Norway (Tromsø)
Norway · Europe
The best time to visit Norway (Tromsø) is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 16°C (61°F), with peaks around 25°C (77°F); in winter, nights average -5°C (23°F), dropping to around -12°C (10°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Norway (Tromsø) – What you should know
Tromsø lies at almost 70° north and is a city of extremes when it comes to light. The midnight sun shines roughly from late May to late July, the polar night runs from late November to mid-January, and December averages no hours of sunshine at all. Thanks to the Gulf Stream it stays mild for this latitude: daytime highs average -1°C (30°F) in January, with the coldest nights around -12°C (10°F).
Winter is the season for the northern lights and whale watching. The aurora can be seen from September to March; what matters is a clear sky, not the cold, so tours often drive far inland. From late October to January orcas and humpback whales move into the fjords north of Tromsø (Skjervøy/Kvænangen). From March the days brighten, with 5 hours of sunshine, and over 8 hours in April; there is usually still plenty of snow, which makes it a good time for ski touring and snowmobiling.
The summer is short and cool: daytime highs average 16°C (61°F) in July, around 25°C (77°F) on the warmest days, and rainfall stays moderate at 60 to 80 mm (2.4 to 3.1 in) on eight to ten rainy days. The sea reaches about 12°C (54°F) in July and August. For hiking — on Kvaløya or Sommarøy, for instance — June and July offer the best conditions, with daylight around the clock. From September darkness and the aurora return, and daytime highs drop to an average of 11°C (52°F).
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | -1° (30°)-9– (16–)5 (41) | -1° (30°)-7– (19–)6 (43) | 1° (34°)-5– (23–)5 (41) | 4° (39°)-1– (30–)10 (50) | 9° (48°)2– (36–)17 (63) | 13° (55°)6– (43–)21 (70) | 16° (61°)9– (48–)25 (77) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)22 (72) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)18 (64) | 6° (43°)0– (32–)11 (52) | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)6 (43) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -4° (25°)-12– (10–)2 (36) | -5° (23°)-12– (10–)3 (37) | -4° (25°)-11– (12–)2 (36) | -1° (30°)-8– (18–)4 (39) | 3° (37°)-2– (28–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)12 (54) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 6° (43°)0– (32–)11 (52) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)9 (48) | -1° (30°)-7– (19–)4 (39) | -3° (27°)-10– (14–)2 (36) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 0 | 3h UV 1 | 6h UV 2 | 9h UV 4 | 9h UV 5 | 8h UV 4 | 8h UV 4 | 5h UV 3 | 4h UV 2 | 3h UV 1 | 2h UV 0 | 0h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 4° (39°) | 3° (37°) | 3° (37°) | 5° (41°) | 7° (45°) | 10° (50°) | 12° (54°) | 12° (54°) | 10° (50°) | 8° (46°) | 6° (43°) | 5° (41°) |
🌧Rain Days | 11d123mm (4.8") | 10d90mm (3.5") | 13d104mm (4.1") | 10d78mm (3.1") | 8d59mm (2.3") | 8d61mm (2.4") | 8d70mm (2.7") | 10d80mm (3.1") | 11d95mm (3.8") | 13d118mm (4.7") | 11d119mm (4.7") | 12d131mm (5.2") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
May offers great weather in Norway (Tromsø) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Norway (Tromsø)
December – January
Polar night: until mid-January the sun never clears the horizon, yet around midday a blue twilight hangs over the fjords. With daytime highs just around freezing it is mild for the latitude. The city leans into candles, Christmas markets, northern lights tours and dog sledding.
February – April
The light returns faster than you would expect: by April the sun shines more than eight hours a day on average while deep snow still covers the ground. Ski touring, snowmobiling and clear aurora nights now come with long days, and temperatures hover around or just above freezing.
May – July
The midnight sun does not set, and the city runs around the clock. Daytime highs of 13 to 16°C (55 to 61°F) are enough for hikes on Kvaløya, kayak trips and midnight concerts, with snow still lingering up in the mountains. You get tired here from the light, not the heat.
August – September
Summer ebbs away: the nights grow dark again, autumn turns the birches yellow and the first northern lights appear towards the end of the period. It is the quieter time with moderate prices before the winter season starts.
October – November
A shoulder season of wind, rain and snow showers, with the days shrinking fast. In return the whale season begins in the fjords as the herring arrive, and the aurora season is in full swing. Warm layers and waterproof boots are essential.
Events & Festivals
January
- Tromsø International Film Festival· mid/late January (one week)
Norway's largest film festival, held since 1991 in the middle of the polar night. Besides the cinemas there is an outdoor screen on the town's main square.
February
- Sámi Week· around 6 February (Sámi National Day)
Cultural programme and Arctic market in the city centre. The highlights are the Norwegian lasso-throwing championship and the reindeer race, in which reindeer pull skiers over 201 metres (659 ft) down Storgata.
June
- Midnight Sun Marathon· a Saturday in June, close to the summer solstice
Evening city race under the midnight sun, with a marathon and shorter distances. Recent editions drew around 9,000 runners from almost 100 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Norway (Tromsø)?
- The best time to visit Norway (Tromsø) is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Norway (Tromsø)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Norway (Tromsø) average 16°C (61°F), with peaks around 25°C (77°F); in winter, nights average -5°C (23°F), dropping to around -12°C (10°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Norway (Tromsø) get?
- Norway (Tromsø) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 10 rain days per month. The driest months are May, June, and July.
- How warm is the water in Norway (Tromsø)?
- Water temperature in Norway (Tromsø) ranges from 3°C (37°F) (February) to 12°C (54°F) (August). That makes the sea cool for swimming all year round.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
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