3 min read
Published 03. March 2024
Best time to visit Tromsø
Norway’s Arctic capital, often called “Paris of the North” for its cosmopolitan vibes, is a fascinating place to visit all year long — but your experience will be different based on which season you choose to explore it.
Whether you’re looking for the warm glow of the Midnight Sun or prefer to hunt for the elusive greens and purples of the dancing Northern Lights, below you’ll find more information about the best time to visit Tromsø!
Tromsø in the spring
Springs are short in Tromsø, only kicking in around May. The sun reappears close to the Spring Equinox, but it can be chilly up until April. Expect a lot of rain, and wear layers! The temperatures range from -4 to -1°C (25—33°F).
The Northern Lights are still visible up until April most years, and while the snow melting on the mountains doesn’t make for a great hiking experience, the wildlife starts reappearing after the long winter so it’s a great time to go on a snowmobile ride, dog sledding or reindeer sledding. The ice melts on the fjords too, so if you’re into whale watching or simply going on a cruise to admire Arctic Nature, Spring in Tromsø will not disappoint!
Tromsø in the summer
Tromsø in the summer is mesmerizing: the season of the Midnight Sun has just started (since May 19) and all the untouched Arctic Nature you’re surrounded by is glistening gold all day and night long!
The city comes alive with various festivals, events and activities during the summer, with all the galleries and museums open and festivals such as the Tromsø Jazz Festival bringing in visitors from all over the world. The coffee shops, the restaurants and microbreweries are promising your every moment will be flavorful! And there’s no better time to go for a hiking trip to one of Tromsø’s many mountain summits, a walk in one of Tromsø’s parks, or a dip at the Telegrafbukta sandy beach.
While summer weather is the mildest and driest in Tromsø, you can still expect some rainfall (and very rarely, some snow) from June to August. The average weather is around 12.3°C (54.1°F) but it can often climb up past 20°C (68°F).
Tromsø in the fall
In autumn, when the leaves turn to red and yellow and the first snow starts to powder the mountains once more, it’s time for the dance of the Aurora Borealis to begin in the sky!
Autumn is also a short season, essentially beginning from late August until late October. There is still daylight, but the winds are cold and the temperature averages from 3-11°C (37.4-51.8°F), although hitting below zero is often possible. It’s a great time for outdoor activities such as berry and mushroom picking, hiking in the mountains, fishing or kayaking in the fjords. Bird and marine life are particularly active during this time of year, making fjord safaris a great idea!
And, of course, catching the Northern Lights, which are visible again from late August on!
Tromsø in the winter
Winter in Tromsø essentially lasts until March, with the Polar Night bathing the world in the eerie blue glow of perpetual twilight from November to mid-January — as the sun doesn’t rise over the horizon during that time. But with the Christmas lights coming up in Tromsø’s shops and streets, and the Northern Lights dancing more vividly than ever in the sky, it’s safe to say you won’t miss the sun!
Now is the time for snow-related activities, from skiing and snowshoeing to dog sledding and feeding reindeer. There’s also literature and film festivals taking place during the winter, as well as a whole week that celebrates Sami culture in February. The average temperature is around −3.3°C (26.1°F) although it can get much lower than that.
Whichever season you decide to visit, Tromsø will steal your heart!
