Weather in Lofoten is always a hot topic—probably because it changes every five minutes and can be completely different just a few kilometers away.
Back in the Czech Republic, I barely even checked the forecast. Worst case, I got soaked, but it rarely meant I had to change my plans. Moving to Trondheim made me pay more attention, but it wasn’t until we settled in Lofoten that I realized how much more goes into reading a weather forecast than just checking if it’s going to be cloudy, sunny, or rainy.
Understanding the local weather in Lofoten and knowing how to read the weather forecast is mega important because conditions can shift faster than you’d expect. A morning that looks perfect for hiking can suddenly turn into a raging autumn storm, and what starts as a drizzle can quickly turn trails into muddy, slippery messes.
While July 2024 was unusually hot and sunny, August has brought its fair share of rain. In fact, today is August 24, and we are right in the middle of the first autumn storm of the season.
I just returned from our porch, where I had to re-secure our jacuzzi and garden furniture because it was flying around. I got completely soaked in less than a minute, and it was pure luck that I managed to avoid a flying garden table (totally my fault—I should have secured it sooner, but I overslept).
Even on a day like today, tourists still want to climb Reinebringen or at least ask what other hike they can do in rainy weather. People don’t check the weather forecast properly, and if they do, they only look at the icons showing whether it will be sunny or rainy. They don’t check how much rain to expect or, more importantly, how strong the wind will be.
Of course, giving general advice in a blog post is challenging, as it’s hard to estimate your experience level.
A couple of days ago, I met three lovely elderly climbers/hikers (I work part-time at the tourist information in Reine) who wanted to hike from Kjerkfjorden to Fredvang, one of the stages in the Long Crossing of Lofoten. Even in optimal conditions, this section is known to be quite boggy, and on that day, it was far from ideal conditions.
It had rained for several days, and the wind was pretty intense. I warned them that the trail would be wet, muddy, and slippery and that I wouldn’t recommend doing it in those conditions. However, they assured me they had years of experience climbing in the Andes and the Himalayas, so they’d be fine.
The next day, they returned to the information center. One had slipped on wet stones and had to be airlifted to the hospital. The other two didn’t even go to the beach due to the wind and spent “a horrible night” at the harbor before taking the ferry back to Reine.
So, please don’t underestimate Lofoten’s weather and terrain. Yes, our mountains aren’t very high, but the trails can be hard to find, the terrain is challenging, and the weather can get really harsh, even in the middle of summer.
Before planning any epic hike, thinking you can easily manage 30 km and 1,500 m of elevation as you do in the Alps, try some Lofoten hikes that are graded “easy” to get a feel for our conditions (we recommend a trip around Ågvatnet, hehe).
And before heading out for a hike, even on famous and “safe” trails like Reinebringen or Ryten, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Like the rest of Norway’s western coast, Lofoten’s weather is heavily influenced by the Gulf Stream—or, more accurately, the North Atlantic Current. This warm ocean current starts all the way in the Gulf of Mexico and plays a massive role in shaping Lofoten’s climate. Without it, the winters in Lofoten would be much colder and harsher.
In the summer, we usually get temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. I know, it’s not exactly beach weather, but around here, hitting 20°C feels like we’re in the tropics.
Conversely, winter temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C. This might sound chilly, but considering how far north we are, it’s surprisingly mild and there’s no need for Arctic survival gear (most of the time).
The Gulf Stream does more than keep Lofoten from freezing. When its warm air collides with cold Arctic air, it creates the perfect conditions for low-pressure systems to linger, resulting in sometimes stormy weather, strong winds, and plenty of rain.
You know the saying: climate is what you expect, weather is what you get.
In Lofoten, that couldn’t be more true. You might get a stunning, sunny July, or you could end up with rain and storms right in the middle of summer.
The same goes for winter—you could have perfect snowy days in February or find yourself dealing with mild temperatures and no snow at all.
