...Weather...

Stavanger is both blessed and cursed by the warmth of the Gulf Stream. Without the Gulf Stream, the climate here would be very, very cold. This phenomena provides both warmth, in the form of mild winters, and wet spells. The average rainfall for the area is 46 inches (1180 mm) per year. In 1999 we experienced rain or snow on 220 out of the years 365 days. But don't let that scare you. We have an expression in Norway that says there isn't anything called bad weather, just as long as you have the right clothing!

Temperatures are fairly stable, varying between 32 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (0-15 degrees Celsius). Extremes do occur, however - in 1999 we experienced temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit  and as high as 80. The warmest months are usually July and August.

Spring comes early to Stavanger. April and May are beautiful months with strong spring sun and dry spells. This fits well with the celebration of Norway's "Constitution Day" on the 17th of May. Easter Vacation, which usually falls in late March or April is spend by many in the mountains - skiing. There is plenty of snow in the mountains and spring feeling near the coast.

The summer climate can vary from year to year, from being rather gray and wet to hot, sunny spells that last for weeks. Some of the nicest beaches in Norway can be found in the Stavanger area.

Autumn can often be windy and wet. But again this changes from year to year. Leftovers from tropical hurricanes often hit the west coast of Norway with winds up to hurricane force.

Winters in Stavanger are not typical for what one would think of in Norway. They are usually mild and wet. The average temperatures for January and February are usually just above freezing. Snow does occur however. The first snow might fall as early as November, but it seldom lasts long. As the low pressures come to the west coast of Norway, they bring with them mild winds from the southwest. When the low pressure areas have past we often get Northerly winds with snow or sleet showers.

The statistics on this page have been gathered from Stavanger's internett-statistikk