Is January a good time to visit Norway (Tromsø)?

No — January is not among the recommended months for Norway (Tromsø) (Score: 9/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.

How warm is it in Norway (Tromsø) in January?

In January, Norway (Tromsø) sees daily highs of -1°C. Nights cool to -4°C, with a daily average of -2°C. Peaks reach around 5°C, the coldest nights around -12°C — frost does occur.

How much rain falls in Norway (Tromsø) in January?

In January, Norway (Tromsø) receives an average of 123 mm of rain over 11 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.

How many sunshine hours does Norway (Tromsø) get in January?

Norway (Tromsø) averages 1 sunshine hour per day in January — below the annual average.

How warm is the water in Norway (Tromsø) in January?

Water temperature in Norway (Tromsø) in January averages 4°C — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.

Norway (Tromsø) · January

Low season

Norway · Europe

Climate Overview

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest day🌡Ø 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 night🌡Ø 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.

January is the coldest winter month in Norway (Tromsø) — with highs of only -1°C (30°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, August, and September.

Temperatures reach a maximum of -1°C (30°F) during the day and drop to -4°C (25°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 5°C (41°F), the coldest nights around -12°C (10°F) — frost does occur. With 1 sunshine hour per day and 11 rain days (123 mm (4.8 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 4°C (39°F), the water is still quite cool in January — 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.

Events & Festivals

Tromsø International Film Festivalmid/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.

Packing list for Norway (Tromsø) in January

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 January a good time to visit Norway (Tromsø)?: No — January is not among the recommended months for Norway (Tromsø) (Score: 9/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
How warm is it in Norway (Tromsø) in January?: In January, Norway (Tromsø) sees daily highs of -1°C (30°F). Nights cool to -4°C (25°F), with a daily average of -2°C (28°F). Peaks reach around 5°C (41°F), the coldest nights around -12°C (10°F) — frost does occur.
How much rain falls in Norway (Tromsø) in January?: In January, Norway (Tromsø) receives an average of 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain over 11 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
How many sunshine hours does Norway (Tromsø) get in January?: Norway (Tromsø) averages 1 sunshine hour per day in January — below the annual average.
How warm is the water in Norway (Tromsø) in January?: Water temperature in Norway (Tromsø) in January averages 4°C (39°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.