How to dress in the Arctic

To make your stay in Northern Norway as comfortable as possible, it is important to bring the right clothing.

Tromsø has a varied climate in both winter, when the average temperature is –4 °C, and summer, when the average temperature is 12 °C. However, if you are planning Arctic activities or going in search of the northern lights, you should be prepared for temperatures ranging from –25 °C to 5 °C.

In general, we recommend bringing warm, comfortable clothing and footwear. Dress in layers so that you can easily regulate your temperature by adding or removing clothing. When you are active, remove a layer if you become too warm. You can cool down quickly when you stop, so this is a good time to add an extra layer.

Many activity providers supply clothing for excursions, such as thermal suits, boots, hats and mittens.

Spring and summer: May–August

Lightweight wool clothing, warm hats, light down jackets and gloves are all familiar items to locals. With an average summer temperature of only 12 °C, we know the importance of dressing for the conditions.

Early summer, particularly May and June, can be wet and cold. We therefore recommend bringing lightweight woollen base layers and a light windproof and waterproof jacket when exploring the city.

The weather in July and August tends to be milder, but the same range of clothing is recommended, especially when hiking in the mountains around Tromsø. The weather can change quickly, and it is often much colder in the mountains than in the city centre.

Autumn and winter: September–April

Warm clothing is essential for a comfortable stay in Tromsø during winter. Start with woollen base layers next to your skin, followed by warm, dry jumpers and jackets. Remember to bring warm footwear, gloves, scarves and hats.

Your feet, hands, neck and head are often the first parts of your body to feel the cold, so it is important to keep them warm. Your shoes should be large enough to accommodate an extra pair of woollen socks. Hand warmers can also be useful inside both gloves and footwear.

During winter, paths and streets can be slippery in both natural areas and the city centre. Ice grips or spikes are a useful safety measure and can help prevent falls. They are available from shoe shops, sports shops and the Tourist Information.

If you are travelling from a warmer country or do not want to bring bulky winter clothing, Tromsø Outdoor offers a wide range of outdoor clothing and equipment.