Climate Insights for Kristiansand
Southland, Norway
Climate Overview
The climate in Kristiansand is cool. The average annual temperature is 8°C and approximately 1,459 mm of precipitation falls per year. Kristiansand receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Kristiansand is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to -2°C. Kristiansand experiences heavy snowfall, typically from January through December.The climate in Kristiansand is cool. The average annual temperature is 47°F and approximately 57.4 in of precipitation falls per year. Kristiansand receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Kristiansand is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to 29°F. Kristiansand experiences heavy snowfall, typically from January through December.
Temperature
Temperatures in Kristiansand vary considerably across the year, with a 22°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 20°C with a mean of 16°C. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to -2°C and the daily average is 0°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 5°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Kristiansand vary considerably across the year, with a 39°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 68°F with a mean of 62°F. The coldest month is January, when overnight lows fall to 29°F and the daily average is 33°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 10°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 9°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Kristiansand is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,459 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 122 mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 162 mm of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 60 mm. That's 102 mm less than November, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall. Kristiansand receives heavy snowfall, accumulating around 209cm annually from January through December. The snowiest month is January, with approximately 65cm. Winter travel should account for significant snow cover.Kristiansand is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 57.4 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 4.8 in per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 6.4 in of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 2.4 in. That's 4 in less than November, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall. Kristiansand receives heavy snowfall, accumulating around 82in annually from January through December. The snowiest month is January, with approximately 26in. Winter travel should account for significant snow cover.
Wind
Kristiansand is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 15km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 17km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in August, with average winds dropping to 13km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 4km/h between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 16km/h in winter, 14km/h in spring, 13km/h in summer, 16km/h in autumn.Kristiansand is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 9mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 10mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in August, with average winds dropping to 8mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 2mph between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 10mph in winter, 9mph in spring, 8mph in summer, 10mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kristiansand is during June, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 15°C with modest rainfall averaging 97 mm per month. By contrast, July can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 20°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to -2°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Kristiansand is during June, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 59°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.8 in per month. By contrast, July can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 68°F, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 29°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Kristiansand based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Kristiansand based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in inches (in) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.