Oslo is a beautiful city, full of history and culture. However, there are certain times of the year when it is not the best place to visit.
One of the worst times to visit Oslo is during the winter months. The weather is cold and dark, and the days are short. This can make it difficult to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Another time to avoid visiting Oslo is during the summer months. The weather is warm and sunny, but the crowds can be overwhelming. If you are looking for a quiet place to relax, you will likely be disappointed.
Note: The best time to visit Oslo is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists.
Why winter and summer worst time to visit Oslo?
Oslo is a beautiful city, but it has its downsides. The winters are long and dark, and the summers are short and crowded. Here’s why winter and summer are the worst times to visit Oslo.
Winter in Oslo
The winters in Oslo are long and dark. From November to March, the sun sets around 4pm and doesn’t rise again until 9am. That leaves you with just 5 hours of sunlight per day. And when it is sunny, it’s often too cold to enjoy being outdoors. The average temperature in January is -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). And it’s not uncommon for the temperature to drop below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). If you’re not used to cold weather, winter in Oslo can be quite a shock.
Summer in Oslo
While the winters in Oslo can be harsh, the summers are quite the opposite. The days are long, with the sun setting around 10 pm and rising again at 4 am. That leaves you with 14 hours of daylight per day. And while that may sound ideal, it often means that there are too many people trying to enjoy the city at once. Tourist numbers swell during the summer months, leading to overcrowded streets and attractions. If you want to avoid crowds, summer is not the best time to visit Oslo.
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer the best of both worlds: mild temperatures and smaller crowds. But if you’re set on visiting during winter or summer, just be prepared for what you’re getting into!
How many days are enough for Oslo?
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of some of the best things to see and do in Oslo, broken down by day. So whether you’re spending a weekend in the city or a week, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of your time in Oslo.
Day 1: Explore the City Center
Start your trip by getting acquainted with the city center. Stroll down Karl Johans Gate—the main street in Oslo—and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Make sure to visit some of the top attractions like the Royal Palace and the Parliament building. In the evening, check out one of Oslo’s many bars or restaurants for some traditional Norwegian cuisine.
Day 2: Visit Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park
No trip to Oslo is complete without a visit to Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park. This world-famous park is home to more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring. Afterward, head to Frognerbadet—one of Oslo’s oldest and most popular public baths—for a relaxing soak.
Day 3: Take a Day Trip Outside of the City
There’s plenty to see and do within the city limits, but Oslo also makes for a great base if you want to explore some of Norway’s other beautiful scenery. Just a short train ride away is Drammen, where you can enjoy hiking and biking trails along with scenic views of rivers and mountains. Or head north to Lillestrom for some shopping at one of Scandinavia’s largest malls.
Day 4: Learn About Norwegian History at The Viking Ship Museum
For a taste of Norwegian history, pay a visit to The Viking Ship Museum. Here you’ll find three Viking ships that were used for burial rituals over 1,000 years ago. The museum also houses artifacts like weapons, jewelry, and everyday items that give you a glimpse into what life was like during the Viking age.
Day 5: Experience Norwegian Culture at The Kon-Tiki Museum
Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl made headlines in 1947 when he sailed from Peru to Polynesia on a balsa wood raft called Kon-Tiki. Today, his journey is chronicled at The Kon-Tiki Museum, which features Heyerdahl’s original raft as well as exhibits on other indigenous cultures from around the world.
By following our guide, you’ll make sure to hit all of the highlights and have an unforgettable trip.
Conclusion
The worst time to visit Oslo is during the summer and winter. The summer is when the city is most crowded, and the winter is when the weather is at its worst. The summer is also when prices are at their highest, so if you’re looking to save money, you should avoid visiting during this time.
The winter is when the city is coldest and most likely to be covered in snow, so if you’re not a fan of cold weather, you should avoid visiting during this time as well.
In general, the best time to visit Oslo is during the spring or autumn, when the weather is milder and the city is less crowded.
