From the deep, blue Polar Night to the bright months when the sun never sets; from glittering spring snow to soft, golden autumn afternoons — Tromsø’s mood shifts more clearly with the seasons than in most places. Every month has its own beauty, its own pace, and its own favourite activities.
This guide takes you through the year, one month at a time. We include how the light changes, typical temperatures, festivals and everyday life — and whether to pack long johns, a shell jacket or swimwear.
The idea is simple: there is no wrong time to visit — only different ways of being here.
January goes from darkness to winter light:
The new year is engulfed in the Polar Night – yet you can literally see the daylight increase from day to day in January, and by mid-January the sun is back for a few minutes.
Be prepared for some of the coldest days of the year; temperatures below –10°C are most likely towards the end of the month. The snow starts to accumulate, and it is common to wake up to 20 cm of fluffy powder. Rain is, however, also an option.
There are many tours available, and good headlamps compensate for the lack of daylight. The Northern Lights have plenty of darkness to dance in.
- The Polar Night Half Marathon runs on snow and ice early in the month.
- Around mid-January, the Tromsø International Film Festival (or just “tiff”) fills the city with cinephiles, local and international.
- Although the sun rises above the horizon on the 15th of January, you cannot see it from the city centre until the 21st, because of the mountains in the south. That day, Tromsøites eat solboller – deep-fried buns – and look for the sun from viewpoints around town.
- The Northern Lights Festival, with selected classical, contemporary and lighter music, runs for a week in late January–early February.
- Average temperature: –3°C
- Average precipitation: 108 mm
- Sunrise on 15 January: 11:29
- Sunset on 15 January: 12:18
- Hotel occupancy: Very high in the city; more room in the surrounding countryside
- Northern Lights chances: Very good all month
For city walks, bus tours and shorter winter outings, use this list as a guideline. Expedition-style tours require more:
- A warm hat, solid mittens and a scarf
- Long, woollen underwear
- A good winter jacket
- Winter shoes with rubber soles
- Spikes/crampons for slippery roads
- Thermal suits are usually included in organised activities – check in advance.
February is the coldest month of the year:
We are in the depth of winter, and especially early in the month we can expect cold days. Still, temperatures are rarely extreme in Tromsø – the cold record is a modest –18°C. The snow keeps piling up, and this is the month when everything is properly white. Longer days draw locals out for more skiing and outdoor life. Snowshoeing, dogsledding and snowmobiling – conditions are often perfect.
The city centre is pleasant in broad daylight, but the evenings are dark, wintry and atmospheric. And the Northern Lights? They have good, long nights to dance in.
Sami Week in early February, around the National Day of the Sami people on 6 February, brings celebration, culture, food, art – and the grand finale: the reindeer race in Tromsø’s main street.
- Average temperature: –3.3°C
- Average precipitation: 97 mm
- Sunrise on 15 February: 08:15
- Sunset on 15 February: 15:42
- Hotel occupancy: Very high, but often more availability in the surrounding areas
- Northern Lights chances: Very good all month
- For city walks, bus tours and shorter winter outings, use this list as a guideline. Expedition-like tours need more.
- A warm hat, solid mittens and a scarf
- Long, woollen underwear
- A good winter jacket
- Winter shoes with rubber soles
- Spikes/crampons for slippery roads
- Thermal suits are usually included in organised activities – check in advance.
March is the snowiest month:
Often, there more than a metre of snow in Tromsø towards the end of the month. The temperatures are on the rise, often above freezing in the daytime, and the light feels stronger every day. This is the month for long ski days, backcountry adventures and plenty of outdoor time. Yet the nights are still dark enough for the Northern Lights — so you can combine aurora watching with skiing and sightseeing in bright daylight hours.
- Average temperature: –1.9°C
- Average precipitation: 97 mm
- Sunrise on 15 March: 06:06
- Sunset on 15 March: 17:41
- Hotel occupancy: Very high, with more availability towards the end of the month
- Northern Lights chances: Very good all month. The combination of more stable weather and favourable atmospheric conditions often gives the Northern Lights season a grand finale in the latter half of March.
