Tromsø has a lot to offer travellers every time of the year. If you are interested in seeing the Northern Lights, the best time to visit Tromso need to come between September 15th and April 14th. Visit our Northern Lights FAQ data base, where you can learn why and when is best to see the Northern Lights.
If you are coming to Tromsø to experience life under the midnight sun we would suggest to come in June and early – mid July. The actual sunrise and sunset date vary from year to year. On these dates you have the best opportunity to witness the sun at midnight, rather it being behind a mountain.
What We Love, One Month For Month
January
January is a magical month. We experience the beautiful blue hour at its best during the first two weeks and in the final week the sun rises for the first time in 2 and a half months. The excitement surrounding the sun returning is felt throughout city. There is even a special “Sun day”, where the children sing, and the community comes together. For specific dates for sun rising and Sun day, you need to check each year as dates vary. In January, we often get hours of sunset pastels across the sky.
The first two weeks of January are often quieter than the previous month. In the last two years there has been ample snow already to support winter activities.
Suitable activities: Aurora Hunt, Arctic Landscapes, Winter Walk on the Wild Side and Star Walk (snowshoeing), final month for whale watching.
February
Light is returning, there is usually a lot of snow and the city truly feels alive. February is usually a great time for guests looking to experience snowshoeing, Reindeer or Husky sledding.
Suitable activities: Aurora Hunt, Arctic Landscapes, Winter Walk on the Wild Side and Star Walk (snowshoeing), Reindeer sledding and Husky sledding.
March
March is our favourite month of winter! The days are getting longer, the temperature is cold and stable, meaning good chances of clear skies and more stable environmental conditions. There is some data to indicate that there is an increase of Auroral activity during Spring and Autumn. However, odds are good in Tromsø anyway. So it’s not a worse month to swing by than every other month. Indeed if it fits your schedule you can enjoy the best of the winter. So why not have a great time?
Suitable activities: Aurora Hunt, Arctic Landscapes, Winter Walk on the Wild Side and Star Walk (snowshoeing), Reindeer sledding and Husky sledding, ski touring.
April
During April the days are much longer then the night. Locals can easily squeeze in a post work ski tour or other winter activity. If you are looking to experience Tromsø with few tourists, then early April may be the month for you!
Mid to late April the snow at sea level might begin to melt – then snow again – then melt – then snow again – this is the real beginning of Spring in Tromsø.
Suitable activities: Aurora Hunt (only the first half of the month), Arctic Landscapes, Winter Walk on the Wild Side (snowshoeing), Reindeer sledding and Husky sledding, ski touring.
May
Spring continues! May is a month loved by Norwegians, with 4 public holidays in the one month. There is plenty of time for skiing! The 17th May is the Norwegian Constitution Day. This public holiday means grilling (BBQing), parades, traditional dress and a fair bit of alcohol. That presents an opportunity for a chatty foreigner to really get to know some locals. Tromsø has many bars and restaurants that will host dinners and events, so there is always something exciting going on.
Suitable activities: Arctic Landscapes, Winter Walk on the Wild Side (snowshoeing) and ski touring.
June
In June you can expect long days underneath the Midnight Sun (not the best time to see the Northern Lights ;). If you come in late June you will truly experience the endless of summer. In June we enjoy hiking, picnics, summer landscape photography and more. Pack plenty of layers in June, it might Snow!
Suitable activities: Arctic Landscapes, Summer Night Campfire, Summer Photography and Summer Walk on the Wild Side (hiking).
July
During July travellers enjoy grilling under the midnight sun, swimming in the fjords and hikes through the summer landscapes.
Suitable activities: Arctic Landscapes, Summer Night Campfire, Summer Photography and Summer Walk on the Wild Side (hiking).
August
August is our favourite month in the summer season, the midnight sun has just set – which means we can easily sleep again! The days are still very long, and the environmental conditions are ideal for hiking, swimming, photography and more.
Suitable activities: Arctic Landscapes, Summer Night Campfire, Summer Photography and Summer Walk on the Wild Side (hiking).
September
During September the nights get longer, this means that by mid-September there are reasonable chances to see Auroral activity. September the temperatures are warmer, and the climate is mild. There is some data to indicate that there is an increase of Auroral activity during Spring and Autumn, however, odds are good in Tromsø anyway, so we would not necessarily recommend this as a reason to come in September over another month that is better suited to your schedule.
Suitable activities: Aurora Hunt (mid-September), Arctic Landscapes, Autumn Photography and Winter Walk on the Wild Side (hiking).
October
During October the nights get longer, this means that there are reasonable chances to see Auroral activity. Generally, in September the temperatures are warmer, and the climate is mild. There is some data to indicate that there is an increase of Auroral activity during Spring and Autumn, however, odds are good in Tromsø anyway, so we would not necessarily recommend this as a reason to come in October over another month that is better suited to your schedule.
Suitable activities: Aurora Hunt, Arctic Landscapes, Autumn Photography and Winter Walk on the Wild Side (hiking or snowshoeing).
November
In late November the sun will set for the final time and we welcome the polar night, the best time to visit Tromso. Some years the snow has already fallen, so winter activities can begin. With long dark nights, the opportunity to see the Northern Lights increases, however, the snow arrives via clouds, indicating increased chances of cloudy evenings.
Suitable activities: Aurora Hunt, Arctic Landscapes, Winter Walk on the Wild Side and Star Walk (snowshoeing), Reindeer sledding and Husky sledding.
December
December is a magical time in northern Norway! The sun does not rise during December, the polar night is in full swing, during the Christmas week you can expect about an hour of day light with mild sunrise/sunset colours for an hour or so either side.
The Christmas spirit is in the air, locals decorate their homes and the city centre with lights, traditional decorations and trees. Small Christmas markets pop up in the city square and the city is alive with Christmas.
Suitable activities: Aurora Hunt, Arctic Landscapes, Winter Walk on the Wild Side and Star Walk (snowshoeing), Reindeer sledding and Husky sledding.
