Spring in Oslo shifts from cold, snowy days to milder, brighter weather. You’ll see daily high temperatures go from the mid-30s Fahrenheit in early March up to the mid-60s by late May. Snow fades out, rain takes over, and daylight lasts longer. Honestly, it’s one of the most dramatic seasonal transitions you’ll notice in the city.
The days stretch out, starting with about 10 hours of light in early March. By the end of May, you’ll get more than 18 hours. That means rapid warming and some pretty big changes in the landscape.
Snow disappears quickly. Rain picks up, and suddenly you see parks and waterfronts waking up after the long winter.
If you’re planning a visit or just trying to adjust to the season, you’ll want to pay attention to more than just the temperature. Daylight, rain patterns, and wind matter too.
Knowing these details helps you prepare, whether you’re out for a brisk March morning walk or a late-evening stroll under the bright May sky.
Overview of Spring Weather in Oslo
Spring in Oslo brings rising temperatures, longer days, and a switch from snow to rain. The city shifts from cold winter to milder, wetter days that set the stage for summer.
Typical Spring Climate Patterns
From March to May, daily highs climb from about 1°C in early March up to nearly 18°C by late May. Nights start chilly, with lows around -6°C, but by late spring, they reach 8°C.
Clouds start to break up as spring goes on. In early March, skies stay overcast nearly 70% of the time, but by late May, that drops to about 50%.
You’ll notice more chances to enjoy sunny days outside.
Precipitation builds as spring moves forward. March brings a mix of snow and rain, but by May, rain is much more common.
Average 31‑day rainfall goes from 24 mm in early March to about 68 mm by the end of May.
Wind speeds stay steady around 7 km/h, usually from the south. Humidity stays low, so even rainy days rarely feel muggy.
Transition from Winter to Spring
Early March often still feels like winter. Snow falls frequently, with average totals around 160 mm for the month.
By April, snow becomes rare, and by May, it’s usually gone.
Daylight ramps up fast. You gain more than 7 hours of daylight between March and May.
The sun sets before 18:00 in early March, but after 22:00 by the end of May. That means long evenings for outdoor fun.
Water in the Oslofjord stays cold, starting near 3°C and warming to about 10°C by late spring. Most people don’t swim yet, but the warming water hints at summer.
The growing season kicks off in early May. By the end of spring, almost every day is frost-free, so gardens and plants get their start.
Seasonal Weather Variability
Spring weather in Oslo changes fast. One week, lingering snow showers show up, and the next week, sunshine and blooming trees take over.
You’ll get chilly mornings and warmer afternoons—layers are your friend.
Rain picks up later in the season. The chance of a wet day goes from 24% in March to 31% in May. Packing a light rain jacket just makes sense.
Temperatures swing a lot. Most May days hit the mid-teens Celsius, but you’ll still get the odd chilly day that reminds you winter’s not far behind.
Some days, highs even push close to 20°C, giving you a little taste of summer.
Spring really packs in both the last bits of winter and the first hints of summer, sometimes all in the same week.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Spring in Oslo means steadily rising temperatures as winter fades away. March stays chilly, April feels milder, and by late May, days get comfortable, though nights still cool off.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
In March, daytime highs average around 37°F (3°C). Nights often drop near 25°F (-4°C), so you’ll still need warm clothes.
By April, things warm up fast. Highs reach about 48°F (9°C), and lows hover near 34°F (1°C). Rain picks up, and snow becomes rare.
May feels much nicer. Highs average 60°F (16°C), and nighttime lows sit around 44°F (7°C). Outdoor activities get more appealing, and you’ll see more locals outside.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 37°F / 3°C | 25°F / -4°C | Cold, snowy |
| April | 48°F / 9°C | 34°F / 1°C | Cool, rainy |
| May | 60°F / 16°C | 44°F / 7°C | Mild, mostly rain |
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
You’ll notice a real difference between day and night temps in Oslo during spring. Early on, nights often fall below freezing, even while daytime highs get above it.
That means icy mornings are pretty common in March.
