hover around 12.6°C. July is also warm, with an average temperature of 13.9°C. Summer in Stavanger can be described as pleasantly warm, ideal for walks and outdoor activities. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, show gradual temperature changes: April with an average temperature of 5.5°C and October with 9.2°C.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations in Stavanger are not very large. The difference between average minimum and maximum temperatures during the month is usually between 2°C and 5°C. For example, in January, the difference is about 3.1°C (from 0.5°C to 3.6°C), and in August – about 4.1°C (from 12.6°C to 16.7°C). This indicates a fairly stable temperature regime throughout the day, without sharp drops between day and night, which is typical for coastal maritime climates.

In Stavanger, precipitation is distributed throughout the year, but with noticeable fluctuations in amount and frequency. The city receives precipitation regularly, which is typical for coastal areas of Norway. In winter, especially in January and February, when the average temperature hovers around 2°C and the minimum can drop below zero (0.5°C - 0.7°C), precipitation often falls as snow or sleet. A similar situation can be observed in December, as well as in early March, before the temperature consistently rises enough for predominantly rain showers.

The wettest period in Stavanger is autumn, peaking in October, when an average of 9 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of days with precipitation reaches 24. January, February, August, September, November, and December are also characterized by a significant number of wet days (from 17 to 22) and precipitation amounts of around 7 mm. Conversely, the driest months are April and May. During this spring period, only about 3 mm of precipitation falls per month, with approximately 13 days of precipitation, making this time relatively less rainy.

The frequency of precipitation in Stavanger remains high for most of the year. Even in the "driest" months, April and May, precipitation occurs on average almost every second or third day. In summer, for example in July (6 mm of precipitation, 17 wet days) and June (4 mm, 16 wet days), rain is also not uncommon. Autumn months, especially October, bring frequent, though judging by the total amount, not always heavy precipitation. This means that visitors to Stavanger should be prepared for a high probability of rain or snow (depending on the season) and have appropriate clothing and an umbrella with them.

When planning a trip to Stavanger, it is important to consider its seaside climate with frequent precipitation and moderate temperatures year-round. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. Be sure to take a waterproof and windproof jacket, as rain and wind are frequent guests in this region of Norway. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are also essential, as you will surely want to explore the city and its picturesque surroundings. A compact umbrella will not go amiss, although a good jacket with a hood often proves more practical in strong winds.

During the cold season, from late autumn to early spring (approximately October to April), when average temperatures range from 2°C to 5°C and the number of rainy days can reach 22-24 per month, you will need warm clothes. Pack sweaters (wool or fleece), thermal underwear, warm trousers, as well as a hat, gloves, and a scarf. For winter (December-February), choose more substantial outerwear capable of protecting against low temperatures and wet snow or rain.

Even in summer (June-August), when average temperatures rise to 13-15°C, the weather in Stavanger can be changeable. A light jacket or sweater will come in handy for evening walks or on cooler days. Although maximum temperatures can reach 16-17°C, do not forget about rain protection. On sunny days, don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses, as UV radiation can be active even when it is cloudy. In general, being prepared for various weather conditions is the key to a comfortable journey to this Norwegian city.