Norway (Tromsø) · December
Low seasonNorway · Europe
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
December is the coldest winter month in Norway (Tromsø) — with highs of only 1°C (34°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 1°C (34°F) during the day and drop to -3°C (27°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 6°C (43°F), the coldest nights around -10°C (14°F) — frost does occur. With 0 sunshine hours per day and 12 rain days (131 mm (5.2 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 5°C (41°F), the water is still quite cool in December — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
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.
Packing list for Norway (Tromsø) in December
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Norway (Tromsø)?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Norway (Tromsø) (Score: 2/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Norway (Tromsø) in December?
- In December, Norway (Tromsø) sees daily highs of 1°C (34°F). Nights cool to -3°C (27°F), with a daily average of -1°C (30°F). Peaks reach around 6°C (43°F), the coldest nights around -10°C (14°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Norway (Tromsø) in December?
- In December, Norway (Tromsø) receives an average of 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain over 12 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Norway (Tromsø) get in December?
- Norway (Tromsø) averages 0 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Norway (Tromsø) in December?
- Water temperature in Norway (Tromsø) in December averages 5°C (41°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.