Jotunheimen · Norway

Best Time to Hike Besseggen Ridge — Jotunheimen

The best time to hike Besseggen Ridge is late June to September, once the ridge is snow-free. That window pairs the warmest months of the year with long daylight, though it also brings the heaviest rain. Pick a clear, dry day for the exposed scramble and check the boat schedule.

Snow-covered rocky ridge above a frozen lake under pale low winter sun with no people in sight

Month-by-month climate for Besseggen Ridge — Jotunheimen

Month	Relative warmth	Rain	Daylight
Jan	Coldest	67 mm	5.9 h
Feb	Coldest	53 mm	8.6 h
Mar	Coldest	53 mm	11.3 h
Apr	Cool	57 mm	14.4 h
May	Warm	91 mm	17.2 h
Jun	Warmest	128 mm	19 h
Jul	Warmest	149 mm	18.2 h
Aug	Warmest	153 mm	15.6 h
Sep	Warmest	105 mm	12.5 h
Oct	Mild	88 mm	9.6 h
Nov	Coldest	74 mm	6.7 h
Dec	Coldest	76 mm	5 h

Modelled regional averages for 2010–2023 (rainfall) and calculated daylight hours; they describe the wider area, not a reading taken on the trail. “Relative warmth” compares each month with the warmest and coldest months of this place’s own year. It is not a temperature, and the high parts of a route are colder than the region around them.

The modelled averages show a clear split. Rainfall peaks from June to September, with July and August the wettest at 149 mm and 153 mm, while February and March are the driest at 53 mm each. Daylight swings from about 5.0 hours in December to 19.0 hours in June, so the season changes how much of the day you can use. June to September are the warmest months of this place's own year, and December through March are the coldest. These are regional averages, not trail measurements, so treat them as a guide to the pattern.

Besseggen Ridge — Jotunheimen season by season

Winter and early spring · November to April

These are the coldest months of the year here, with daylight falling to about 5.0 to 6.7 hours in November through January before climbing to 14.4 hours by April. Rainfall is lower on average, from 53 mm to 76 mm a month, but the managing authority's guidance points to late June onward for the ridge. This is not the window for the classic route, so confirm current conditions and notices with the Norwegian Environment Agency or DNT before planning anything in these months.

Late spring · May to mid-June

May turns warm and daylight stretches to about 17.2 hours, which tempts many people to go early. The official season guidance, however, says the ridge should be snow-free, and that is generally later than May. Rainfall climbs to 91 mm in May and 128 mm in June on average. If you are watching for an early opening, check the managing authority's guidance and current notices rather than relying on the month alone.

Peak summer · Late June to August

This is the core window. June to August are the warmest months of the year here, and daylight runs from about 19.0 hours in June to 15.6 hours in August, giving a long margin for a full day over the ridge. The trade-off is rain, which averages 128 mm, 149 mm and 153 mm across June, July and August. Because the ridge is exposed with one steep scramble, choose a clear, dry day and check the boat schedule.

Early autumn · September to October

September is still among the warmest months of the year, with rainfall easing to about 105 mm and daylight dropping to roughly 12.5 hours. The official window runs through September, so early in the month is the safer bet. October turns mild and daylight shrinks to about 9.6 hours, which cuts the usable day. Check the boat schedule and park notices, since shorter days leave less room for delays.

Two hikers in bright jackets stepping carefully across mossy boulders and flowing meltwater in warm summer light

Official season guidance

Norwegian Environment Agency & DNT: Late June to September, once the ridge is snow-free

No permit is needed. The classic route rides the Gjende boat to Memurubu and hikes back over Besseggen; the ridge is exposed with one steep scramble, so pick a clear, dry day and check the boat schedule. The park board has issued a 2026 notice about path repair above Memurubu, so check for current notices.

Check current dates on dnt.no

What to pack for the season

Packing follows the season and the rain. Even in the warmest months, bring layers, since this is open ridge terrain and the weather can shift. Carry reliable rain cover during June to September, when average rainfall is highest. Add sun protection for the long summer daylight, and pack a headlamp if you might finish late, especially toward the shorter days of September.

For layering, rain cover and weather planning, see hiking in rain, heat and cold.

Timing mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is picking a month and ignoring the official season guidance, which asks for a snow-free ridge from late June. Going by warm weather alone can put you on the route too early. Another is overlooking the boat, since the classic route depends on the Gjende boat to Memurubu, so check the schedule. Also remember the park board's 2026 notice about path repair above Memurubu, and confirm current notices with the managing authority.

Hand resting on a rust-red lichen-covered boulder beside golden autumn tundra plants and a stone cairn

Common questions

When is Besseggen Ridge usually snow-free?

The official season guidance gives late June to September as the window once the ridge is snow-free. Exact dates vary from year to year, so confirm current conditions with the Norwegian Environment Agency or DNT before you commit to a particular week.

Which month is wettest for this hike?

On modelled regional averages, August is the wettest at about 153 mm, followed by July at 149 mm and June at 128 mm. These are averages for the area, not trail measurements, so choose a clear, dry day within the season and check the forecast closely.

How much daylight can I expect in summer?

Daylight is calculated at about 19.0 hours in June, 18.2 hours in July, 15.6 hours in August and 12.5 hours in September. That gives generous time for a full day on the ridge in midsummer, with the margin narrowing as autumn approaches.

Do I need a permit or to plan around the boat?

No permit is needed. The classic route rides the Gjende boat to Memurubu and hikes back over Besseggen, so check the boat schedule when picking your date. The park board has also issued a 2026 notice about path repair above Memurubu, so look for current notices.

Sources

Norwegian Environment Agency & DNT — dnt.no: official season and permit guidance.
NASA POWER (Prediction Of Worldwide Energy Resources): monthly temperature and rainfall averages, 2010–2023, from MERRA-2 reanalysis. Daylight hours are calculated from latitude.

Conditions, closures and permit rules change without notice — confirm current information with the managing authority before you go. See our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.