Tromsø is an all-year destination and there is always something to do here, whether you are visiting in summer or winter. The Arctic nature and wildlife can be explored on foot, skiing, going out on a boat, driving, riding a sled or snowmobile. Throughout the year there’s plenty of events and things going on in the city, and here you will find out exactly what you can do in the month that you will be visiting us. Welcome!
What's on month to month
January
The Polar night season is about to end, and the days are getting brighter. At the end of the month we will see the sun again and celebrate with hot chocolate and solboller / “sun hot buns”. This month there’s also a lot of cultural events happening in Tromsø. The Polar Night Half Marathon, The Northern Lights festival and TIFF – Tromsø international film festival. January is one of the best months for visiting the Ice Hotel and go whale watching.
Activities:
- Dog sledding
- Whale Safari
- Reindeer sledding
- Ice fishing and fishing
- Photo tours
- Skiing
- Boat tours
- Snowshoeing
- Fjord tours
- Northern Lights tours
- Snowmobile safari
- Sami culture experiences
- Wildlife safari
- City tours
Events:
- 1st of January
New Year's Day - Beginning of January
Polar Nigth Half Marathon - Mid-January
Tromsø International Film Festival - End of January - beginning of February
Northern Lights Festival
February
February is the perfect month for outdoor activities with sunny days and Northern Lights in the evening. If the weather allows it, ice fishing is a popular activity. February is also the month of the Sami National holiday on February 6th. In Tromsø we celebrate a whole week of Sami culture. The days are filled with sami cultural activities and sporting, such as the Norwegian championship in lassoing and reindeer racing in the main street of Tromsø.
Activities:
- Snowmobile safari
- Northern Lights tours
- Dog sledding
- Reindeer sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Fjord tours
- Boat tours
- Wildlife safari
- Skiing
- Husky
- Ice domes
- City tours
- Fatbike
- Ski touring
Events:
- End of January - beginning of February
Northern Lights Festival - Beginning of February
Sami Week - 14th of February
Valentines day
March
In March it’s equinox– the time when day and night is equally long. After this the days will slowly become longer than the nights. March is the last month where you can experience the Northern Lights concerts in the Arctic Cathedral (from January to March). With brighter days it is nice to go on a snowmobile ride and explore Arctic wildlife. Moose, reindeer and rabbits are some of the animals you can get close to.
Activities:
- Northern Lights safari
- Dog sledding
- Reindeer sledding
- Sami culture experiences
- Snowshoeing
- Fjord tours
- Boat tours
- Ice fishing and fishing
- Local home visit
- Skiing
- Ice domes
- City tours
- Fatbike
- Ski touring
Events:
- End of March
Arctic SnowShoe Race - End of March - beginning of April
Spis Uka - food festival
April
Easter is usually in April, sometimes March. A lot of people in Tromsø have cabins in the mountains and Easter means family-time, skiing and enjoying the sun and snow. Typical Easter-snacks are oranges, Kvikk Lunsj chocolate and gathering around the bonfire. Join guided snowshoeing and ski tours and spend time outdoors, just like the locals do it.
Activities:
- Snowmobile safari
- Kayaking
- Reindeer feeding and sledding
- Boat tours
- Fishing
- Dog Sledding
- City tours
- Fatbike
- Skiing and snowshoeing
- Ski touring
Events:
- Easter
- End of April
Stumfilmdager - Silent Film Days - End of April
Vårscenefest - spring festival
May
May is an eventful month in Norway and Tromsø. We celebrate our constitution day on May 17th and fill the streets with people in traditional dresses called bunad, national songs and ice cream. It is a day filled with family fun. May is also the month were a lot of the students study for their exams, as they are finishing their year at the University of Tromsø. The temperature is rising and the snow is slowly disappearing. At the end of the month, the midnight sun season starts, and the nights will be as bright as the day. Have you ever experienced 24 hours of daylight? Experience the change in nature from winter to summer and go on fjord tours in cars, boats or buses.
Activities:
- Kayaking
- Midnight Sun tours (end of May)
- Boat tours
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Husky activities
- City tours
- Bicycling
- Ski touring
Events:
- 1st of May
Labour Day - 17th of May
Norwegian Constitution Day - 18th of May
The Midnight Sun season begins
June
Summer has arrived, but we have had snow in June, so remember to bring a warm jacket for the long summer nights. We loose ourselves in time from day to night, as the midnight sun is shining 24/7. Go kayaking or hiking any time of the day. Join locals and international runners in the Midnight Sun Marathon, or play volleyball in Telegrafbukta.
