Tromsø in December
Polar night
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
December is a reasonable month in Tromsø — with trade-offs.
December is polar night: no sunrise, a blue glow at midday and northern lights after dark.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- -4–0°C
- Cold, around 0°C, snowy.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy around Christmas.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates.
+Christmas lights in total darkness.
–The sun doesn't rise.
My tip for December
Plan tours for midday, when there's a few hours of blue light.
- Northern lights
- Christmas
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
6th of 12 overall in Tromsø, 8th for weather, 11th for space, 11th for value. The emptiest month is October; the best value is October.
See all twelve months for TromsøNot set on December?
Even stronger months in Tromsø
Also good in December
Weather
Weather in Tromsø in December
In December Tromsø averages a high of 0°C (32°F) and a low of -4°C (25°F), with about 110 mm of rain or snow over 16 wet days. The warmest month is July (around 16°C) and the coolest is January (around -1°C); the wettest month is October.
- Average high
- 0°C
- 32°F
- Average low
- -4°C
- 25°F
- Precipitation
- 110 mm
- Wet days
- 16
Climate data: Met Norway (Tromsø, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Tromsø in December: the questions people ask
- Is December a good time to visit Tromsø?
- December is a reasonable month in Tromsø — with trade-offs. It ranks 6 of 12 months in Tromsø overall (8 for weather, 11 for space, 11 for value). The main upside: Christmas lights in total darkness. The main downside: The sun doesn't rise.
- What is the weather like in Tromsø in December?
- Average highs are around 0°C and lows around -4°C. Expect about 110 mm of rain or snow over roughly 16 wet days. Cold, around 0°C, snowy. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 16°C) and the coolest is January (around -1°C).
- Is Tromsø crowded in December?
- Crowds are moderate-high. Busy around Christmas. The quietest month is October.
- How expensive is Tromsø in December?
- Prices are at level 4 of 5 ($$$$). High rates. The best-value month is October.
- When is the best time to visit Tromsø?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, March is the best month overall (December ranks 6 of 12). The quietest month is October and the best value is October.
Ready to book December in Tromsø?
Christmas lights in total darkness.
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