Oslo is an expensive but beautiful city that has a lot to offer throughout the year. To make the best of your trip, you should consider the weather, events and costs when deciding when to go to Oslo.

Weather

Winters in Oslo are long, dark and cold. Temperatures fluctuate between just below and just above freezing, with nightfall temperatures typically reaching -5 degrees C. However, the large amount of snowfall ensures that Oslo remains popular with winter sports enthusiasts. Just be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes. Spring makes a slow transition out of winter with days remaining cold and nights remaining freezing in March, and slowly warming days in April. These are, however, the driest months of the year. It gets warmer in May, with highs reaching 16 degrees C. Definitely bring plenty of layers. From June through August you can expect temperatures ranging from 10 to 22 degrees C, though there are frequent hot spells where temperatures shoot into the high 20's. Most of the annual rain falls in July and August, but it falls in short, heavy spurts that don't do much to dampen the sunny weather. Autumn sees a rapid decline in temperatures as the months slide into winter, with temperatures reaching a high of 16 degrees C in early autumn and dropping to -1 degree C in late autumn. Rain is frequent, and days are often short and gray.

Festivals

Events in Oslo are plentiful and do much in the way of attracting visitors. January and February don't have much going on, but skiers and ice skaters, as well as other winter sports enthusiasts, are happy to spend their days in the area. March starts off the festival calendar with the Church Music Festival and the Holmenkollen Ski Festival. In April, you can join in the craziness of the Inferno Fest, Oslo's own heavy metal music party. On May 17, the locals celebrate Constitution day with costumes and parades, and every other year the Military Tattoo showcases marching bands and gymnastics competitions. In June, the Norwegian Wood Festival takes place, bringing with it loads of famous music groups. The Medieval Festival is also a great time to observe and sample the various traditional arts, crafts and foods of days of yore. August sponsors the Jazz Festival and the Chamber Music Festival, as well as the Arts and Crafts Fair. September brings the Ultima, a celebration of choir, opera, orchestra and philharmonic performances. November welcomes in the Antiques Fair, and, finally, in December you can join in the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the many Christmas celebrations, as well as the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony.

Tourism

Peak season in Oslo lasts from June through August. Airfares are higher and the city is crowded with tourists and day-time visitors from the many cruise ships. You're more likely to get better deals in the off-season, lasting from January to March. Keep in mind that some of the more famous festivals can cause prices to rise.