Weather in Svolvaer

Planning a trip to Svolvaer? Here you will find the latest information on the current weather, as well as detailed forecasts and charts to help you prepare for your journey.

The climate of Svolvaer can be described as subarctic maritime, yet it is significantly milder than one might expect for a city located north of the Arctic Circle. Thanks to the influence of warm currents, there are no extreme frosts here, and temperature fluctuations throughout the year remain relatively smooth. The weather in this picturesque corner of Norway is known for its variability, so tourists should be prepared for nature's surprises.

There is no intense heat here: summer is cool and fresh, with average temperatures around +12...+13°C in July and August. This is a comfortable time for hiking and enjoying the Midnight Sun. Winter in Svolvaer is surprisingly mild for such northern latitudes, with temperatures often hovering around zero degrees. However, it is worth considering the high humidity and frequent winds, which can make it feel colder than the thermometer indicates.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the high amount of precipitation and cloudy days, especially during the autumn-winter period. From October to January, the number of days with precipitation can reach 20 per month. Even in the driest summer month, rain is not uncommon, so a waterproof jacket and layered clothing are essential wardrobe elements for any traveller heading to Svolvaer.

Thanks to the warming influence of the ocean, the temperature regime in Svolvaer is surprisingly mild for a location situated beyond the Arctic Circle. Winters here pass without extreme cold: even in the coldest month, January, averages hold around -0.8°C, and the thermometer rarely drops below -2.2°C. Often, the temperature balances around the freezing mark, creating conditions for damp and not overly severe weather.

The summer season in this corner of Norway is distinguished by pleasant freshness and a complete absence of exhausting heat. Traditionally, the warmest months are July and August, when the air warms up to an average of +12.5°C — +12.7°C, and daytime highs reach a comfortable +14°C. Such weather is ideal for long walks and hiking, allowing you to actively explore nature without the risk of overheating.

The city's temperature chart is characterized by high stability and minimal daily fluctuations. The difference between day and night readings throughout the year remains insignificant, often amounting to just 2–3 degrees. This smooths the transitions between times of day, making the weather predictable, albeit quite cool in the shoulder seasons: for instance, in May and October, the average temperature holds at around +5.6°C.

The weather in Svolvaer is characterized by high humidity throughout the year, which is typical for the climate of the Lofoten Islands. The winter months, from December to March, bring frequent snowfalls as the average temperature fluctuates around zero or drops to negative values (averaging -0.6°C... -0.8°C). During this period, a large number of days with precipitation are recorded — from 18 to 20 per month, so travellers should be prepared for snowy and overcast weather.

Summer is considered the most favourable time for trips, although rain is not excluded even in this season. The "driest" month of the year is July: the number of rainy days drops to 11, and the temperature reaches a comfortable +12.5°C. However, by August, the frequency of precipitation rises again to 18 days, so a high-quality raincoat or waterproof jacket remains a mandatory wardrobe item even at the height of summer.

Autumn is the time of maximum precipitation frequency. In October and November, the number of rainy days reaches its peak — about 20 days per month. In this transitional period, rain often gives way to wet snow as winter approaches. Spring (April and May) is slightly more stable, with a moderate amount of precipitation (about 15–16 days), when winter snows gradually give way to spring rains.

A trip to Svolvaer requires careful preparation, as the weather on the Lofoten Islands is famous for its changeable character. The main principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Even in summer, you will need thermal underwear that wicks away moisture, and a warm middle layer, such as a fleece jacket or woollen sweater. A mandatory wardrobe element at any time of the year is a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket (membrane or raincoat), preferably with a hood, as a standard umbrella is often useless here due to strong gusts of wind from the sea.

If your trip is planned for the winter months, when the temperature hovers around zero, pay special attention to insulation: take a down jacket, windproof trousers, a warm hat, a scarf, and gloves. For summer, when the air warms up to an average of +12...+14°C, lighter items will suffice, but do not exclude warm jumpers from your list. During the summer period, sunglasses and SPF cream will definitely come in handy, as the sun shines brightly and for a long time during the Midnight Sun.

Pay special attention to footwear: it must be comfortable, broken-in, and, most importantly, waterproof. Trekking boots with good tread will be the ideal choice for walking along rocky paths and city streets, considering that there are quite a few rainy days in Norway — up to 20 days a month in the off-season. We also recommend bringing a waterproof cover for your backpack to keep your electronics and personal items dry during sudden showers.