To borrow from Forrest Gump: “Weather in Lofoten is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.”
Lofoten isn’t all that big. You can drive from the village of Å in the southwest to Fiskebøl in the northeast in about three hours—and that’s only because the road is small and winding. The distance is just 160 km.
Given how compact the islands are, you’d think the weather would be more or less the same everywhere. But nope! Lofoten’s got all sorts of microclimates, making the weather unpredictable from one spot to the next.
Generally, the western part (like Reine) gets more clouds and rain, but the winters tend to be milder, with temps hovering around zero. Meanwhile, over in the east (around Svolvær), it’s usually a bit colder, which means more snow and a longer ski season.
It’s not just east and west, though. The northern coast can be covered in thick fog, while the southern coast enjoys bright sunshine. This sneaky weather pattern, known as ocean fog—or “skodde” as the locals call it—loves to roll in during summer. So, if you find Fredvang and Ramberg lost in a sea of fog, maybe rethink your hike to Kvalvika and Ryten and head south to Reine for Reinebringen instead.
And hey, if you really want to play it safe, check the web cameras first!
First things first—when you’re in Norway, it’s a good idea to follow the local way of doing things. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” And in Norway, that means trusting the Norwegian weather forecast.
Yr.no is the go-to weather app and website here. It’s packed with all the details you need: hourly and long-term forecasts, detailed graphs, and real-time weather observations.
But let’s be honest—Yr isn’t always perfect, especially regarding long-term predictions. In our FB travel groups, we often see posts from people freaking out because the forecast says rain every day for their trip that’s three weeks away.
Here’s the deal: weather in Lofoten changes faster than you can say “fjord,” so anything beyond three days is a gamble unless there’s a solid high-pressure system in place.
The trick is to focus on the forecast for just the next few days, but even then, don’t get too hung up on it—it could still change.
Also, don’t be too quick to cancel your plans based on the forecast. The local tour providers know best when the weather really calls for a change of plans.
It could be windy on the northern coast, but kayaking in Reinefjorden might still be fine. Or it might be cloudy in Svolvær, but your northern lights tour could take you to Gimsøy, where the skies are clear, and the aurora is putting on a show.
When you check the weather for Lofoten, don’t just rely on those little icons that show if it’ll be sunny or rainy. Don’t get too fixated on the temperature, either. If you see a rain cloud icon, it doesn’t mean it will pour all day.
When checking the Yr.no weather forecast for Lofoten, there are a few key things to help you understand what’s coming your way.
When you click on the day you’re interested in, Yr.no gives you a more detailed breakdown. For the next three days, you’ll get an hour-by-hour forecast. Beyond that, it switches to six-hour blocks.
The forecast typically shows the highest and lowest temperatures for the day. Remember that in Lofoten, summer temps don’t peak around noon as they might back home—they usually hit their high later in the afternoon. And yes, temperatures are given in Celsius.
Yr.no also gives you the chance of rain (or snow) and how much you can expect. To better plan your day, click on the timeline and see how the rain is spread out.
Here’s what different levels of rain mean for your hike:
🌧️ Drizzle: Less than 0.5 mm/h. This misty rain isn’t going to ruin your day. You might get damp, but it’s nothing to stress over. Quick-drying clothes should be all you need to stay comfortable.
🌧️🌧️ Light Rain: Between 0.5 and 2.5 mm/h. Sure, you’ll feel it, but it’s still manageable. The trails could be a bit muddy, so waterproof gear and good boots are key. Don’t let light rain stop you from enjoying your hike—just be prepared.
🌧️🌧️🌧️ Moderate Rain: 2.5 to 7.6 mm/h. Now, we’re talking serious rain. Trails will be slick, and conditions will be tricky. If you see moderate rain in the forecast, it’s time to reconsider your plans and maybe stick to easier or shorter hikes.
🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️ Heavy Rain: Over 7.6 mm/h. This is the kind of rain that can quickly make trails unsafe. Hiking in heavy rain should really be avoided —there’s no shame in waiting for better conditions.
In short, drizzle and light rain shouldn’t keep you indoors—they’re part of the Lofoten experience. But once the forecast shows moderate or heavy rain, adjusting your plans and skipping any hikes in those conditions is smart.
Next up is the wind speed column—something you definitely want to keep an eye on. Yr.no shows wind speeds in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or meters per second (m/s).
As I’ve mentioned, Lofoten can get seriously windy, and wind speed greatly impacts the “feels like” temperature. A chilly breeze can make a cool day feel downright cold.
Wind speed is also crucial for deciding whether it’s safe to head into the mountains, whether the Bodø-Moskenes ferry might be canceled, or whether certain bridges on the E10 could be closed (they automatically shut down when the wind gets too strong).
Wind is no joke in Lofoten when it comes to hiking, especially with our exposed and rugged terrain.
Since Europeans are more accustomed to wind speed measurements in km/h or m/s, we’ve created a table where we’ve converted those speeds into miles per hour and feet per second for those who prefer these units.
Additionally, since many people in Lofoten use knots to measure wind speed, we’ve included that in the table as well, making it easy for you to do quick conversions and understand the forecast no matter which unit you’re familiar with.
Here’s a quick guide on when you might want to rethink your plans based on wind speed:
You’re good to go! You’ll feel the breeze, but it’s usually not enough to cause any issues, even on exposed trails.
Now we’re getting into “fresh breeze” territory. You’ll definitely notice the wind, which can make hiking tricky, especially on ridges or steep sections. Avoid exposed trails like Reinebringen. Stick to more sheltered trails or skip the hike altogether.
It’s time to reconsider any hiking plans. At this point, the wind is strong enough to knock you off balance, especially with gusts. Slippery terrain plus strong wind is a recipe for disaster.
While the average wind speed tells you how breezy it will be overall, gusts are those quick accelerations where the wind cranks up a notch, often for 20-30 seconds at a time.
Gusts can be a real game-changer on exposed ridges or steep sections because they can easily knock you off balance. Even if the average wind speed seems manageable, keep an eye on the forecasted gusts. You will find the wind gust speed on yr.no in the brackets next to the average wind speed.
Gusts over 18 m/s are a big red flag. If you see those speeds, hiking, and camping in a tent will be tough, and there’s a good chance the Bodø-Moskenes ferry could get canceled.
Wind direction is a detail that’s easy to overlook but can make all the difference in Lofoten.
First things first: wind direction is named after where the wind is coming FROM, not where it’s headed. So, if it says “north wind,” that means it’s blowing from the north, not toward it.
Understanding how wind direction impacts the weather in Lofoten is a next-level skill. It’s super localized, and we’re still figuring it out ourselves!
For example, when we lived in Fredvang, the southwest wind on a stormy night meant zero sleep because it hit us in full force, shaking the house like during an earthquake. But if the wind blasted just as hard from the north, we’d be tucked in and barely notice it.
There might be days with strong winds forecasted, but certain spots can still be fine for hiking, depending on the wind direction and local terrain. However, knowing where those sheltered areas are takes a lot of local experience. For most tourists, it’s best to stick to the general windspeed guidelines I mentioned earlier.
Sometimes, on Yr.no, you’ll spot warning icons in yellow, orange, or red next to the date. These are heads-ups for potential hazards like strong winds, heavy rain, landslides, or avalanches.
🟡 Yellow: Minor issues expected. Most daily activities should be fine, but reconsider if you’re planning something outdoors.
🟠 Orange: This is more serious. The weather could cause major problems for a lot of people. You’ll need to think twice about heading out of the house.
🔴 Red: This is the big one. We’re talking extreme conditions with a real risk to life and property. When you see red, it’s time to stay at home.
❗You can read more about the meaning of the different color warnings on yr.no.
