TROMSØ IN DECEMBER: AMAZING THINGS TO DO, WEATHER, EVENTS & TOP TIPS!
WONDERING WHETHER TO VISIT TROMSØ IN DECEMBER?
You’ve come to the right place! After our recent 5 day trip to Tromsø Norway we’ve put together this clear, easy guide detailing literally everything you could want to know before visiting Tromsø in December, aka the only month in Tromsø where the sun NEVER rises over the horizon!! 👀
We’ll deep dive into what that all means, plus all the best tours, activities and independent things to do, chances of seeing northern lights, will there be snow, how cold it is, what to pack, etc. Enjoy, we hope you find it helpful!! 😊
TROMSØ NORTHERN LIGHTS IN DECEMBER
I won’t keep you waiting, let’s answer that golden question first – Is December a good time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?
The answer? Yes, in theory December is a great month to see the northern lights in Tromsø, owing to its prolonged dark Winter nights. So long as you get the right conditions (clear skies and solar activity), you’ve got brilliant odds.
CLOUD COVER
That being said. December in Tromsø is known for its frequent snowfall, sleet and unpredictable weather expected of Winter. This brings plenty of cloudy days, resulting in reduced visibility for the northern lights.
Don’t let that discourage you! This is exactly why we recommend joining a guided northern lights tour to significantly boost your chances of catching the show, like our highly recommended Northern Lights Adventure with Greenlander tour from Tromsø.
They are the northern lights EXPERTS, with 11 years, 1000+ tours and a 97% success rate under their belt!
With guides armed with solar activity trackers and detailed weather forecasts, you’ll be taken to the best possible locations away from the city — ideally with clear skies — to maximise your chances of experiencing the Aurora’s magic!!
We can absolutely vouch for this. Our 4 days spent in Tromsø were braced with thick full cloud cover!! I remember by the 4th day feeling so disappointed, and tbh, not very optimistic for the northern lights guided tour we’d pre-booked for that evening.
Boy, was I wrong!! Just because it was cloudy in Tromsø, didn’t mean it was cloudy an hour away. Look at the displays we ended up seeing 🤩—
Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but this gives you the absolute best chance rather than just staying in the city.
OTHER TOP THINGS TO DO
Veiled under constant twilight hours, December isn’t exactly the best month for “sightseeing” Tromsø’s landscapes. But fear not, the majority of Winter activities, particularly the snow-based ones, are now in full swing!
Here’s some quick links to top-rated tours to get you started. (Or read our full what to do in Tromso in Winter guide next!)
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WILDLIFE & ANIMALS
>>> Reindeer Visit and Sami Culture (day tour)
>>> Whale Watching RIB Experience (With Transfers) (day tour)
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UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
>>> Arctic Ice Floating in Warm Survival Suit Tromsø (day tour option – select 9.30am or 1pm time slot)
>>> Visit Tromsø Ice Domes, a life-size Ice Hotel with jaw-dropping ice sculptures (important note: available from mid-december onwards)
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SNOW-BASED SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
>>> Snowmobile Adventure (day tour)
>>> Cross-Country Ski Lesson for Beginners in Tromso (day tour)
>>> Small-group Snowshoeing Tour from Tromso (day tour)
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SAILING & CRUISES
>>> Luxury Sailing Yacht Polar Fjord Cruise + lunch (day tour)
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NIGHT TOURS
>>> Arctic Ice Floating in Warm Survival Suit Tromsø
(night tour – select 7.30pm or 9.30pm)
>>> Luxury Northern Lights Yacht Cruise w/ Hot Tub & Din (night tour)
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TROMSØ CITY & TROMSDALEN
Not forgetting, there’s also plenty to do and see in and around Tromsø itself and neighbouring Tromsdalen (neighbourhood located across Tromsø bridge), such as—
IN TROMSDALEN
>>> Take the Fjellheisen cable car up the mountain for jaw-dropping views of Tromsø from the Storsteinen viewing platform. There’s a lovely café with panoramic windows up there too to warm up.
(low cost activity)
>>> Visit the Arctic Cathedral. Have a quick look inside Tromso’s most iconic building located just before the bridge.
(free activity)
IN TROMSØ
>>> Walk along Tromsø Harbour. You’ll come across —
- A glass building showcasing MS Polstjerna, a historical seal-hunting ship.
- The Motorcycle Club building with vibrant street art.
- Polaria Aquarium. The world’s northernmost aquarium! Go in or just admire the ‘ice floe’ inspired architecture from outside.
>>> Arctic Spa Experience onboard Vulkana (New!). Vulkana, an authentic wooden fishing vessel from 1957, has been transformed into the most unique Arctic spa experience, including an on-board wood-fired sauna and jacuzzi, Turkish Hammam, ice bath and Zen Lounge.
Usually, you’ll find Vulkana docked near The Polar Museum. She hasn’t completely hung up her sails just yet though! You can join a special “Fjord Spa Cruise” too. Contact Vulkana.no directly to arrange and book!
>>> Sunset at Telegrafbukta Beach. A stunning stretch of coast renowned for being the best spot in Tromsø city to spot northern lights without a tour. We can vouch, it also has killer sunsets! I mean, just look at this photo we took –
It’s an easy 30 minutes on foot to Telegrafbukta from Tromsø Harbour (or catch local #33 or #34 bus).
(free activity)
>>> Ølhallen pub. The oldest pub in Tromsø (and the World’s northernmost pub)! Pop in to try some of this microbrewery delicious 72 taps of Norwegian beer. Conveniently on route between Tromsø centre and Telegrafbukta Beach.
>>> Perspektivet Museum. Free to enter. This museum exhibits the fascinating history and evolution of Tromsø city.
