Month guide · Oslo · Norway
Oslo in May
What May is really like in Oslo: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Helge Høifødt, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Oslo. Expect average highs of 16°C (61°F), lows of 6°C (43°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 17.1 hours of daylight. Long, fresh days and blossoming parks; island ferries step up their timetables.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 16°C (61°F) / 6°C (43°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 17.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 10°C (50°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 4th-warmest month in Oslo: days average 16°C (61°F) against a yearly average high of 10°C (50°F), and nights fall to about 6°C (43°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with April (10°C (50°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 04:39
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 21:47
- Daylight
- About 17.1 hours
- Sea
- 10°C (50°F)
Spring (March–May). Snow lingers on the hills into March, then the thaw brings bright, cool days; Constitution Day on 17 May is the high point.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in June). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
- Constitution Day — children's parades past the Royal Palace and national costume everywhere (17 May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Architecture · Bjørvika
Oslo Opera House
Walk the roof at sunset, then cross the footbridge to Sørenga for dinner by the water.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes, more with a tour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Architecture
- Views
- Photo spot
- Couples
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Museum · Bjørvika
MUNCH
The 13-storey MUNCH museum opened in 2021 to hold the huge collection Edvard Munch left to the city, including painted, drawn and printed versions of The Scream, which are shown in rotation to protect them.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Art
- Rainy day
- Views
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Park · Frogner
Vigeland Park
Come early on a summer morning or in soft evening light, when the bridge statues are free of tour groups.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Art
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Photo spot
Castle · Sentrum
Akershus Fortress
Begun around 1300 under King Haakon V, this fortress on a headland above the harbour was rebuilt as a Renaissance castle by Christian IV.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Views
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 16°C, lows near 6°C and 9 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Oslo?
One of the best months to visit Oslo, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–September. Compare every month.
Oslo in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Oslo?
It is one of the best months to visit Oslo. Long, fresh days and blossoming parks; island ferries step up their timetables.
+How warm is Oslo in May?
Average highs are around 16°C (61°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Oslo in May?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.