The climate of Narvik is
moderately continental, with cold winters, during which the average temperature is a few degrees below freezing, and mild summers.
The city is located in the northernmost part of Nordland County, which occupies north-central Norway.
Since we are inside a very deep fjord (called Ofotfjord or Narvik fjord), the influence of the sea is felt less than in the part most directly exposed of the Norwegian Sea (see the Lofoten and Vesteralen islands).
Around the city, there are mountains that remain snow-capped for many months of the year.
Narvik's latitude is 68°26'N, therefore, to the north of the Arctic Circle. Consequently, the
sun does not rise (polar night) from 6 December to 6 January, while it does not set from 25 May to 20 July. The
white nights, in which it is not completely dark even at midnight, occur by April 15th and until August 29th.
In
winter, the ground is often covered with snow, however, there are quite mild periods, in which the temperature is just above freezing, and rain falls, or rain mixed with snow.
However, there are also
cold periods, more or less long depending on the winter, in which the temperature drops below freezing and stays below even during the day. These periods are usually dry, as currents from the east prevail, however, it can sometimes snow.
On the coldest days of the year, the temperature generally drops to around -15 °C (5 °F), although it can drop to lower values from time to time. The coldest record is -22.3 °C (-8.1 °F) and was set in February 1980.
The
summer is mild, with fairly frequent rains, and some very cool days, with highs of 12/13 °C (53/55 °F). The sun is not seen very often, however, the days are very long.
When it's not raining, there are pleasant days, with highs around 20 °C (68 °F).
Sometimes, there can be warm periods, in which the temperature reaches, and sometimes exceeds, 25 °C (77 °F). The highest record is 32.5 °C (90.5 °F) and was set in July 2014.
Best Time
The best time to visit Narvik is the
summer, in July and August, since they are the mildest months. However, you must take into account cloudy skies, some rain and a bit of cold at night.
Narvik - Climate data
The
average temperature of the coldest month (February) is of -3.0 °C (26.7 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 14.6 °C (58.3 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Narvik - Average temperatures (1991-2020) Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
---|
January | -4.9 | -0.2 | -2.6 | 23 | 32 | 27.3 |
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February | -5.3 | -0.6 | -3 | 22 | 31 | 26.7 |
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March | -3.5 | 1.8 | -0.8 | 26 | 35 | 30.5 |
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April | -0.2 | 5.9 | 2.9 | 32 | 43 | 37.2 |
---|
May | 4 | 11 | 7.5 | 39 | 52 | 45.5 |
---|
June | 7.9 | 15 | 11.5 | 46 | 59 | 52.7 |
---|
July | 11 | 18.3 | 14.6 | 52 | 65 | 58.3 |
---|
August | 10.2 | 17.1 | 13.7 | 50 | 63 | 56.6 |
---|
September | 6.6 | 12.4 | 9.5 | 44 | 54 | 49.1 |
---|
October | 2.2 | 6.6 | 4.4 | 36 | 44 | 39.9 |
---|
November | -1.4 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 29 | 37 | 33.2 |
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December | -3.4 | 1.1 | -1.1 | 26 | 34 | 29.9 |
---|
Year | 2 | 7.7 | 4.8 | 35.6 | 45.8 | 40.5 |
---|
Precipitation amounts to 995 millimeters (39.2 inches) per year: so, it is at an intermediate level. It ranges from 45 mm (1.8 in) in the driest month (April) to 115 mm (4.5 in) in the wettest one (January). Here is the average precipitation.
Narvik - Average precipitationMonth | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
---|
January | 115 | 4.5 | 15 |
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February | 90 | 3.5 | 13 |
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March | 80 | 3.1 | 12 |
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April | 45 | 1.8 | 10 |
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May | 55 | 2.2 | 11 |
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June | 60 | 2.4 | 11 |
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July | 80 | 3.1 | 12 |
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August | 95 | 3.7 | 15 |
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September | 80 | 3.1 | 12 |
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October | 110 | 4.3 | 15 |
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November | 85 | 3.3 | 12 |
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December | 95 | 3.7 | 14 |
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Year | 995 | 39.2 | 151 |
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The
sea temperature ranges from 4 °C (39 °F) in March to 12 °C (54 °F) in August. Here are the average sea temperatures.
