The temperatures in winter in almost whole of Norway are very mild as compared to it high latitude. For instance, the average day time temperature at Oslo in January is -1 C at Bergen it is even milder at 2.7 C. In April Oslo records 7.3 and Bergen 8 C. In midsummer in July midday temperature at Oslo is 20 and at Bergen it is 17. The October temperature for Oslo and Bergen is 8 and 10 C respectively. Therefore, it follows from above that the temperature figures shows no extreme as is found in Northern Canada or in Russia.

The reason being that in winter the coast of Norway is washed by the famous warm North Atlantic drift which does not let the temperature of Norway get very cold. On the contrary in summer Norway is lucky enough to be visited by cool ocean currents that keep its summer temperature in check. Therefore summer in Norway is normally bright and very pleasant. In the north of Norway the days are so long in summer that there is no night and even in the south, the daylight lasts from 0400 hours to 2300 hrs. No doubt then that Norway is rightly called “The land of midnight sun”. In winters the converse is true and most of Norway has twilight conditions.

In short, the climate of Norway is very mild for its latitude. The summers are cool and pleasant while winters are not as cold as those of Alaska or Canada.

The National Day of Norway events are certainly ideal if you are keen to get under the skin of the local culture on a holiday to the country – and with so many Oslo hostels located in great hotspots all around the city, a break to the capital need not be too expensive.

On May 17th in 1814, Norway moved away from Danish rule and formed an alliance with Sweden which lasted for almost a century.

To mark this momentous occasion in the country’s history, the nation comes alive with dancing, singing, drinking and dancing on May 17th – but the best events and festivals are definitely in the capital city of Oslo, which is also the largest metropolis in Norway.

The national day celebrations are particularly noted for the children’s parades common across the country. Most of the marches are dominated by the younger generation, who walk proudly through the streets holding their national flag.

Traditional Norwegian dress is also an interesting feature you might be interested to see. Outfits worn for the National Day of Norway are often intricately sewn with lace and beading and are usually brightly coloured.

The Oslo parade is definitely the best one for you to see on a break to Norway, as the country’s royal family often wave to the crowds below as the procession passes under the balcony of the palace.

Culture vultures will find more than enough to keep them occupied once the parade is over. Oslo is home to some world-class museums, including the National Gallery, the Munch Museum, the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design and the Museum of Contemporary Art.