TROMSØ DECEMBER WEATHER
TEMPERATURE
Yes, Tromsø in December is of course cold, but not as cold as you might think! December temperatures typically range from -4°c to 0°c (25°f to 32°f), which – considering how far north it is – is pretty mild. This is thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, which Tromsø experiences being a coastal city.
That being said, on a windy day it can feel a lot colder. I’d never been more grateful for my big fluffy earmuffs the day we went up the Storsteinen viewing platform!!
The mild temperatures stop at the coast. If you head inland, like on a northern lights tour, the temperature drops CONSIDERABLY. It can even get to around -20°c (-4°f) at night!! 🥶
SNOWFALL
As we mentioned before in the northern lights section, December in Tromsø sees a lot of new snowfall as it dives head first into Winter, approx. 30-40cm of it!!
This usually blankets Tromsø in fresh, white powdery snow. It’s not uncommon for sleet either, turning paths into slippery ice rinks, so take walking boots / shoes with great grip! Failing that, invest in something like these removable shoe cramp-ons to avoid slipping over.
The plus side is it now provides excellent conditions for snow-related activities, like snowmobiling and seeing Tromso’s Ice Hotel.
DAYLIGHT HOURS
Brace yourself. Tromsø experiences the Polar Night— a natural phenomenon where the sun never rises above the horizon —throughout the ENTIRE month of December!!
Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you’ll be in total darkness all day long! Tromsø will don an enchanting deep blue twilight sky around 9am-2pm, and briefly experience a heavenly golden glow in the sky for the short “should be” sunrise / sunset periods.
SEEING WILDLIFE IN DECEMBER
Where are you, fellow animal lovers?! 🙋🏼♀️
We personally love to squeeze in an ethical wildlife experience anywhere we go if possible, Tromsø being no exception!! You’re in luck, December is a fantastic month to see Tromsø’s most loved wildlife, such as—
WHALE WATCHING
November to February is Tromsø’s whale watching season, with a chance to see amazing species like Humpbacks, Orcas and even Fin whales out in the northern fjords.
Head out on a small-group whale watching excursion for a chance to see these magnificent creatures in the wild, like on this 5* up-close Whale Watching RIB Experience (With Transfer Tromso-Skjervoy) experience.
If you didn’t fancy being out in the elements on the smaller RIB (Rigid-Inflatable Boat), there’s also this Silent Whale Watching tour. A great alternative for little more comfort on a larger boat, with the option to go inside should you get too cold.
SEMI-WILD REINDEER EXPERIENCE
If you head out of Tromsø city centre, either self-driving or on a guided tour around the Arctic landscape, you are likely to bump into a few free-roaming reindeer!
Failing that, you can opt for a guided tour to visit a genuine semi-wild reindeer herd, owned by local Samí people.
One of the most highly rated experiences near Tromsø – and the highlight of our trip!! – is this Reindeer visit and Sami culture tour (November to April only).
ANNUAL DECEMBER EVENTS IN TROMSØ
Hmmm.. I could swear that something BIG happens in December, but I just can’t put my finger on it 🤔😉—
CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
It is OF COURSE the month of mistletoe, mulled wine and festive cheer on the run up to Christmas!! Tromsø’s streets are already bedazzled with bright Christmas lights and a substantially sized Christmas Tree.
Visiting early December? Don’t miss Tromsø’s official “Christmas tree light turn on” tradition in the city centre, held on the first Sunday in advent.
Head to Tromsø’s Winter Wonderland Christmas market to indulge in seasonal treats and buy unique handmade gifts.
For more info, check out this VisitTromso page.
Top Tip: If you’re lucky enough to be in Tromsø for Christmas Day, remember that in Norway most shops are closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
PACKING LIST FOR TROMSØ IN DECEMBER
Two words for you, my friend—
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Layers
- Under-layers are ideally breathable wool, natural materials like Merino Wool.
- Long-sleeved thermal tops
- Thick thermal jumper / sweater
- A big puffer coat. Ideally with a hood and water/snow proof.
- Thermal leggings (double up with two pairs on night tours).
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Accessories
- Bobble hat.
- BIG ear muffs.
- Thick scarf or snood.
- Thick gloves (something like this – waterproof, cold-proof and enables touchscreen)
- A lanyard to keep your phone around your neck during tours – rather than keep fumbling for it in thermal suit pockets – would actually be very handy. Something like this.
- A couple of thick thermal socks.
- Walking boots with very good grip.
- Removable shoe cramp-ons – Easily removable and gives you extra peace of mind on very icy pathways.
- Chapstick / lip balm to prevent dry lips from the cold!!
CONCLUSION: VISITING TROMSØ IN DECEMBER
To conclude, December is a fantastic month to experience the Winter Wonderland magic that Tromsø is so well known for, plus the added buzz of all the Christmas festivities!
The fact the sun doesn’t rise for the whole month won’t darken any spirits here! You are basically now guaranteed snow on the ground, and potentially plenty of snowfall while you’re there, making for stunning Arctic landscapes and perfect conditions for fun snow-related tours and activities. Snowshoeing, cross country ski— that kind of thing!
Decembers extended dark nights aren’t all bad, they can provide optimal conditions for northern lights — should you get the perfect pairing of clear skies and solar activity.
Remember though, being in the thick of Winter means December’s snowfall can bring with it multiple cloudy days. To maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights away from the cloud and chasing pockets of clear skies, pre-book yourself onto a guided northern lights tour to give yourself the best chance of seeing them!
We hope you have the VERY best time visiting Tromsø in December. Just remember, bring plenty of layers, warm accessories (especially ear muffs for wind) and — if you’re concerned about the slippery paths — investing in removable snow spikes are a must!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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