Narvik - Sea temperatureMonth | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
---|
January | 5 | 41 | February | 4.5 | 40 | March | 4 | 40 | April | 4.5 | 40 | May | 6 | 42 | June | 8 | 47 | July | 10.5 | 51 | August | 12 | 53 | September | 10.5 | 51 | October | 8.5 | 48 | November | 7.5 | 45 | December | 6 | 43 | Year | 7.3 | 45.2 |
Narvik - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
January is generally a very cold month. The average temperature is of -2.6 °C (27 °F), with a minimum of -4.9 °C (23.1 °F) and a maximum of -0.2 °C (31.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -12 °C (10.5 °F). However, it dropped to -20 °C (-4 °F) in January 1999.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 7 °C (45 °F). However, it reached 11 °C (51.8 °F) in January 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 115 mm (4.5 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 2 hours and 55 minutes. So the days are very short.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 5 °C (41.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
February, the coldest month of the year, is generally a very cold month. The average temperature is of -3.0 °C (27 °F), with a minimum of -5.3 °C (22.4 °F) and a maximum of -0.6 °C (31 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -13 °C (9 °F). However, it dropped to -19.3 °C (-2.7 °F) in February 2012.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 6.5 °C (44 °F). However, it reached 8.6 °C (47.5 °F) in February 2014.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 7 hours and 50 minutes. So the days are short.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 4.5 °C (40.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
March is generally a very cold month. The average temperature is of -0.8 °C (30 °F), with a minimum of -3.5 °C (25.7 °F) and a maximum of 1.8 °C (35.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -10 °C (14 °F). However, it dropped to -14.6 °C (5.7 °F) in March 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 8 °C (46.5 °F). However, it reached 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) in March 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 50 minutes.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 4 °C (39.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
April is generally a cold month. The average temperature is of 2.9 °C (37 °F), with a minimum of -0.2 °C (31.7 °F) and a maximum of 5.9 °C (42.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6 °C (21.5 °F). However, it dropped to -9.6 °C (14.7 °F) in April 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 13 °C (55.5 °F). However, it reached 20.4 °C (68.7 °F) in April 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 16 hours and 0 minutes.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 4.5 °C (40 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
May is generally a quite mild month. The average temperature is of 7.5 °C (45 °F), with a minimum of 4 °C (39.1 °F) and a maximum of 11 °C (51.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1 °C (30.5 °F). However, it dropped to -3.8 °C (25.2 °F) in May 1999.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19.5 °C (67 °F). However, it reached 29.9 °C (85.8 °F) in May 2013.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 21 hours and 20 minutes. So the days are very long.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 6 °C (42.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
June is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 11.5 °C (53 °F), with a minimum of 7.9 °C (46.3 °F) and a maximum of 15 °C (59 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3.5 °C (38.5 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in June 2003.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23.5 °C (74 °F). However, it reached 29.7 °C (85.5 °F) in June 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 24 hours. So the sun is always above the horizon.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 8 °C (47 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
July, the warmest month of the year, is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 14.6 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 11 °C (51.7 °F) and a maximum of 18.3 °C (64.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7 °C (45 °F). However, it dropped to 4.5 °C (40.1 °F) in July 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (79 °F). However, it reached 32.5 °C (90.5 °F) in July 2014.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 23 hours and 0 minutes. So the days are very long.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (51.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
August is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 13.7 °C (57 °F), with a minimum of 10.2 °C (50.4 °F) and a maximum of 17.1 °C (62.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5.5 °C (42 °F). However, it dropped to 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) in August 2007.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 24.5 °C (75.5 °F). However, it reached 28.6 °C (83.5 °F) in August 1994.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 17 hours and 30 minutes. So the days are very long.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12 °C (53 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
September is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 9.5 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 6.6 °C (44 °F) and a maximum of 12.4 °C (54.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1.5 °C (34.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.2 °C (28 °F) in September 2003.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19 °C (66 °F). However, it reached 25.4 °C (77.7 °F) in September 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (51 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
October is generally a quite cold month. The average temperature is of 4.4 °C (40 °F), with a minimum of 2.2 °C (35.9 °F) and a maximum of 6.6 °C (43.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -3.5 °C (25.5 °F). However, it dropped to -7.9 °C (17.8 °F) in October 2006.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 12.5 °C (55 °F). However, it reached 19.6 °C (67.3 °F) in October 2014.
Precipitation amounts to 110 mm (4.3 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 5 minutes.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 8.5 °C (47.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
November is generally a cold month. The average temperature is of 0.7 °C (33 °F), with a minimum of -1.4 °C (29.4 °F) and a maximum of 2.8 °C (37 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -7.5 °C (19 °F). However, it dropped to -11.3 °C (11.7 °F) in November 1995.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 9.5 °C (48.5 °F). However, it reached 15.8 °C (60.4 °F) in November 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 4 hours and 35 minutes. So the days are short.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 7.5 °C (45.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
December is generally a very cold month. The average temperature is of -1.1 °C (30 °F), with a minimum of -3.4 °C (26 °F) and a maximum of 1.1 °C (33.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -10 °C (14 °F). However, it dropped to -15.4 °C (4.3 °F) in December 1995.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 8 °C (47 °F). However, it reached 11.4 °C (52.5 °F) in December 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 0 hours and 10 minutes. So the days are very short. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 6 °C (43 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.