Activities:
- Midnight Sun tours
- Fjord tours
- Boat tours
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Husky
- City tours
- Bicycling
Events:
- 8th of June
World Ocean Day - Mid-June
Midnight Sun Marathon - 23rd of June
Sankthansaften - mid summer night
July
The midnight sun is exceptionally beautiful from the ocean and July is perfect for joining guided boat tours and go fishing. The warm temperature and fresh sea breeze adds to the experience. July is also the month of festivals in Tromsø and the region. The Buktafestival in Telegrafbukta and Riddu Riđđu festival in Lyngenfjord are both popular cultural experiences both for locals and travellers.
Activities:
- Kayaking
- Midnight Sun tours
- Fjord tours
- Hiking
- Husky activities
- City tours
- Bicycling
Events:
- Mid-July
Riddu Riđđu - international indigenous festival - End of July
Bukta - Tromsø Open Air Festival - End of July
Karlsøyfestivalen
August
In august we slowly move from summer to fall in Tromsø. We spend a lot of time in the forest and mountains picking berries and mushroom that we use in cooking throughout the winter. Music keeps filling the streets of Tromsø and both the Tromsø Jazzfestival, the music fest in Tromsø and Rakettnatt is worth a listen.
Activities:
- Kayaking
- Fjord tours
- Boat tours
- Fishing
- Husky activities
- City tours
- Bicycling
Events:
- Beginning of August
Tromsø SkyRace - Mid-August
Tromsø Jazz Festival - Mid-August
Arctic Jam - hip hop festival - End of August
Tromsø Mountain Challenge - End of August
Rakettnatt - music festival - Northern Lights season begins
September
In September you will see snow in the mountains and the temperatures are changing. It gets darker and summer is officially over. If you want to experience the Northern Lights without having to wrap yourself up in big thermos, September is the perfect month for it. The Aurora will start dancing in the sky above you, as long as its clear outside.
Things to do in September:
- Northern Lights activities
- Kayaking
- Boat tours
- Fjord tours
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Husky activities
- City tours
- Bicycling
Events:
- Beginning of September
TIFF Junior - film festival for children and youth - Mid-September
SMAK - Northern Norwegain food festival
October
Nature is covered in beautiful fall colours and the forest is red, orange and brown. In October the ground usually starts freezing and we’re preparing for winter. The sunsets can be magical with colours ranging from pink to orange and blue. Get to know our culture and history and join a local home visit or guided city tour.
Activities:
- Northern Lights activities
- Dog sledding on wheels
- Fjord tours
- Boat tours
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Husky activities
Events:
- Mid-October
Insomnia - electronic and techno festival - 31st of October
Halloween
November
The sun sets and by the end of the month we’re in Polar night season. The first whales has arrived Northern Norway and can be seen on guided tours from Tromsø. Fjord tours and boat tours are perfect activities in November. In mid-November you can join Tromsø Arctic Pride festival.
Activities:
- Dog sledding (on wheels or snow)
- Snowshoeing
- Northern Lights activities
- Wildlife safari
- Reindeer feeding and sledding
- Fjord tours
- Boat tours
- Fishing
- Skiing (if it’s snowing)
- Husky
- City tours
Events:
- Beginning of November
Arctic Pride - Mid-November
Ordkalotten - Tromsø international literature festival - Mid-November
Lighting of the Christmas street - First Sunday of Advent
Christmas tree lighting at Stortorget
December
The streets are filled with Christmas trees, Christmas lights and decorations, people are shopping for Christmas gifts and we spend more time with family and friends. The lighting of the Christmas tree at Stortorget takes place on the first Sunday of advent. Bring a friend or a partner on a romantic sled-tour and see the Northern Lights. Celebrate new years eve with friends and family, and enjoy the vibes and fireworks.
Activities:
- Snowmobil safari
- Whale safari
- Snowshoeing
- Northern Lights activities
- Reindeer feeding and sledding
- Sami culture experiences
- Fjord tours
- Wildlife safari
- Ice fishing and fishing
- Skiing
- Husky activities
- Ice domes
- City tours
Events:
- Christmas in Tromsø
- 24th of December
Christmas Eve - 25th of December
Christmas Day - 26th of December
2nd day of Christmas - 31st of December
New Years Eve