Oslo
Capital of Norway
Oslo is the capital city of Norway with a population of about 718,000. Visitors travel here to explore various architectural landmarks, historical sites, and cultural institutions.
What to see
The city features several significant government and historical buildings, including the Storting, the Royal Palace, and the Regjeringskvartalet. Visitors can also tour the Akershus Fortress, the Oslo City Hall, and Oslo Cathedral. For art and culture, the Munch Museum and the Oslo Opera House are major destinations. Outdoor spaces and religious sites such as Frogner Park and Holmenkollen Chapel are also accessible.
When to go
Temperatures are mildest from May to September, with daily highs ranging from 16 °C to 22 °C. July and August are the warmest months, though they also experience the highest rainfall, with about 91 mm and 101 mm respectively over 16 days. Winters are cold, with temperatures consistently dropping below freezing from December through February, often accompanied by snow or rain on about 12 to 15 days each month.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Oslo-Gardermoen International Airport, located 37 km from the city.
Top sights in Oslo
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 22 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -2 | -1 | 4 | 9 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 3 | -1 |
| Average low, °C | -8 | -7 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | -6 |
| Rainfall, mm | 68 | 49 | 60 | 53 | 60 | 77 | 91 | 101 | 89 | 107 | 100 | 66 |
| Rainy days | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Oslo (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Akerselva
- Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
- Barcode Project
- Cemetery of Our Saviour
- Fram Museum
- Henie Onstad Kunstsenter
- Holmenkollen
- Kon-Tiki Museum
- National Library of Norway
- Nobel Peace Center
- Nordmarka
- Norway's Resistance Museum
- Norwegian Maritime Museum
- Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
- Old Aker Church
- Oscarshall
- Oslo Synagogue
- Palace Park
- Sentrum, Oslo
- Sognsvann
- St. Olav's Cathedral, Oslo
- Trinity Church
- Vigeland Museum
- Viking Ship Museum