In April, nights still feel chilly but usually stay just above freezing. Daytime temps go up, so layers help if you’re outside for a while.
By May, the contrast isn’t as sharp. Nights stay cool but not cold, and afternoons can feel mild or even warm. A light jacket does the trick during the day, but you’ll want a sweater or coat in the evening.
Temperature Trends and Extremes
Oslo’s spring shows a steady warming trend. Average highs rise by almost 30°F (17°C) from early March to late May.
Lows go up by about 25°F (14°C) over the same stretch.
Extreme cold rarely happens after March, but early in the season, nights can still dip close to 20°F (-7°C). Once in a while, May brings a warm day above 70°F (21°C).
The shift from freezing to comfortable happens fast. You’ll want to pack for both lingering winter and early summer, depending on your timing.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Spring in Oslo brings a mix of rain and leftover snow, with more precipitation as summer gets closer. You’ll see changes not just in how much it rains, but how often—and how it feels outside.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Early spring still brings some snow, but by March, rain starts to take over. Average precipitation in March is about 54 mm, which isn’t much compared to later.
April gets wetter, with rainfall around 60–70 mm and more regular showers. May usually sees 70–80 mm, making it the wettest spring month.
| Month | Average Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | ~54 mm |
| April | ~60–70 mm |
| May | ~70–80 mm |
These amounts aren’t as high as Norway’s west coast, but they’re enough to mess with outdoor plans. Waterproof clothing comes in handy, especially in May.
Rainy Days and Wettest Periods
Spring doesn’t mean endless rain, but you’ll get your share of wet days. March averages about 14 days with measurable precipitation, often a mix of light snow and rain.
April brings 13–15 days of rain, and May bumps up to 15–16 days. Showers get more frequent as it warms up, but heavy downpours are still pretty rare.
The wettest period in spring usually lands in May, when both rainfall and rainy days peak. Rain tends to come in short, light showers instead of long storms.
You can usually squeeze in outdoor activities between showers.
Humidity Levels in Spring
Oslo’s spring humidity stays moderate, but it shifts as the season goes on. In March, the air feels drier, with relative humidity around 70–75%.
By April, humidity settles closer to 65–70%. The milder air and longer days help ease that damp winter feeling.
In May, humidity stays steady even as rainfall increases, thanks to warmer days.
Spring feels more comfortable than the muggy summer months. Early on, you’ll notice crisp, fresh air, and by late May, things feel milder and more balanced.
It’s a good time for walking tours or outdoor sightseeing.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Spring in Oslo brings big changes in sunlight. Days get longer, you’ll see more sunshine, and cloud cover shifts, changing how bright the season feels.
Average Daily Sunshine
During spring, Oslo gets more daily sunshine. In March, you’ll see about 4 hours and 54 minutes of sun each day.
By April, it’s just over 6 hours, and by May, around 7 hours and 30 minutes.
That extra sun makes outdoor activities much more appealing. It also helps balance out the lingering chill from winter.
Sure, not every day is bright, but the averages give you a decent idea of what to expect.
Compared to winter, the difference is huge. December barely gets an hour of sun per day, but May offers over seven times that.
Changes in Daylight Length
Daylight expands fast in Oslo during spring. Early March brings about 11 hours and 45 minutes of daylight.
By April, you get over 14 hours, and May stretches to more than 17 hours per day.
Those long days don’t even peak until the summer solstice in June, but spring already gives you a taste of the north.
Between March and May, you gain almost six hours of daylight. That really changes how you plan your day.
Evenings stay bright much later, so if you love walking, sightseeing, or eating outdoors, you’ll have more time. The extended daylight helps the city shift from a winter mood to a lighter, more open vibe.
Cloud Cover Trends
Even with longer days, cloud cover still matters. In March, skies are overcast about 57% of the time.
By May, it drops to around 55%, so you get a few more clear days.
You’ll see more breaks of sunshine as spring goes on, but clouds still show up often. Oslo almost never has a season of totally clear skies, so expect mixed conditions.
The combo of long daylight and frequent clouds creates a balance. You get more hours of light, but it’s not always direct sun.
