Hurtigruten what time of year?

There are probably not too many travelers on this forum who have taken multiple trips on the Hurtigruten that have sampled the conditions at various times of the year. But based on my three trips to northern Norway, I suggest that May would be the best time to take your trip. In 1977 and 1978 I spent a month each year in Tromso, Norway (not quite to Kirkenes, but still pretty far north) from late May through most of June. I took the coastal steamer (the predecessor to the Hurtigruten line) from Trondheim to get to Tromso. The ship typically went in and out of showery weather, but there was never any snow in the port cities to slush around in and the temperatures were never what I would call bone chilling. And even in Tromso the snow was long gone (looking at the weather charts for Tromso, May is the month with the least precipitation). My third trip to northern Norway was in 2007 on a cruise ship into Alesund in mid-May. The weather was great (sunny with an occasional shower). I recommend mid-May for your trip.

As somebody who sells HG and given the requirement that you have stated (No Winter Sports, not too cold) I think you are looking at autumn (September, maybe). You have have a chance of the Aurora too! I would look for offers around this time. A couple of years ago HG used to have a winter half board option with no single supplement but as standard it's not available now; though they do offer it on ed dates. Other considerations - Midnight Sun - The incredibly long Norwegian days happen May/June/July, so if you want this go then! - August is always very popular and so tends to be the most expensive. - if you are going for scenery rather than Winter Sports opportunities is that you do tend to get further into the Fjords during the summer months than in the winter. - doing the Full Round rather than North (or South) is the best value for money. A significant part of the overall cost can be flights so your average nights cost is cheaper the longer you are away. - I have always thought that the South is good for scenery because you travel through Lofoten Islands (Notable scenery) during the day, where as some people are sleeping through this when going North. - The disadvantage of the South however is it can require an overnight in Oslo, it just means 1 less day on the ship. - last thing to consider is the type of ship. These sail daily and if you aren't tied to a particular date or offer, you can choose from the classical ones to something more modern. Some of the best pictures I have seen are from customers on the deck of the newer ships, in the Hot Tub in January! Not for everyone but definitely and experience.
Good Luck and as my Norwegian friends are always telling me Med vennlig hilsen

Diane, I have never taken the hurtigruten, but it is something that I want to do someday. However, I did live in Scandinavia for more than 2 years so I have had the opportunity to experience each of the seasons. Without a doubt, my first choice would be July even with a higher price. The Scandinavian summer can be just glorious and Scandinavia is one place where I really think it is worth the extra money to go in high season. My second choice would be Spring (preferably May). You'd get relatively long days, although weather would be colder. My last choice would be anytime between October and February when the days are short.