For city walks, bus tours and shorter winter outings, use this list as a guideline. Expedition-like tours need more.
- A warm hat, solid mittens and a scarf
- Long, woollen underwear
- A good winter jacket
- Winter shoes with rubber soles
- Spikes/crampons for slippery roads
- Thermal suits are usually included in organised activities – check in advance.
April is the brilliant last act of winter:
Spring? Nope. According to the locals, this is the best winter month. The snow is still deep, the days are long, and the temperatures are mild in the sunshine. This is the time for the longest cross-country ski treks, the best off-piste, relaxed ice fishing, and slow hours in the sun on a reindeer hide. Calm seas and dry, stable weather invite you to explore the islands and coastline by kayak.
People in town take their coffee outside — with mittens on. Evenings are still cold, and waking up to a light snowfall is perfectly normal. But the light is everywhere, and it feels generous.
- The week-long Easter holiday (which can also fall in late March) is dedicated to skiing and being outdoors.
- The Silent Movie Days take place in Tromsø’s old cinema, Verdensteatret.
- Average temperature: 1.2°C
- Average precipitation: 71 mm
- Sunrise on 15 April: 04:43
- Sunset on 15 April: 20:48
- Hotel occupancy: Good availability in the city centre; ski areas can be busy
- Northern Lights chances: Moderate early, fading to nothing by month’s end
For city walks, bus tours and shorter winter outings, use this list as a guideline. Expedition-style tours need more.
- A good shell jacket
- Warm hat, solid mittens and a scarf
- Long, woollen underwear
- Winter shoes with rubber soles
- Spikes/crampons for slippery streets
- Sunglasses and sun cream are essential – sun and snow is a burning combo
- Thermal suits are usually included in organised activities – check in advance.
May is the only spring month:
May brings a mix of seasons. In early May the snow can still be knee-deep, while by the end of the month the forest turns green. Temperatures vary widely — a snow shower is no surprise to the locals, yet a stretch of summer warmth may also arrive. And from the 18th of May, the Midnight Sun is back for the season.
Die-hard skiers enjoy some of the finest spring touring in the mountains, and kayaking and fishing are excellent along the coast. Many locals simply stroll the main street in sunglasses, taking in the light.
- The 17th of May National Day is celebrated with colourful parades — festive, light-hearted and inclusive.
- On average, 17 May is also the day the last snow disappears from Tromsø’s meteorological station.
- Public holidays such as the 1st of May, Ascension Day (40 days after Easter) and Whitsun/Pentecost (50 days after Easter) often create long weekends. Shops may be closed — check opening hours.
- Average temperature: 5.5°C
- Average precipitation: 57 mm
- Sunrise on 15 May: 01:43
- Sunset on 15 May: 23:48
- Hotel occupancy: Plenty of availability
- Northern Lights chances: None
- Midnight Sun chances: From the 18th of May — best from viewpoints or sea-facing coastlines
Be prepared for snow, chill and summer:
- A solid shell jacket works most days
- A warm hat, mittens and woollen underwear can be necessary
- Shoes should be sturdy, but not full winter boots
- Sunglasses and sun cream are essential
- A warmer sweater for sitting outdoors — which you will want to do
June is uninterrupted daylight:
June is the brightest month of the year — the sun remains above the horizon the whole time. Temperatures can be on the cool side, and a snow shower in early June is not unheard of. So is a warm spell with temperatures above 20°C. Wildflowers burst into colour along the fjords, while snow still lingers in the mountains.
The light makes us carefree, happy — and a little bit restless. People stay up late, go for long walks, fish from the pier at midnight, kayak in golden light, and hike just because the evening feels too beautiful to end. Tromsø’s main street has a cheerful, unhurried summer atmosphere — the kind where everyone is outdoors simply because why would you go inside?