These warnings aren’t just for show, especially the orange and red ones. We’ve seen people still attempt Reinebringen in winter despite gale-force winds or avalanche risks, only to need rescue later. Please don’t be that person—know when to call it a day for your own safety.
Let’s clear up a common misconception—when people hear “polar night,” they often imagine 24 hours of pitch-black darkness for weeks.
But that’s not entirely true! Even during the polar night in Lofoten, we still get some light each day thanks to prolonged dawn and twilight periods, even if the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon.
Similarly, in the summer, even after the midnight sun period ends around July 17—when the sun dips below the horizon for the first time in about six weeks—it still stays bright all night for another month.
So, while the sun technically sets, the sky remains too light for proper Northern Lights viewing until late August, when darkness finally starts returning. That’s when we can start catching those early-season auroras again!
Now, let’s break down the different types of twilight that you will find on timeanddate.com:
🌅 Civil Twilight: This is when the sun is just below the horizon (up to 6° down), and it’s still light enough to see clearly without a flashlight. In Lofoten, during the polar night, we often have several hours of civil twilight, which feels more like a really long sunrise or sunset.
🌠 Nautical Twilight: It’s still not dark when the sun dips slightly lower (6° to 12° below the horizon). You can usually make out the horizon line, so sailors have relied on this time of day for navigation. It’s dimmer than civil twilight but still gives you enough light to move around outdoors.
🌌 Astronomical Twilight: This is when the sun is 12° to 18° below the horizon, and the sky is almost fully dark. If you’re into stargazing, this is the time when the faintest stars start to show.
Let’s face it—there are days in Lofoten when heading to exposed ridges like Reinebringen or Mannen just isn’t a good idea. High winds and heavy rain can make some trails dangerous or downright impossible.
But that doesn’t mean you have to sit inside all day! Here are a few coastal hikes and activities that are generally safer and more enjoyable in less-than-ideal weather:
These trails and beaches are usually more sheltered and less exposed to the elements:
🥾 Haukland-Uttakleiv Coastal Path
🥾 Nesland-Nusfjord Coastal Hike
🥾 Bunes Beach Hike
🥾 Kvalvika Beach Hike
🥾 Beach Strolls at Skagsanden or Ramberg
🥾 Wave Watching at Unstad Beach
When it’s really stormy, or you need a break from the elements, you can consider:
🏛️ Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg
🧖♀️ Saunas and Jacuzzis
Look, we get it—everyone dreams of endless blue skies when they come to Lofoten. But honestly, blue skies can be a bit boring.
The real magic happens when the skies are moody, with clouds rolling in and beams of light breaking through, making the islands look straight out of the Vikings TV series. Rainy days bring those epic rainbows, and there’s something pretty unforgettable about experiencing a proper autumn storm. The truth is, Lofoten is stunning no matter the weather.
But let’s be honest—we’re an outdoor destination. The best things to do here involve getting outside, whether hiking, fishing, or kayaking. It would be best if you were prepared for days when these activities won’t be an option because of the weather and know there aren’t many indoor alternatives around here, especially in the western part of Lofoten.
So, keep your expectations in check, don’t overplan every minute of your trip, be flexible, and always check the weather forecast before starting your day. Most importantly, stay safe and be ready to roll with whatever the weather in Lofoten throws your way. 🌧️🌈
Cheers from windy and rainy Lofoten,
Radka and Ivar 🇳🇴❤️
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
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Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten.
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2 Responses
Thank you that was so helpful!
I’m heading to Lofoten later this week and the weather looks less than ideal. Do you have any recommendations around when it is safe to drive in the rain and wind?
Thanks again!
It was an interesting reading. I found out that the wheather changes very QuickTime. I drive my bicycle from Melbu 60 km and after it comes a bridge Sundklackkstrauma. It was no problem befors. The wind was totalt different and very very hard😨😨😨😨😨