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Sea temperature in Norway

Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 43 beaches on the Norway coast.

Best time to swim in Norway

The sea in Norway peaks in August, when the water averages around 17°C.

On average, 0 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

Outside peak season the water drops toward 6°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.

The coldest month is typically February at around 3°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.

Norway sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Norway shows an annual mean sea temperature of 9°C, ranging from 3°C in winter to 17°C at the summer peak.

The seasonal swing is roughly 14°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.

Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Norway, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.

Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.

Jan
4°C
Feb
3°C
Mar
3°C
Apr
5°C
May
9°C
Jun
13°C
Jul
16°C
Aug
17°C
Sep
15°C
Oct
11°C
Nov
7°C
Dec
5°C

Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.

Norway sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Norway?

August is the warmest month in Norway, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in Norway?

The coldest month in Norway is typically February, when the water averages around 3°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in Norway without a wetsuit?

The sea in Norway rarely climbs above 20°C, so a wetsuit is recommended year-round for anything longer than a quick dip.

Do I need a wetsuit in Norway?

Outside peak summer the water in Norway drops toward 6°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.

What is the average sea temperature in Norway?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Norway is about 9°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

How do I check the current sea temperature in Norway?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Norway, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.

Norway sea temperature by month

Average sea temperatures around Norway for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.

Monthly average sea temperature in Norway
MonthAverage sea
January4.0°C
February3.0°C
March3.0°C
April5.0°C
May9.0°C
June13.0°C
July16.0°C
August ⭐17.0°C
September15.0°C
October11.0°C
November7.0°C
December5.0°C

Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?

Warmest beaches in Norway right now

BeachRegionSea
Hoddevik BeachWest Coast21.7°C
Vaerlandet BeachWest Coast20.8°C
RefviksandenWest Coast20.6°C
Ervika BeachWest Coast20.3°C
Orre BeachSouth Coast15.6°C
Andoya BleikNordland15.6°C
Refsnes BeachSouth Coast15.4°C
Bunes BeachLofoten15.4°C
Rystad BeachLofoten15.4°C
BorestrandenSouthwest Norway15.4°C
Bore BeachSouth Coast15.3°C
Ramberg BeachLofoten15.3°C
Yttersand BeachLofoten15.3°C
SolastrandenSouthwest Norway15.3°C
HauklandLofoten15.2°C
Hellestø BeachSouth Coast15.2°C
TungenesetNordland15.2°C
Bunes BeachLofoten15.2°C
Grimstad BeachSouth Coast15.1°C
Lyngør BeachSouth Coast15.1°C
Kvalvika BeachLofoten15.1°C
Brusand BeachSouth Coast15.0°C
Ogna BeachSouth Coast15.0°C
SjøsandenSouth Coast15.0°C
Godalen BeachSouth Coast15.0°C
Horseid BeachLofoten15.0°C
Mineral Beach MandalSouth Coast14.9°C
Hamresanden BeachSouth Coast14.9°C
Kvalvika BeachLofoten14.9°C
Storesand LarvikSouth Coast14.8°C
Stavern BeachSouth Coast14.7°C
Skagsanden BeachLofoten14.7°C
Ramberg BeachLofoten14.7°C
Mølen BeachSouth Coast14.6°C
Sommaroy BeachTrondelag14.6°C
Bystranda KristiansandSouth Coast14.5°C
SolastrandenSouth Coast14.4°C
Sele BeachSouth Coast14.4°C
Nevlunghavn BeachSouth Coast14.4°C
Ula BeachSouth Coast14.4°C
Ersfjord SenjaNordland14.4°C
OrrestrandenSouthwest Norway14.4°C
UttakleivLofoten14.3°C

Sea temperature in Norway — FAQ

How warm is the sea in Norway in September?

The sea off Norway averages about 15.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.

When is the best time to swim in Norway?

Norway is warmest in August (around 17.0°C) and coldest in February (around 3.0°C). There are typically 0 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.

What is the average yearly sea temperature in Norway?

Across all twelve months, the sea in Norway averages about 9.0°C.

Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Norway?

The sea in Norway stays below 22°C even at its warmest (~17.0°C in August), so a 3/2mm or thicker wetsuit is recommended for longer swims year-round.