Destination
When should you visit Tromsø?
Tromsø, far above the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The aurora season runs from about September to early April. In midwinter the sun doesn't rise at all, and in summer it doesn't set. The coast keeps it milder than you'd expect, but it's often cloudy and wet. Here is how every month compares.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
March
Long days for activities, dark nights for the aurora and snow on the mountains, with more stable weather than early winter.
Best for polar night
December
No sunrise from about November 27 to January 15.
Best for midnight sun
June–July
The sun stays up from about May 18 to July 26.
Best for festivals
January
The film festival and the Northern Lights Festival.
Best for hiking
July–August
Snow-free trails and long days.
March scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Clouds
- Coastal weather is often cloudy. Plan several aurora nights.
- Wet autumn
- The wettest month, before the snow.
- Winter prices
- Aurora season is the busiest and priciest time.
All year
October
January–March
Tromsø travel tip
Book a flexible aurora tour that drives to wherever the sky is clear, sometimes as far as Finland. Use the daylight hours for the fjords, dog sledding or the Fjellheisen cable car. Rent a car in summer for Kvaløya and Sommarøy.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- -5–-1°C
- Cold, around -1°C, snowy.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy with aurora hunters.
- Prices
- $$$
- High rates.
Book aurora tours that drive to clearer weather.
- Northern lights
- Festivals
- Temperature
- -6–-1°C
- Cold, around -1°C, snowy.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates.
Go up Fjellheisen for the view over the city.
- Northern lights
- Dog sledding
- Temperature
- -4–1°C
- Cold, around 1°C, snowy.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates.
March is a great month for ski touring.
- Northern lights
- Skiing
- Temperature
- -2–4°C
- Cool, around 4°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- Moderate rates.
Early April gives the last chance for the aurora.
- Skiing
- Quiet stays
- Temperature
- 2–9°C
- Cool, around 9°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- Moderate rates.
Hikes are muddy and snowy until June.
- Midnight sun
- Quiet stays
- Temperature
- 6–13°C
- Mild, around 13°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Moderate.
- Prices
- $$$
- Moderate rates.
Hike up to Fløya at midnight.
- Midnight sun
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 9–16°C
- Mild, around 16°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy with summer visitors.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates.
Rent a car for the islands of Kvaløya and Sommarøy.
- Hiking
- Fjords
- Temperature
- 8–15°C
- Mild, around 15°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Moderate.
- Prices
- $$$
- Moderate rates.
Bring rain gear, weather changes fast.
- Hiking
- Fjords
- Temperature
- 5–11°C
- Cool, around 11°C, wet.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- Moderate rates.
Auroras over open water reflect beautifully.
- Northern lights
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 1–5°C
- Cool, around 5°C, very wet.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $$$
- Lower rates.
Pick a flexible aurora tour, clouds are frequent.
- Northern lights
- Quiet stays
- Temperature
- -2–2°C
- Cold, around 2°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Busier late in the month.
- Prices
- $$$
- Rates rise.
Whale tours depend on where the herring are each year.
- Northern lights
- Whales
- Temperature
- -4–0°C
- Cold, around 0°C, snowy.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy around Christmas.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates.
Plan tours for midday, when there's a few hours of blue light.
- Northern lights
- Christmas
Climate
Tromsø weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C / 30°F | -5°C / 23°F | 108 mm | 15 |
| February | -1°C / 30°F | -6°C / 21°F | 97 mm | 13 |
| March | 1°C / 34°F | -4°C / 25°F | 97 mm | 11 |
| April | 4°C / 39°F | -2°C / 28°F | 71 mm | 12 |
| May | 9°C / 48°F | 2°C / 36°F | 57 mm | 11 |
| June | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 43°F | 58 mm | 10 |
| July | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 73 mm | 13 |
| August | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 46°F | 88 mm | 13 |
| September | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 111 mm | 15 |
| October | 5°C / 41°F | 1°C / 34°F | 127 mm | 18 |
| November | 2°C / 36°F | -2°C / 28°F | 94 mm | 14 |
| December | 0°C / 32°F | -4°C / 25°F | 110 mm | 16 |
Climate data: Met Norway (Tromsø, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Tromsø
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Tromsø?
Any month from September to March can work. March balances daylight and dark skies well.
Does the sun rise in Tromsø in winter?
No. From about November 27 to January 15 the sun stays below the horizon, with a few hours of blue light at midday.