- Sjømatfest — a celebration of seafood, with plenty to taste
- The Midnight Sun Marathon brings runners from all over the world
- Midsummer on the 23rd of June, with bonfires by the sea
- Average temperature: 9.4°C
- Average precipitation: 58 mm
- Sunrise on 15 June: Not happening
- Sunset on 15 June: Also not happening
- Hotel occupancy: Some busy days during events and conferences
- Northern Lights chances: None
- Midnight Sun chances: Perfect — as long as the weather is clear
- A shell jacket
- Solid shoes for different terrain
- Sunglasses (all day, all the time)
- Swimwear
- And: pack long johns, a hat, gloves and a warm sweater — for those cool evenings that last longer than planned
July is the exception month:
July brings the warmest days of the year, and the Midnight Sun shines almost to the end of the month. On sunny days, outdoor cafés fill up, and Tromsø’s legendary nightlife takes place in broad daylight. Hiking, glacier hikes, kayaking and fishing trips are all popular — one simply cannot sleep away all this light.
Many locals are away on holiday, while others work shorter days, so everyday life feels relaxed. This is the time for hytta by the sea, long days on the beach (including 30 seconds in the water), and slow hikes with no urgency at all.
- The Bukta Festival in mid-July is an outdoor rock festival with both Norwegian and international bands.
- The Karlsøy Festival, on an island north of Tromsø, gathers those in search of alternative vibes and communal creativity.
- Average temperature: 12.3°C
- Average precipitation: 73 mm
- Sunrise on 15 July: Midnight Sun still in effect
- Sunset on 15 July: Not yet!
- Hotel occupancy: Usually good availability
- Northern Lights chances: None
- Midnight Sun chances: Very good until around 25 July — from then on, the sunsets can be spectacular and still very late.
- A shell jacket
- Solid shoes for all kinds of terrain
- Sunglasses (you’ll use them constantly)
- Swimwear (for actual swimming or just the idea of it)
- And: pack long johns, a hat, gloves and a warm sweater — for those bright, cool evenings that last until you stop laughing
August is the return to normality:
Summer temperatures often continue well into August, and the forests are full of blueberries, cloudberries and mushrooms. Work life and school start up again after mid-month, and people return to their routines — but gently. Evenings begin to grow darker, and cafés and bars fill with locals eager to catch up after the summer break.
This is many locals’ favourite month for hiking: the air is clear, the trails are dry, and the mountains are at their most inviting. Glacier hikes are especially good now. In the last week of August, a small nip in the air and the first touches of colour in the mountains quietly suggest that autumn is on its way.
- Tromsø Jazz Festival delivers mellom grooves early in August
- Tromsø Mountain Challenge — a trail race across the mountains surrounding the city
- The reopening of the University causes festive calamities
- Rakettnatt — the last outdoor festival of the season, right on the main square
- Average temperature: 11.3°C
- Average precipitation: 88 mm
- Sunrise on 15 August: 03:44
- Sunset on 15 August: 21:48
- Hotel occupancy: Mostly good capacity
- Northern Lights chances: Possible in the second half of the month, especially on clear nights
- Midnight Sun chances: None — unless you go to Svalbard!
- A shell jacket (rain and shine both happen)
- Sturdy shoes for varied terrain
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear (because hope springs eternal)
- And: long johns, a hat, gloves and a good sweater — for those cool evenings outdoors that are too nice to end
September is colourful – day and night
In September, the mountains are dressed in ochre, with red, orange and green interspersed. Clear, crisp days invite hiking in cool temperatures — this is a favourite month for many locals. You may wake up to a thin layer of snow in the morning, but it usually melts during the day.
The Northern Lights grow stronger through the month. In the first half, they may appear softly; in the latter half, the tilt of the Earth favours some spectacular shows. Darker evenings invite candle-lit togetherness in Tromsø’s many cafés, bars and living rooms — autumn here is social.
- TIFF Junior — a film festival for the very young
- SMAK — stroll the main street and eat your way from stand to stand
- Average temperature: 7.8°C
- Average precipitation: 111 mm
- Sunrise on 15 September: 05:56
- Sunset on 15 September: 19:19
- Hotel occupancy: Busy in weekdays, good availability on weekends
- Northern Lights chances: Moderate early — often excellent later in the month
- Midnight Sun chances: None
- A solid shell jacket for shifting weather
- Sturdy shoes for wet forest paths and mountain trails
- Pack long johns, a hat, gloves and a warm sweater for coffee breaks outdoors — with some luck, you’ll only carry them in your backpack.
