Winter
November - March
The above image is taken from the terrace at House of Hulda in November 2023.
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As you might have noticed, this is the longest season in the Arctics. No surprise here.
Although Andøya benefits from the Gulf Stream and its actually not as cold as you might expect for this latitude, it can still get so cold that the snow sounds like steel and the winds blows the roof off your house.
If you visit Andøya in this season, expect no daylight at all from 28th November to 16th January.
December in the Arctics is not for the faint hearted, but if you want the fullblown experience of darkness and stormy weather then this is your chance. Dont expect snow in November and December, as this is the months of storms - the snow that falls will often blow away or melt in the rain. As February and March approaches, the days get longer and the landscape gets covered in white. The skrei (the lucrative youth cod) swims up through the Norwegian Sea and you can eat the most exclusive cod you will ever get to eat.
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The top season for Skreimølje is in February. This is top season for all salt water fish. Forage Sealettuce and seaweeds.
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Humpback whales and orcas.
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Get your thickest wool..and make sure it’s actual wool! Natural fibers breaths and keeps you warm more than any acrylic and synthetic fiber can. And again, layers are your friend!
Get the thermal underwear ready, your knitted socks, your warmest waterproof shoes, big puffy jackets and dont forget your hands, neck and head. Big fluffy hats should have a tie-on-option as they will fly off your head in the storms. Dont let that cold wind sneak in under your clothes, cause it will sure do its best to catch you. If you’re planning on going to a Whale Safari, they will give you thermal suits to wear.