That’s pretty standard for Oslo’s maritime climate, and it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a spring trip.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
In spring, Oslo usually has light to moderate winds, stable air pressure, and clear visibility. These conditions shape how comfortable it feels outside and can influence your plans for walking, cycling, or sightseeing.
Typical Wind Speeds
Winds in Oslo during spring usually stay light, averaging about 2 meters per second (m/s) or around 7 km/h (4–5 mph). That’s enough for a gentle breeze—flags and smoke drift a bit, but nothing wild.
Late winter is the calmest, but spring keeps up steady light breezes. Some days, the air feels almost still, while other days, you notice a bit more movement, especially near the Oslofjord.
These wind speeds fit the “light breeze” range on the Beaufort scale. They won’t disrupt your outdoor plans, but you’ll feel a refreshing touch on sunny days.
If you’re visiting, you probably won’t deal with strong gusts. Instead, expect comfortable air for walking tours, ferry rides, or hanging out in parks and along the water—without much wind chill.
Pressure and Visibility in Spring
In Oslo, air pressure during spring usually stays pretty steady. You’ll notice only minor ups and downs.
This steadiness means you won’t get caught off guard by sudden weather changes, so it’s easier to plan your day.
Visibility tends to be good, especially as the thick winter clouds start to fade away. You might catch some really clear views across the city and out toward the forests and hills, especially when the sun decides to show up.
Sometimes, a rain shower rolls through and temporarily knocks down the visibility. Thankfully, these showers don’t last long.
Most days, you get crisp air and open sightlines. If you’re into photography or just want to take in the scenery, spring is a great time for it.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Spring in Oslo
Spring in Oslo can feel a bit unpredictable. Temperatures jump around, daylight stretches out, and you’ll see everything from sunshine to rain.
You’ll want to stay flexible and prepare for changing conditions. At the same time, don’t miss out on the local traditions and outdoor events that pop up this season.
What to Wear in Spring
March can be pretty chilly, with temperatures usually around 2–5°C (36–41°F). By May, it warms up to 15–18°C (59–64°F).
Because the weather swings so much, it makes sense to dress in layers. Toss on a light jacket, a sweater, and maybe a long-sleeve shirt. As the day goes on and it warms up, you can peel things off.
Rain shows up often, especially early in spring. Pack a waterproof jacket and shoes that don’t mind getting wet.
In March and April, evenings can get cold fast, so gloves and a scarf still come in handy.
Oslo locals love their “utepils” (outdoor beer), even when it’s chilly. If you’re planning to join them outside, bring a warm scarf or a blanket to stay cozy.
Don’t forget sunglasses—the sun sits low and can be surprisingly bright.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Month | Average High | Suggested Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| March | 2–5°C (36–41°F) | Warm coat, scarf, gloves |
| April | 8–10°C (46–50°F) | Light jacket, layers |
| May | 15–18°C (59–64°F) | Sweater, light coat, rain gear |
Outdoor Activities and Events
Spring kicks off longer daylight hours, making it so much easier to soak up the city’s parks and waterfront. By April, cherry blossoms burst into color in spots like Tøyen and the Botanical Garden. Both locals and visitors show up for the view.
Grab a blanket and join folks for a picnic when the grass finally dries out. There’s something about sharing a meal outside that just feels right.
If swimming’s your thing, you’ll see some brave locals taking their first dip in the Oslofjord before May. Sure, the water’s freezing, but it’s a tradition people love anyway.
Saunas by the harbor help warm you up afterward, though some insist the swim feels more real without one. It’s up to you—why not try both?
May rolls in with big public holidays. 1 May (International Worker’s Day) and 17 May (Constitution Day) draw crowds every year.
On 17 May, parades fill Karl Johans gate, and people wear traditional bunad clothing. Restaurants get packed, so you’ll want to book a table early if you’re planning to eat out.
Even just leaning against a sunny wall or cycling around the city becomes a spring ritual here.
Just keep an eye out for leftover winter gravel on bike paths, especially in March and early April.