October is beautiful melancholy
Every day gets shorter. The sunlight at midday is low and golden, and the trees stand bare. October carries a touch of melancholy — but a beautiful one. Snowfalls are normal, and so are mild rainstorms that wash the snow away again. The season hesitates a little here.
Days are shorter, so hikes tend to be shorter too — but this is a wonderful month for being in the city: museum visits, cafés, cinema evenings and long conversations. With the early dark, the cultural scene and nightlife both gain intensity. And for the Northern Lights, this is prime time — many locals simply take a long walk into the forest to watch the sky breathe green.
- Kulturnatt — one night of music, art, exhibitions and performances all over town
- Insomnia — Tromsø’s techno and electronica festival, bold and atmospheric
- Average temperature: 3.1°C
- Average precipitation: 127 mm
- Sunrise on 15 October: 07:54
- Sunset on 15 October: 17:03
- Hotel occupancy: Busy weekdays, good weekend capacity
- Northern Lights chances: Very good all month
- Midnight Sun chances: None
- Be flexible: temperatures may be above 10°C or below freezing
- A good, solid shell jacket is essential
- Sturdy shoes for wet paths and pavements
- Hats, mittens and scarves are frequently needed
- Long johns and a woollen sweater will save you during cold spells
- If you’re planning long outdoor evenings — bring full winter gear
November is when winter settles — slowly, and for good
Winter comes and goes in November; snow is not guaranteed. Some days are white, some are rainy, and many are somewhere in between. The sun is still visible in town during the first half of the month, but on the 28th of November it slips below the horizon for the season.
Around Skjervøy, the orcas and humpback whales are feeding on herring — guided tours leave from the Tromsø region to these waters, and it is one of the great seasonal experiences. The bustling maritime activity last until early February.
If there is enough snow, all kinds of winter activities are available. If not, the city centre is a very good place to be: the Christmas lights begin to glow, and cafés fill with warmth and conversation.
- Arctic Pride — a week of queer culture, talks, performances and celebration, culminating in a rainbow parade in the cold air
- Ordkalotten — a festival dedicated to literature, storytelling and spoken word
- Average temperature: 0.2°C
- Average precipitation: 94 mm
- Sunrise on 15 November: 09:25
- Sunset on 15 November: 13:30
- Hotel occupancy: Busy in weekdays, good availability on weekends
- Northern Lights chances: Very good all month
- Midnight Sun chances: None
For city walks, bus tours and shorter winter outings:
- A warm hat, solid mittens and a scarf
- Long, woollen underwear
- A good winter jacket
- Winter shoes with rubber soles
- Spikes/crampons for icy pavements
- Thermal suits are usually included in organised activities — check ahead
December is dark and atmospheric
There is no sun at all in December, but in the middle of the day there is a dawn of red, orange, pink and gold. The last light in the early afternoon is a deep, transparent blue.
But you soon discover you do not need the sun: the city centre glows with Christmas lights, and your headlamp makes sure you see your dogs when sledding.
The atmosphere in town is gentle and festive, and a glass of gløgg can even be enjoyed outdoors — wrapped up and unhurried.
- Christmas in Norway is very much a family celebration. Shops and restaurants are closed on the 24th, 25th and 26th of December. Make sure to book meals and activities from the 23rd to the 26th well in advance.
- On the evening of the 26th, social life wakes up again, and cafés and bars fill with people returning to town.
- New Year’s Eve in Tromsø features spectacular fireworks from the mountain by the Cable Car. Again — book meals and activities early for the 31st and the 1st of January.
- Average temperature: –1.7°C
- Average precipitation: 110 mm
- Sunrise in December: None — Polar Night
- Sunset in December: None — Polar Night
- Hotel occupancy: Very high all month, especially during Christmas and New Year
- Northern Lights chances: Very good
- Midnight Sun chances: None
For city walks, bus tours and shorter winter outings:
- A warm hat, solid mittens and a scarf
- Long, woollen underwear
- A good winter jacket
- Winter shoes with rubber soles
- Spikes/crampons for icy pavements
- Thermal suits are usually included in organised activities — check in advance
