The climate of Tromsø
Tromsø, a city in the far north of
Norway, lies within the Dfc (Subarctic, severe winter, no dry season, cool summer) category of the Köppen climate classification. This part of the country endures harsh winters and mild summers with relatively high humidity throughout the year.
Analyzing the climatological data, Tromsø experiences a considerable seasonal fluctuation in weather patterns. From
March to
October, the temperature rises from -2.2°C (28°F) to 13.9°C (57°F) and then falls back down to -4.5°C (23.9°F) by
February. The lowest recorded temperature is -9.1°C (15.6°F) in February, while the highest is 13.9°C (57°F) in
July. Parallel to the temperature, humidity levels fluctuate noticeably, with the highest recorded at 89% in
April and the lowest at 79% in July.
Discerning precipitation data, Tromsø experiences a significant amount of rainfall ranging from 55mm (2.17") per month in July to 103mm (4.06") per month in March. Moreover, snowfall is prominent in Tromsø, peaking at 569mm (22.4") in March and being absent only from
June to
August. This Scandinavian city also experiences minimal sunlight, with daylight hours ranging from 1.8 hours in
January to 24 hours in June, and sunshine hours scale between 0.4 hours in
December to 4.8 hours in April.
The best time to visit Tromsø
For visitors seeking mild temperatures and extended daylight hours,
June to
August are the best months to visit
Tromsø. During this period, temperatures generally range from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 13.9°C (57°F) with the highest sea temperature at 11.3°C (52.3°F). Furthermore, sunshine is at its peak with an average of between 0.5 and 2.7 hours per day, making these months ideal for outdoor activities or observing the midnight sun phenomenon.
The worst time to visit Tromsø
With temperatures dropping to as low as -9.1°C (15.6°F) and limited daylight hours, the winter months, particularly
December to
February, could be considered the least favorable time to visit
Tromsø. Apart from the harsh cold, these months also record a substantial amount of snowfall, with an average ranging from 381mm (15") to 390mm (15.35"). Additionally, sunshine is scarce during these months, with only 0.4 to 1 hour per day.
Spring weather in Tromsø
The season of spring, constituted by
March to
May in
Tromsø, features increasing temperatures and daylight hours. The temperatures during this season transition from -2.2°C (28°F) in March to 5°C (41°F) in May, while daylight hours extend from 11.7 hours to 22.1 hours. However, precipitation is fairly high, with rainfall increasing from 103mm (4.06") to 88mm (3.46"), and snowfall decreasing from 569mm (22.4") to 182mm (7.17"). Despite the weather's inconsistency, the fresh spring air and blossoming landscapes are a delight.
Summer weather in Tromsø
Summers in
Tromsø, from
June to
August, present the warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours, and the lowest amount of snowfall. Temperatures in this season differ between 13.9°C (57°F) to 13.1°C (55.6°F), while daylight lasts for nearly 24 hours. Precipitation in the form of rainfall does, however, register an average of up to 79mm (3.11"). Despite the modest amount of rain, summer is considered a comfortable season for visiting Tromsø.
Autumn weather in Tromsø
Tromsø in autumn, from
September to
November, exhibits decreasing temperatures and daylight hours. The average temperature descends from 9.7°C (49.5°F) in September to -0.1°C (31.8°F) by November, while daylight contracts from 13.3 hours to 3.7 hours. Rainfall in these months fluctuates between 80mm (3.15") and 85mm (3.35"), while snowfall increments from 16mm (0.63") in September to 308mm (12.13") in November. Autumn reflects the transitory nature of Tromsø's weather, gradually transitioning from sun-filled days to winter's cold embrace.
Winter weather in Tromsø
Winter in
Tromsø spans from
December to
February and is characterized by severe cold, snowfall, and limited daylight. Average temperatures stay below freezing, ranging from -4.5°C (23.9°F) to -2.5°C (27.5°F). Significant snowfall is a defining feature, with averages between 381mm (15") in December to 390mm (15.35") in February. December only experiences 1.8 sunshine hours per day, a number that drops to zero in
January. Despite the harsh conditions, winter offers the spectacle of the Northern Lights, an unforgettable sight for every visitor.
Weather in January
The beginning of the year in
Tromsø,
Norway, is marked with one of the coldest and snowiest months. Subzero temperatures and regular snowfall make this northern city a snowy winter wonderland. Precipitation in the form of snow reaches 381mm (15"), significantly higher than most other months of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather conditions in Tromso in
February resemble those from
January, with winter still having a firm grasp on the city. Temperatures still surround the subzero realm, snow regularly adorns the streets and rooftops, and daylight hours remain a precious commodity.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Tromsø transitions from winter into early spring,
March indicates slight alleviation in the persisting frigid conditions. Snowfall persistently ensues, albeit less as compared to its peak in
February. Dishing out a substantial total of 569mm (22.4"), snow makes March rank as the snowiest month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April indicates a clear transition period from winter to spring in
Tromsø. The weather starts to ease up, bidding farewell to the intensive snowfall and gradually escalating in temperatures. Snowfall lessens considerably, dropping to 370mm (14.57"), indicating a recession in the winter season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the definitive end of the long-lasting winter and welcomes the joy of spring in
Tromsø. Snow practically retreats while temperature rates steadily improve. The amount of snowfall plummets to a far lesser 182mm (7.17") as compared to the preceding month, signifying the arrival of true spring.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the summer season in
Tromsø with temperatures mildly escalating, making it comparably warm to the rest of the year. The month is characterized by brightly lit days owing to the infamous midnight sun. Snowfall is almost entirely discontinued, with recorded levels dropping drastically to only 18mm (0.71").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The peak of Tromso's modest summer is in
July, complete with forty-eight seven sunlight and relatively warm temperatures. The absence of snowfall becomes more apparent as no measurable quantities are reported during this month, implying that summer is in full swing.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the summer streak in
Tromsø; however, there is a gradual shift indicating the approaching end of the warm season. The weather remains comfortably warm, with no snowfall reported, just like in
July. The sunlight per day reduces perceptibly, though the days are still long and sunny.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Tromsø slowly starts oscillating towards cooler temperatures as autumn begins to creep. There is a noticeable difference in weather conditions compared to
August, with night starting to gather darkness once more.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the descent into colder weather in
Tromsø, consistently leading to the first major snowfall after summer's farewell. There is a palpable shift in weather patterns, with increasing precipitation and plummeting temperatures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in
November brings
Tromsø closer to significant winter conditions. It is the precursor month to the deep winter, with temperatures dipping further and snowfall increasing consistently. Snowfall registers a sharp rise, leaping up to 308mm (12.13") in total, signifying the critical transition into the heart of winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December witnesses
Tromsø at its coldest, mirroring the depths of the experienced perennial winter. It is characterized by morosely low temperatures, a high rate of snowfall, and the profound darkness of the Polar Nights. A stark increase in snowfall is observed from 308mm (12.13") in
November to 379mm (14.92") in December, affirmatively affirming the arrival of winter.
Weather in December »