The North Cape is realistically a summer destination. The road from the E69 up to the cape is only reliably open from May to September; outside that window it closes for snow and must be reached in a convoy behind a snowplough, or via the Hurtigruten coastal ferry. Peak tourist season runs mid-June to early August. For the midnight sun, aim between 14 May and 29 July. For the aurora borealis, come instead in October or November — before the heaviest snow but late enough for long dark nights.