Tromsø weather in short
Tromsø lies at 69° north, on the coast of northern Norway. Light changes more than anything else here: the sun disappears for about seven weeks in winter and stays up through the night for about two months in summer. Precipitation falls all year, with autumn the wettest season and late spring the driest.
The precipitation figures below are the 1991 to 2020 normals of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET) for the station Tromsø (number 90450), which sits at 100 m (330 ft) above sea level. They include melted snow, so they are not snow depths. We do not list monthly temperatures on this page. Check a current forecast a few days before you leave and pack in layers.
Tromsø month by month
Precipitation normals, 1991 to 2020, and what each month offers.
| Month | Precipitation | What is on |
|---|---|---|
| January | 108 mm (4.3 in) | The sun returns on January 15. Northern lights season, whale trips until January 31, dog sledding |
| February | 97 mm (3.8 in) | Northern lights, dog sledding, fjord cruises (one operator runs February to April) |
| March | 97 mm (3.8 in) | Northern lights, dog sledding, fjord cruises |
| April | 71 mm (2.8 in) | Northern lights until early April, dog sledding listed to April 30, 2027 |
| May | 57 mm (2.2 in) | Driest month. The upper edge of the sun stays visible at night from May 18, the whole sun from May 20 |
| June | 58 mm (2.3 in) | Midnight sun, no northern lights in the bright sky |
| July | 73 mm (2.9 in) | The whole sun is visible at night until July 22, the upper edge until July 25 |
| August | 88 mm (3.5 in) | Northern lights become possible again from late August |
| September | 111 mm (4.4 in) | Northern lights, fjord cruises (one operator, September and October), dinner cruise from September 4, 2026 |
| October | 127 mm (5.0 in) | Wettest month. Whale-watching season starts October 1 (one operator, 2026/27) |
| November | 94 mm (3.7 in) | Polar night begins November 27. Dog sledding from mid-November, whales, northern lights |
| December | 110 mm (4.3 in) | Polar night, northern lights, whale trips, dog sledding |
The annual total of 1,091 mm comes from the same station. A fact page of the municipality quotes a lower figure of 911 mm per year without naming a period or a station, so the two numbers cannot be compared directly.
Tours from Tromsø through the seasons
Northern lights chases, whale trips, dog sledding and summer outings from Tromsø, with live prices and availability.
Best time to visit by goal
The best month depends on what you want to see.
| Goal | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Northern lights | Late August to early April | Not visible in the bright summer sky. Clear or partly clear skies are needed, and clouds can block the view |
| Whale watching | October or November to January | One operator lists October 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Whales follow herring, so dates vary by year |
| Dog sledding | Winter | One operator lists November 15 to April 30, 2027 |
| Midnight sun | May 20 to July 22 | Whole sun visible at night. The upper edge shows from May 18 to July 25 |
No lights are guaranteed in any month. The page on northern lights tours explains how chases work, and the whale-watching page covers where the boats go.
Polar night and midnight sun
The dates are from the Norwegian weather service Yr.
Polar night
For the coming winter it begins on November 27, 2026 and ends on January 15, 2027. It does not mean full darkness. There is still twilight around midday, and mountains can hide the returning sun in the city for some time after January 15.
Midnight sun
The whole sun is visible at night from May 20 to July 22. The upper edge of the sun is visible from May 18 to July 25. Mountains can block the view from some spots. Details are on the midnight sun page.
Two different seasons
Northern lights and the midnight sun do not overlap. A bright summer night will not show the aurora, and a winter night will not show the sun.
Weather and your plans
What operators and the municipality say.
Northern lights tours
One minibus tour lists 5 to 9 hours depending on the weather. Tours can drive to clearer skies, but the aurora stays unpredictable.
Winter clothes
A reindeer tour asks for at least 2 layers, a hat, gloves and winter boots. A dog sledding operator asks you to bring your own hat and gloves and suggests sunglasses from February to April. See dog sledding.
Mountain paths in winter
The footpath next to the Fjellheisen has snow and ice in winter, and the operator advises spikes. Parts of it lie in avalanche terrain, so read local warnings first. See the Fjellheisen page.
Roadside stops
The municipality asks tour operators to park only in allowed places and to use reflective vests along the road. If you drive yourself, keep the road and shoulder clear.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with the season you picked.
Northern lights tours
Season, chasing and what the weather changes.
Midnight sun
Dates, definitions and what to do at night.
Where to stay
Center, Tromsdalen or Kvaløya, by area.
If you want to compare Tromsø with the rest of the north, North Norway has the regional view of the seasons. The Lyngen Alps lie further out, and Lyngen covers the summer side of that area.
Tromsø weather: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Tromsø?
It depends on the goal. Northern lights are possible from late August to early April, the whole midnight sun shows from May 20 to July 22, and the whale-watching trips listed for 2026/27 run from October to January.
When is it rainiest in Tromsø?
October has the most precipitation at 127 mm (5.0 in), followed by September at 111 mm and December at 110 mm. May is the driest month at 57 mm (2.2 in). These are 1991 to 2020 normals and include melted snow.
When is the polar night?
From November 27, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Around midday there is still twilight, and the sun may stay behind the mountains in the center for a while after its return.
Can I see the northern lights in summer?
No. The summer sky is too bright. The season runs from about late August to early April, and clouds can block the view at any time.
How much does it rain in Tromsø per year?
The MET station Tromsø records 1,091 mm (43 in) per year for 1991 to 2020. The municipality quotes 911 mm without a period, so use the station figure when you compare places.
Does this page show temperatures?
No. Look at a current forecast before you travel, and dress in layers.