How cold does it get in Tromsø in winter?
Winter normals, the coldest readings and snow in Tromsø.
Short answer
Tromsø city has a relatively mild coastal winter, with normal temperatures of about −3 °C in January and February at its weather station. The lowest readings there in 2023–2025 were between −11.2 and −13.9 °C. Inland areas are much colder, and Visit Norway says inner Finnmark can reach −30 °C.
Why
- The 1991–2020 normals for Tromsø on yr.no are −1.7 °C in December, −3.0 °C in January, −3.3 °C in February and −1.9 °C in March.
- The coldest readings at the Tromsø station were −13.9 °C on 8 March 2023, −13.5 °C on 19 January 2024 and −11.2 °C on 8 January 2025.
- Visit Norway says coastal winter temperatures in Northern Norway typically range from 5 to −5 °C, while the open plains and inner Finnmark can drop to −30 °C.
Details
January 2024 was colder than normal, with an average of −4.0 °C, while February 2025 averaged 0.7 °C. Snow can be deep: the snow depth peaked at 140 cm on 22 March 2023 and 120 cm on 13 January 2025. The sun does not rise in Tromsø from 28 November 2026 to 14 January 2027, according to MET's sunrise data.
Tip
If you join northern lights trips inland or into the mountains, pack for much colder weather than in the city, as it gets colder further from the coast.
What may differ
These figures come from the Tromsø station, 100 m above sea level in the city. Visit Tromsø notes that the mountains are often much colder than the city centre.
Common misconception
Tromsø has extreme Arctic cold in winter.
What actually happens
The coast is mild for its latitude. Tromsø's normals are −3.0 °C in January and −3.3 °C in February, and the lowest reading in 2023–2025 was −13.9 °C; extreme cold belongs to inland areas such as inner Finnmark.
People also ask
- How cold is Tromsø in January?
- What is the weather like in Tromsø in winter?
Sources
- Yr: Climate statistics for Tromsø (2025 and normals)Checked at:
- Yr: Climate statistics for Tromsø, 2023Checked at:
- Visit Norway: Practical tips for winter in Northern NorwayChecked at:
- MET Norway: Sun data for Tromsø, 28 November 2026Checked at:
- MET Norway: The new climate normal 1991–2020Checked at:
Information checked on 15 October 2026.
Tips for travelling in Norway in winterRelated questions
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What does 'there is no bad weather, only bad clothing' mean in Norway?
The saying means that bad weather is no reason to stay indoors, because the right clothes let you enjoy being outside in rain, wind or cold.
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Do I need sunscreen in Norway?
Yes, you need sunscreen in Norway, especially in spring and summer, on snow in the mountains and on the water, where reflection makes UV radiation stronger.
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Do I need ice grips (brodder) on my shoes in a Norwegian winter?
Ice grips, called brodder in Norwegian, are worth packing for a winter trip, because temperatures around freezing often leave pavements and paths icy.
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What shoes should I bring to Norway?
Bring sturdy shoes that handle rain and rough paths, and in winter warm boots with room for wool socks and a good grip on ice.