Season by season
Winter (November–March). Cold, dry and often clear. Polar night lasts from late November to mid-January; the Igloo Hotel, dog sledding and snowmobiling run from December. March has long days and the big sled-dog race.
Spring (April–May). Snow lasts on the plateau into May while the coast thaws. A quiet time, good for late skiing; many winter activities stop in April.
Summer (June–August). Midnight sun from about 18 May to 26 July, warm days inland — Alta can reach 20°C or more — salmon fishing, hiking and the rock art uncovered.
Autumn (September–October). Birch forests turn gold, nights darken and the first aurora displays reflect in unfrozen fjords. Changeable but uncrowded.
Month-by-month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -4°C / 25°F | -11°C / 12°F | Busy |
| February | -4°C / 25°F | -11°C / 12°F | Peak |
| March | -1°C / 30°F | -8°C / 18°F | Peak |
| April | 3°C / 37°F | -3°C / 27°F | Moderate |
| May | 9°C / 48°F | 2°C / 36°F | Quiet |
| June | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | Busy |
| July | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | Peak |
| August | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | Busy |
| September | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | Moderate |
| October | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | Moderate |
| November | -1°C / 30°F | -6°C / 21°F | Busy |
| December | -3°C / 27°F | -9°C / 16°F | Busy |
Figures for: Alta. Temperatures are rounded long-term averages for the place named above; real days vary widely, and wind makes it feel much colder. Crowd levels are our own estimate.
Events & festivals
- Early February: Sami National Day celebrations on 6 February
- March: Finnmarksløpet, Europe’s longest sled-dog race, starting and finishing in Alta
- March: Borealis winter festival in Alta
- Mid-May–late July: Midnight sun
- June–August: Salmon season on the Alta river
- July: Hammerfest Days town festival
