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Tromso weather at a glance

Tromsø is a small Arctic city with a big personality. It's known for its polar nights, midnight sun, snow-draped mountains, and a harbour that never really sits still. It swings through four seasons, each reshaping how the city looks and how people explore it. Winters are dark, cold, and perfect for aurora hunting; summers glow with endless daylight; spring and autumn sit in between with quick weather shifts, calmer tourism, and moody Arctic skies. Stay on this page to know what's Tromso's weather like so that you can plan better.

Tromsø weather at a glance

Average temperature: ~2.5°C (36.5°F)

Warmest month: July (10°C to 15°C)

Coldest month: January (-5°C to -10°C)

Longest days: Late May–Mid July (Midnight Sun: 24 hours of daylight)

Shortest days: Mid December (Polar Night: 0 hours of direct sunlight, about 2–3 hours of blue twilight)

Coldest recorded wind chill: Around -20°C to -30°C during Arctic storms

Rainiest period: September–November (frequent showers + coastal winds)

Calmest weather window: April–June (clear, crisp, stable days)

Sea temperature: 3–7°C year-round (due to the Gulf Stream)

Seasons in Tromso

SeasonMonthsTemperaturePopular activitiesPro tip

Winter

December–March

-10°C to -2°C (14°F to 28°F)

Northern Lights chases, dog sledding, reindeer experiences with Sámi families, whale watching (Dec–Jan), snowshoeing, winter fjord tours

Don’t rely on city weather. Clear skies inland often mean better aurora conditions. Locals usually drive toward Skibotn or Kvaløya valleys for higher chances.

Spring

April–May

-2°C to 6°C (28°F to 43°F)

Early hiking, city walks, fjord photography, late-season aurora (first half of April), mild ski tours in the Lyngen Alps

Pack Yaktrax or spikes. Streets are messy during the melt snow. Locals call it “slapseføre” (slushy season) for a reason.

Summer

June–August

8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)

Midnight Sun views, hiking to Tromsdalstinden, kayaking, cycling, wildlife cruises, festivals, warm evenings on the waterfront

Watch the mountains. Weather changes fast. Locals check cloud cover over Tromsdalstinden to judge if a hike will be clear or socked in.

Autumn

September–November

2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)

Northern Lights (from late Aug), foraging mushrooms/berries, fjord drives, storm watching, cozy cafés, cultural events

Be rain-ready. This is Tromsø’s wettest stretch; waterproof layers matter more than warmth. Clear nights after heavy rain often bring strong aurora displays.

Tromso weather by month

January

Temperature: –10°C to –5°C
Experience deep polar night, excellent skiing and snowshoeing conditions, quiet snowy trails, and long nights perfect for dramatic northern lights viewing.

February

Temperature: –8°C to –3°C
Clearer skies, brighter days, prime aurora hunting, and crisp snow conditions ideal for dog sledding, reindeer tours, and winter photography.

March

Temperature: –6°C to –1°C
A favorite month for locals, offering long sunny days, stable snow, spring skiing, and scenic fjord excursions with fewer crowds.

April

Temperature: –2°C to 3°C
Snow starts melting in the city, but mountain slopes stay perfect for late-season skiing, glacier hikes, and panoramic coastal views in sharp spring light.

May

Temperature: 3°C to 8°C
Snow retreats to the mountains, wildflowers appear, and long daylight hours make coastal walks, island hikes, and wildlife spotting ideal.

June

Temperature: 7°C to 12°C
The Midnight Sun peaks, offering 24-hour brightness perfect for late-night hikes, kayaking, and exploring Tromsø’s islands in mild, steady weather.

July

Temperature: 10°C to 15°C
Tromsø’s warmest month brings calm seas, vibrant festivals, peak hiking conditions, and excellent chances to spot puffins and Arctic marine life.

August

Temperature: 9°C to 13°C
Late-summer warmth lingers, ideal for fjord cruises, berry picking, and hiking before nights slowly return and the first hints of autumn appear.

September

Temperature: 5°C to 10°C
Autumn colors ignite the city and surrounding mountains, with crisp air perfect for photography, quieter hikes, and the early return of the Northern Lights.

October

Temperature: 1°C to 6°C
Cool, windy days signal winter’s approach; expect moody fjord scenery, storm watching, and cosy museum visits as aurora activity strengthens.

November

Temperature: 3°C to 2°C
Dark, atmospheric days set the stage for peak aurora hunting, early snow, and quiet cultural experiences before the festive season begins.

December

Temperature: 6°C to -2°C
Polar Night wraps Tromsø in deep blue twilight; Christmas markets glow, reindeer experiences peak, and winter activities return in full swing under starry skies.

When should you visit Tromsø? Find out the best time to visit

Chasing the Northern Lights, reindeer sledding, whale watching, and exploring the Sami culture are all once-in-a-lifetime experience. Weather can make or break your visit. Read more about the ideal time to visit Tromso.

Arctic Cathedral illuminated at night with Northern Lights in Tromsø sky.
Plan your visit here!

Frequently asked questions about Tromso weather

How cold does Tromsø actually get in winter?

Winter temperatures range from –7°C to –2°C, but wind chill can make it feel significantly colder, especially along the coast and on fjord cruises.

Does Tromsø get heavy snowfall?

Yes. Snow is common from November to April, with deep, persistent snowpack in mid-winter. Roads, sidewalks, and trails are well-maintained despite frequent snow.

Can cloud cover ruin Northern Lights sightings?

It can, but Tromsø’s microclimates help. Guides often drive inland or to nearby islands where skies might clear, improving your chances.

What is summer weather like in Tromsø?

Summers are mild (10–15°C), bright, and often breezy. The Midnight Sun means 24-hour daylight, so nights don’t cool down much.

How much daylight should I expect during winter?

From late November to mid-January, Tromsø is in Polar Night with no direct sunlight, but there are pastel “blue hours” that feel like extended twilight.

Is rain common in Tromsø?

Yes, Tromsø receives fairly regular rain, especially in late summer and autumn. Waterproof layers are essential year-round.

How strong is the wind in Tromsø?

Wind varies by season but can be strong along the coast and when storms roll in. Autumn sees the most frequent windy days, affecting ferries more than city travel.