A trip to Scandinavia is a glorious opportunity to enjoy a variety of seasonal activities, beautiful landscapes, and visual phenomena unique to this part of the world. At Discover Scandinavia Tours, our expert, US-based team has crafted a range of luxury Scandinavia tour packages that showcase the best the Nordic region has to offer.

But if you’re undecided about what type of adventures you’d like to experience while visiting Scandinavia, read on for information about the best times to travel and the incredible things to do throughout the year.

If any questions come to mind as you read, simply get in touch! We’re here to provide all the answers you need.

When Should You Travel to Scandinavia

The decision of when to visit Scandinavia comes down to what you’d like to do, see, learn, or explore. Scandinavia has four seasons, each with unique reasons to visit. 

Summer in Scandinavia

The months of June, July, and August are when the weather is warmest, making it a great time to visit. The cities are bustling with activity and plenty of action. Activities to consider are hiking in the mountains, enjoying a tour of the fjords, taking a ride on the Flam Railway, strolling Tivoli Gardens, or enjoying a canal tour in Copenhagen. Summer is a great time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Tempted? We think you’ll appreciate our blog about summer in Scandinavia. It takes a closer look at visiting the Nordic countries at this gorgeous time of year.

Spring in Scandinavia

The months of March to May are a great time to visit Scandinavia. The birds are out and nature is starting to bloom. Spring is an ideal time to combine indoor and outdoor activities since there might be some days of rain. 

You can enjoy visits to exciting museums, historical sites, and local markets, get your legs moving on biking or walking tours, or leisurely sample the local cuisine at restaurants and cafes. You will find that during nice sunny days, the restaurants will open up their outdoor patios for a coffee or meal outside.

Winter in Scandinavia

The months of December to March are when you can prepare for snowy excursions. You can enjoy trips through a winter wonderland of pristine snow, majestic snow-capped mountains, and beautiful scenery. 

Daylight is shorter, but this won’t stop you from enjoying a menu of winter delights. You can bundle up and go dog or reindeer sledding, plan a night in an ice hotel, and if lucky even see the captivating Northern Lights.

Fall in Scandinavia

The months of September through November are a wonderful time to absorb the golden colors of autumn that create a beautiful landscape. You can enjoy sightseeing and soaking up the local culture. Although it may be chilly, this time is another great season to combine indoor and outdoor adventures.

If this will be your first trip to the Nordic region, make sure you read our Guide to Scandinavia for First-Time Travelers when you have finished here. It’s filled with more valuable tips and insights that can help you make your decision.

Travel to Scandinavia for the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a jaw-dropping natural light show. The colorful spectacle is created when electrons collide with air particles at high speed as they make their way along Earth’s magnetic field. When the collision occurs, the sky lights up the night. 

This surreal display of dancing colors is visible in several locations and provinces within Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. From September to the beginning of April, you have the best chance to view the Northern Lights. A clear sky is needed; this natural phenomenon is weather permitting.

Read our Practical Guide for Wonderful Northern Lights Tours for a deeper dive into this topic! 

Travel to Scandinavia for the Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun is another unique natural experience where the sun is visible 24 hours a day. Countries located within the Arctic Circle that experience the phenomenon are referred to as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. In Scandinavia, these countries include Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. 

Where you are vacationing will determine when the Midnight Sun is visible. For example, above the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, the sun can be seen above the horizon from the beginning of June to the beginning of July.

Does Scandinavia Get Busy?

Scandinavia is a great place to visit any time of the year. During spring and fall, travelers can experience less congestion and fewer crowds at the attractions. During summer, when school is out, Scandinavia gets a little busier. Summer is still a great time to travel; plan by making reservations early at your desired accommodations and tours.

12 Months – 12 Reasons to Visit Scandinavia

• January – Enjoy winter activities in Lapland; a husky ride, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.
• February – Stay in an ice suite at one of the exotic ice hotels.
• March – Hunt for the Northern Lights.
• April – Experience both indoor and outdoor activities with Scandinavia’s ideal weather.
• May – Take in the spring weather with crisp air while the flowers are blooming.
• June – Experience the Midnight Sun and the midsummer celebration.
• July – Appreciate the sunshine, warmer weather, and pristine beaches.
• August – Relish the warm weather and the various festivals to visit.
• September – Visit the fall fests and markets, such as the “Kivik Apple market” in Sweden.
• October – Enjoy the cooler days and cozy indoor activities like museums and waterparks.
• November – Absorb the beauty of the Northern Lights.
• December – Feeling the magic of Christmas in Scandinavia, with markets, festive decorations, and twinkling lights.

Discover the Nordic Region with Our Scandinavia Luxury Tours

So, what are the best times to visit Scandinavia? That’s for you to answer now… we hope this blog has helped you decide!

If you’re still looking for more inspiration, browse our full range of luxury Scandinavia tour packages and see which one best fits your interests and timescale. We can also help you craft a unique custom tour of Scandinavia tailored entirely to your group.

You can always contact us and our US-based team will happily provide all the extra information you need.