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Best time to visit Tromso: month by month
Short answer
Late September to late March is the northern lights season, and January to March combines snow, longer days and auroras, with town temperatures around -1 to -3°C by day and -5 to -7°C at night. From about 20 May to 22 July the sun never sets, with highs of about 14–17°C, ideal for hiking and kayaking but with no aurora.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -3°C | -7°C | 16 | high |
| Feb | -2°C | -6°C | 16 | very high |
| Mar | -1°C | -5°C | 19 | very high |
| Apr | 3°C | -2°C | 19 | medium |
| May | 7°C | 1°C | 18 | low |
| Jun | 14°C | 8°C | 18 | medium |
| Jul | 17°C | 10°C | 14 | high |
| Aug | 16°C | 10°C | 18 | medium |
| Sep | 10°C | 6°C | 19 | medium |
| Oct | 4°C | 0°C | 19 | medium |
| Nov | -1°C | -5°C | 14 | high |
| Dec | -4°C | -9°C | 11 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
March is still winter (about -1°C by day) with long days and good aurora chances until late in the month; April (3°C) and May (7°C) bring the thaw and light nights, with 18–19 days of precipitation a month.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Midnight sun from about 20 May to 22 July; highs of about 14–17°C, with frequent showers (14–18 rainy days); hiking, kayaking and boat trips.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Aurora season starts in late September, with milder nights (about 10°C by day in September, 4°C in October) and no snow yet; by November it is below freezing and the polar night begins late in the month.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Polar night from late November to mid-January, with only blue twilight at midday; about -2 to -4°C by day in town and much colder inland. Snow, huskies, whales (about November to January) and auroras.
Events worth planning around
- Tromsø International Film Festival (January)
- Northern Lights Festival (Nordlysfestivalen), a music festival (late January or early February)
- Sámi National Day (6 February)
- Midnight Sun Marathon (June)
When to avoid
Avoid mid-May to late July if your main aim is the northern lights, as the sky never gets dark. Avoid April and May if you want snow activities or aurora, as the season is ending and the weather is slushy.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Tromsø?
February or March for snow, more daylight and aurora; late September or October for milder aurora nights without snow.
When can you see the northern lights in Tromsø?
From late September to late March, on dark, clear nights.
When is the midnight sun in Tromsø?
From about 20 May to 22 July, when the sun does not set.