Autumn in Tromsø

Autumn in Tromsø is a season of contrasts. There is still plenty of daylight to explore the mountains, fjords and city, while the dark evenings gradually return. From late August, the landscape begins to turn shades of yellow, orange and red, and once the evenings are dark enough, the northern lights season begins.

The weather can change quickly at this time of year, and as autumn progresses, the first snow may settle on the mountain peaks. Pack for changing conditions, and make the most of the autumn days by combining outdoor experiences with culture, food and city life.

When is autumn in Tromsø?

Autumn in Tromsø usually lasts from late August through October. It is a season of transition, and early and late autumn can feel quite different.

In late August and September, there are still plenty of daylight hours, while the mountains and forests take on their autumn colours. At the same time, the nights gradually become darker. In October, the days grow shorter and the weather cooler, and snow and ice may start to affect conditions in the mountains.

There is no single typical autumn day in Tromsø. What you can experience and which activities are best suited will vary throughout the season.

What can you do in Tromsø in autumn?

Autumn is a great time to experience both nature and city life on the same trip. You can explore autumn landscapes and fjords during the day, spend a few hours in the city and look for the northern lights once darkness falls.

Explore mountains, fjords and autumn colours

As long as the weather permits, autumn is a great time for hiking. The landscape changes throughout the season, from green mountain slopes to golden autumn colours and the first snow-capped peaks.

You can also experience the scenery from the sea on a boat trip, join a kayaking tour or explore the area by bike. At the husky kennels, you can meet the dogs, and before the snow arrives, it is sometimes possible to try dog sledding with a wheeled cart instead of a sled.

Always check the weather forecast and local conditions before setting out, and choose a route suited to both the conditions and your own experience level.

Look for the Northern Lights

The northern lights season in Tromsø begins when the evenings become dark enough in late summer and early autumn. Autumn therefore offers a great combination of daylight during the day and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights after dark.

To see the northern lights, you need darkness, clear skies and aurora activity, and as with any natural phenomenon, sightings can never be guaranteed. 

Joining a guided northern lights tour can improve your chances of finding good viewing conditions, as the guides monitor the weather, cloud cover and aurora activity and choose the route based on the conditions that evening.

Experience Tromsø city

An autumn day does not have to be spent entirely outdoors. In Tromsø city centre, you will find museums, galleries, attractions, shops, cafés and restaurants within a relatively compact area, and much of the city can be explored on foot.

When the weather does not cooperate, it is easy to combine a few hours outdoors with a museum visit, a leisurely lunch or a coffee break. Tromsø also hosts concerts, festivals and other cultural events throughout the year, so check what is on during your stay.

Taste the flavours of autumn

Autumn is an important season for several local ingredients. Berries, mushrooms, vegetables, fish, seafood and meat from the region find their way onto menus across Tromsø.

If you would like to pick berries or mushrooms yourself, make sure you are familiar with the Norwegian right to roam and know exactly what you are picking. Or leave it to the local chefs and discover the flavours of autumn at one of the city's restaurants or cafés.

What is the weather like in Tromsø in autumn?

Autumn weather in Tromsø can be changeable. Even on fine days, temperatures, wind and rainfall can vary, and it generally gets colder as the season progresses.

Dress in layers and bring windproof and waterproof outerwear. If you are heading out for a hike, sturdy footwear is important. Later in autumn, snow and ice can make some trails slippery or unsuitable for hiking.

Plan your autumn trip to Tromsø

Autumn makes it easy to experience different sides of Tromsø in a single day. You can start the day in the mountains or on the fjord, spend the afternoon in the city and finish the evening looking for the northern lights.

Browse the activities below to see what is available during autumn, or read more about what to wear, spending the autumn holidays in Tromsø with your family and why we enjoy this season so much.

Frequently asked questions about Autumn in the Tromsø region:

What are the chances that it might snow?

We know from experience that it can snow at any time, even in June! We plan for a snow season ranging from October to May, which is when we are obliged to have winter tyres on our cars. For snow-related activities, the start date of availability in the booking calendars is a good indication of when it is expected to be possible, normally November or December. The saying goes that snow will fall and melt again 7 times before it settles on the ground.

Has anybody seen northern lights yet?

We normally get reports of sightings at the end of August. People far away from light pollution, such as on the coastal voyage ships, often see them first.

Will tours be cancelled if it's cloudy?

Not normally. Cloudy is the normal up here. You need really stormy weather, or very high winds for them to be cancelled. We learn to appreciate the beauty of a daytime grey or monotone landscape, too. It can be really dramatic when the sun does shine through the clouds and illuminates the red, orange and yellow of the autumn leaves. Northern Lights chase tours go looking for places where clouds are broken up by the highest mountains. Some providers will cancel if they feel it is too cloudy and they will let you know. If it is your last night here, you might want to take the chance, despite the clouds.

It's too early to see northern lights, right?

Autumn is a lovely time to see the northern lights. And it's not that cold! As long as you have some hours of darkness, it is okay. We need that backdrop of a darker sky in order to see them, the same as with fireworks or stars. Some say that the time of the equinox is best, so they prefer the dates around the 21st September. We also have sunsets in Autumn so you can experience the most amazing skies, with sunset, moon and northern lights at the same time! We're not promising... just saying.

Is it too early to see whales?

'Our' whales - the orca and humpback - normally reach the region around the end of October. There are always whales in the ocean and some companies located on the outer coast do manage to spot whales year-round. At Andenes in Vesterålen you can join whale safaris to see sperm whales year-round.