The short answer
The best time to visit Pulpit Rock is the warm part of the year, roughly June to August, when days are longest and temperatures are highest. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) can be walked all year, but snow, ice, short daylight and quick changes in the weather make the colder months a different kind of trip. Kjerag follows a stricter season: the road and trail are closed for the season now, with reopening expected on 1 May 2027.
Rain is part of the Lysefjord in every month, so the real choice is not dry versus wet but how much margin you want. Keep your plans flexible and a spare day free. If the weather turns, a Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger still shows the fjord and the base of Preikestolen from the water.
Our pick: a cruise when the weather is poor
The cruise has Wi-Fi and tap water on board, so it is an alternative to the climb when the weather does not suit a hike.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lysefjord tours from Stavanger
Fjord cruises, RIB safaris and guided hikes to Preikestolen, with live prices and availability.
Weather by month
Average temperatures and rainfall at Stavanger Airport, Sola, for 1991 to 2020. This is a coastal station near Stavanger. It does not show conditions on the mountains above the fjord.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.8 °C | 0 °C | 118.5 mm |
| February | 4.6 °C | -0.4 °C | 99.6 mm |
| March | 6.5 °C | 0.9 °C | 80.5 mm |
| April | 10.4 °C | 3.6 °C | 62.5 mm |
| May | 13.8 °C | 6.8 °C | 62.1 mm |
| June | 16.3 °C | 9.9 °C | 67.3 mm |
| July | 18.6 °C | 12.4 °C | 91.2 mm |
| August | 19 °C | 12.7 °C | 126.5 mm |
| September | 16.1 °C | 10.3 °C | 132 mm |
| October | 11.9 °C | 6.4 °C | 148.3 mm |
| November | 8 °C | 3 °C | 135.2 mm |
| December | 5.6 °C | 0.6 °C | 132.4 mm |
For most visitors, May to September gives the best balance of mild temperatures and long days. The driest months in the table are April and May. July and August are the warmest, but also bring more rain than spring. October is the wettest month.
Best time to hike Preikestolen
The Preikestolen trail is normally open all year. The hike is about 8 km return, takes around 4 hours and climbs roughly 500 metres, and the plateau lies 604 metres above the fjord (2026 figures). Those times are planning values for good conditions, not a promise. Our Pulpit Rock hike guide covers the route step by step.
- Spring (April and May): temperatures of about 10 to 14 °C at the coast and the lowest rainfall of the year. Check conditions before you set out.
- Summer (June to August): the warmest weather and the longest days, which gives you the most daylight for the hike.
- Autumn (September and October): milder than winter, but these are wet months and daylight shrinks quickly.
- Winter (November to March): snow, ice and short daylight. Spikes or crampons and suitable clothing may be necessary, and weather can change fast. Read Preikestolen in winter before you go, or consider a guided winter hike.
Kjerag season
Kjerag and the Kjeragbolten sit above Lysebotn, and the trail has its own season. Kjerag is closed for the season, with the road and trail expected to reopen on 1 May 2027. That is an expected date, not a guarantee, and the mountain road to Lysebotn is seasonal and weather dependent. Check the status close to your date. More in our Kjerag guide.
Looking for the best months across all of fjord Norway instead? See the overview on the best time to visit the Norwegian fjords.
Bad weather: what still works
Fog and low cloud can hide the view from Preikestolen completely. On a day like that, the fjord itself is the better plan. A cruise leaves from Strandkaien in Stavanger, runs for about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the ship and passes Preikestolen from below. Waterfalls and coastal stops depend on the route and conditions, and a boat trip is not a climb to the plateau. A RIB safari is faster and wetter, with protective suits provided.
Whichever you choose, look at the forecast the day before and again in the morning, and keep your plans flexible.
Best time to visit: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Pulpit Rock?
June, July and August are the warmest and have the longest days. May is one of the driest months. Pick the month that suits your tolerance for crowds, cold and rain.
Can you hike Preikestolen in winter?
The trail is normally open all year, but snow, ice, short daylight and quick weather changes apply. Spikes and warm clothing may be needed. Guided winter hikes include snow spikes, poles and a head lamp.
When does the Kjerag trail open?
Kjerag is closed for the season, with reopening expected on 1 May 2027. Check the status again before you travel.
Is it worth going to Preikestolen in the rain?
Rain is common in every month, with the most in autumn. If cloud sits low on the day, a fjord cruise is often the better use of the time, since it does not depend on the view from the plateau.
Which month is wettest at the Lysefjord?
October, with an average of 148.3 mm at Sola (1991 to 2020). April and May are the driest, at about 62 mm.