Norway has a highly varied climate for such a northerly country, shaped by the North Atlantic Current, strong maritime influence along the coast, and colder continental conditions inland and in the far north. Recent climatology sources describe the country’s current climate as milder than other places at similar latitude, with wet western coasts, drier eastern valleys, and colder northern and mountainous areas. For residents and expats, climate comfort depends strongly on location: coastal cities are wetter and windier but less severe in winter, while inland and northern areas bring colder winters, more snow, and larger seasonal contrasts.