A Travel Guide to Visiting Oslo in Autumn (Sept, Oct, & Nov)

Oslo in Autumn Overview

There is a notable difference between the start of autumn in September and its end on November 30. Days get shorter, and the temperatures plummet. September can have traces of summer and November can have traces of winter. But October? October is just perfect. It is my favorite month in Oslo.

I think it is also important to state that daylight hours plummet in autumn. Each section in the guide discusses the daylight hours that month. If you struggle with darker days and winter, you may want to plan your trip to Oslo in September or October and avoid November.

The last thing I want to note here is that seasons in Oslo have become more and more predictable throughout the years due to climate change. Anything can happen these days, weather-wise! I arrived in January to no snow and +7C temps a few years back. So while I think a guide is helpful for planning purposes, do know that things can go awry concerning weather conditions.

Luckily, you’re in a capital city so there is plenty to do, even when the weather does not cooperate!

When is it autumn in Oslo?

Norwegians classify autumn as September, October, and November. And I think that is pretty accurate, although I feel the end of November kind of marks the start of winter (it is all about Christmas decorations in my eyes).

For the sake of this guide, I am covering it in three sections: Oslo in September, Oslo in October, and Oslo in November. Weather and daylight information will be in each section, as well as some things to do and festivals/events. I will be adding to this as more dates get released.

Visiting Oslo in September

While I said I was a huge fan of October in Oslo, I must say that September is pretty stellar in its own right. It is kind of an extension of summer but with fewer people and cooler temperatures, so it was always a time I looked forward to in Oslo.

September Weather in Oslo

In September, the average high temperature is around 16C (61F) and the low is around 9C (48F). There are around 9 days of rain throughout the month.

Daylight during September in Oslo

The days are definitely getting shorter, but it doesn’t impact me as much as it does later in the fall. Here are the daylight hours for the month:

• September 1: 14 hours, 8 minutes
• September 15: 12 hours, 53 minutes
• September 30: 11 hours, 32 minutes

Things to Do in September

Here’s a list of my favorite things to do in Oslo in September, including some festivals and events happening this year:

• Take an Oslo fjord cruise (if you’re heading to Western Norway later, I would skip this, but it is really nice if Oslo is your only destination)
• Oslo Culture Night (September 11, 2026)
• Ultima Contemporary Music Festival (September 10-19, 2026)
• Get cozy at a cafe (my favorites are Lille Oslo Kaffebar, Kuro, and Pust)
• by:Larm music festival (September 10-12, 2026)
• Matstreif Food Festival (September 18-19, 2026 at Youngstorget)
• Oslo International Beer Festival (September 11, 2026)
• Oslo Fringe Festival (September 9-13, 2026)
• Visit the Munch Museum
• Book a session at KOK Sauna

Visiting Oslo in October

My favorite month in Oslo. I would say I love October from the start of the month until the middle of the month the most. This is when peak autumn hits, and the trees are vibrant and colorful.

October Weather in Oslo

In October, the average high temperature is around 10C (50F) and the low is around 4C (40F). There are around 10 days of rain throughout the month.

Daylight during October in Oslo

Daylight in October is my favorite (I am used to such drastic shifts in Lapland). It is kind of perfect because it gets dark early enough where you can have cozy evenings but light early enough where you don’t struggle getting out of bed. Here are the daylight hours for the month:

• October 1: 11 hours, 27 minutes
• October 15: 10 hours, 12 minutes
• October 31: 8 hours, 48 minutes

Things to Do in October

Here’s a list of my favorite things to do in Oslo in October, including some festivals and events happening this year:

• Take an Oslo fjord cruise (really lovely when the fall foliage starts showing; I would only book this if Oslo is your only destination… not if you’re continuing to Western Norway)
• CODA International Dance Festival (October 8-18, 2026)
• Try fårikål (this is my favorite autumn dish and you can try it at Helt Vilt in Mathallen; check menu before going to ensure they have it!)
• Oslo World (October 27-Nov 1, 2026)
• Walk along the Akerselva and see the ‘waterfalls’
• See the foliage on Damstredet and Telthusbakken streets
• Go up to Holmenkollen for views over the city

Visiting Oslo in November

I do still like November in Oslo, but it is kind of the calm before the long(ish) winter. The month can be a little cold, however, and the mood is very chill before the Christmas season rolls around (no one does Christmas like Norwegians, I swear). I love the coziness of cafes during November and while it may not offer the same city break experience that summer or early autumn does, you will see fewer tourists and prices reflect that.

November Weather in Oslo

In November, the average high temperature is around 5C (40F) and the low is around 0C (32F). There are around 10 days of rain throughout the month. This could be snow if conditions are right (but it usually doesn’t stick this early in the season).

Daylight during November in Oslo

Daylight in October is my favorite (I am used to such drastic shifts in Lapland). It is kind of perfect because it gets dark early enough where you can have cozy evenings but light early enough where you don’t struggle getting out of bed. Here are the daylight hours for the month:

• November 1: 8 hours, 42 minutes
• November 15: 7 hours, 33 minutes
• November 30: 6 hours, 32 minutes

Things to Do in November

Here’s a list of my favorite things to do in Oslo in November, including some festivals and events happening this year:

• Take an Oslo fjord cruise (I would only book this if Oslo is your only destination… not if you’re continuing to Western Norway)
• Try fårikål (this is my favorite autumn dish and you can try it at Helt Vilt in Mathallen; check the menu beforehand to make sure)
• Walk along the Akerselva and see the ‘waterfalls’
• Go up to Holmenkollen for views over the city (really lovely at sunset!)
• Ingensgate Sunday Market at Blå
• Have a nice dinner at one of Oslo’s restaurants (I love Katla and can recommend it)
• Visit the museums on Bygdøy (Fram Museum is forever my favorite)
• Oslo World (October 27-November 1, 2026)

Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway

I used to stay with friends when I would visit Oslo, but many of them have moved outside the city center after they had children, so I finally know the hotels of the city after all these years! 

Here are some of my top recommendations:

• Hotel Bondeheimen (loved this place so much; super central and perfect for travelers on a mid-range budget)
• Clarion Oslo (my new favorite place to stay – modern design near main station)
• Citybox Oslo (my favorite upscale budget hotel chain in the Nordics; stayed at the Oslo one twice)

I would avoid Airbnb in Oslo. The apartments are overpriced and have done some damage on the local market. I tried staying at one last year (I was in Oslo too long and needed a kitchenette), and the host was so atrocious that I moved into a hotel anyway.

Do you have any questions about visiting Oslo in autumn? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!

More Oslo Travel Guides

• Is the Oslo Pass worth it?
• Oslo in winter
• Best museums in Oslo
• Oslo Airport to the city
• Oslo packing list
• How to book the Oslo Discovery Tour
• Oslo fjord tour (how to book one)
• Weekend getaways from Oslo

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