The Best Time to See Northern Lights in Tromsø

If witnessing the magical Northern Lights is on your bucket list, Tromsø, Norway, is one of the best places in the world to do just that. This Arctic city, situated between stunning fjords and snow-capped mountains, offers prime viewing opportunities for the aurora from October to March. I was lucky enough to witness a few epic aurora shows when I was in Tromsø in January 2024. (All the photos in this post are from a Northern Lights chase I did during that trip.)

But when is the best time to go to Tromsø for the Northern Lights? Here’s a detailed rundown of when you can see the aurora borealis in Tromsø and the pros and cons of visiting each month.

Visiting Tromsø in October

October marks the beginning of the Northern Lights season in Tromsø. The days start to get shorter, and the nights are longer, providing more opportunities to catch a glimpse of the aurora. The average temperatures are 1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F).

Pros:

• Quieter Season: October is less crowded compared to the peak winter months, offering a more peaceful experience.
• Milder Weather: Temperatures are relatively mild, making outdoor activities more comfortable.
• Autumn Colors: The landscape is still transitioning from autumn to winter, with vibrant fall colors blending with the first snow.

Cons:

• Unpredictable Weather: October can be a bit rainy, which might limit your Northern Lights viewing chances.

Visiting Tromsø in November

November is when Tromsø truly starts to transform into a winter wonderland. The snow begins to collect, and the nights grow even longer, increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The average temperatures are -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F).

Pros:

• Increased Darkness: Longer nights provide more opportunities for Northern Lights sightings.
• Winter Activities Begin: Snow-based activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling start to kick off.

Cons:

• Colder Temperatures: It begins to get colder, so make sure to pack warm clothing.
• Limited Daylight: The days are quite short, which might limit some daytime activities.

Visiting Tromsø in December

December in Tromsø is magical. The city is blanketed in snow, festive lights twinkle everywhere, and the Polar Night begins, where the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. The average temperatures are -4°C to 1°C (25°F to 34°F).

Pros:

• Polar Night: The extended darkness enhances the Northern Lights experience.
• Festive Atmosphere: Tromsø is beautifully decorated for Christmas, adding a special charm to your visit.

Cons:

• Very Cold: Temperatures can drop significantly, so be prepared for the Arctic chill.
• Limited Daylight: With the sun not rising, your daytime activities are under twilight conditions.

Visiting Tromsø in January

January continues the Polar Night and is one of the best times to see Northern Lights in Tromsø. The long nights and clear skies make it prime time for Northern Lights sightings. The average temperatures are -5°C to -1°C (23°F to 30°F).

Pros:

• High Chance of Northern Lights: Consistently dark nights increase your chances of seeing the Aurora.
• Winter Activities: All winter activities are in full swing.

Cons:

• Extreme Cold: January can be the coldest month, so dressing in many layers is crucial.
• Short Days: The days are slowly getting longer, but daylight is still very limited.

Visiting Tromsø in February

February is another excellent month to see the aurora in Tromsø. The days are getting longer, but the nights are still long enough for plenty of aurora action. The average temperatures are -5°C to -2°C (23°F to 28°F).

Pros:

• More Daylight: Increasing daylight allows for more daytime activities while still offering long nights for Northern Lights.
• Winter Festivities: Local festivals and events often take place.

Cons:

• Continued Cold: It’s still very cold, so make sure to dress warmly.

Visiting Tromsø in March

March marks the end of the Northern Lights season in Tromsø. The days are much longer, but the nights are still dark enough to catch the aurora. The average temperatures are -2°C to 2°C (28°F to 36°F).

Pros:

• Balanced Daylight: You get a good balance of daylight and darkness, perfect for a variety of activities.
• Milder Weather: Temperatures start to rise, making outdoor activities more pleasant.

Cons:

• Less Darkness: Shorter nights mean slightly reduced Northern Lights viewing opportunities.

When to visit Tromsø for Northern Lights? The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, whether you prefer the early season’s mild weather and fewer crowds, the deep winter’s festive atmosphere and Polar Nights, or the late season’s balance of daylight and dark skies. Regardless of which month you choose to visit, bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready to be mesmerized by one of nature’s most spectacular shows!

And once you’ve decided when you’re heading to Tromsø, be sure to check out my Tromsø Winter Travel Guide and Tromsø Winter Activity Guide to help plan your trip!